Retreaded tyres have evolved to meet modern demands, blending cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility. Since tyres’ operational costs are the second highest expense after fuel consumption, retreading provides a smart solution for transporters and fleet owners. Today, its reach extends beyond commercial vehicles to motorsports, exemplified by Malatesta Tyres’ triumph in the Italian Rallycross Championship. This milestone highlights the potential of retreaded tyres in high-performance scenarios, redefining perceptions and showcasing its critical role in the circular economy.

The use of retreaded tyres has penetrated different geographies over the centuries. Origins of companies involved in the trade even dates back to the 1950s just after the end of World War II. Moreover, as tyres take the second spot for the most expensive ware in a vehicle after fuel, retreading has been a boon in disguise for transporters and fleet owners. Adding to the virtues of this old trade is its quality of ‘reuse’ that boots the quotient on sustainability. However, as the world grows more and more accustomed and informed of retreading, especially with developing countries welcoming it with arms open, the trade is taking a step into the future. While most people are aware that tyre retreading mostly happens on commercial vehicles, has anyone heard that the world of motorsports is also subjected to such wares? Probably not!

HERE’S AN EYE OPENER!

Italian family-owned Malatesta Tyres forayed into the motorsports category in 2023 when Brazilian-born driver Lucas Scabbia took on the Italian Rallycross Championship in the STC Plus 2000 Class. The racer donned Malatesta’s retreading tyres on his Peugeot 207 1.6 RS and eventually went on to be crowned the Italian Champion after the season in the category.

 While the feat clearly resembles the power of tyre retreading and bears the mark of quality as motorsports require very heavy-duty tyres, it also quells the myths associated with retreading and its potential applications within different tyres categories.

RALLY TYRES

Following the marvellous job, a peek into the world of Malatesta Tyres revealed the nuances to making retreaded tyres for the motorsport events and the company’s plans to further explore the rugged terrains with its tyres.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends on the quality benchmarks adopted to make retreaded tyres for the motorsport event, Sales Manager Matteo Malatesta revealed, “We relied on high-quality casings, using only premium brands for the Rally Cross event, specifically. Additionally, we reinforced the casings designated for racing tyres, particularly the sidewalls, to make them stronger and provide faster responses on track curves. We utilised eight different compounds, ranging from super soft to hard, to ensure versatility. Each tyre underwent shearographic testing to confirm there are no separations.”

He added, “We don’t supply retreaded tyres for the Rally Cross World Cup, but they are used in other events not only in Italy but also in countries like those participating in the Baltic Rally Cross. The World Cup primarily uses monobranded new tyres from manufacturers that sponsor the events heavily as they invest significant amounts to ensure their tyres are exclusively used. Our approach is different; we don’t invest as heavily in sponsorships. Nonetheless, these retreaded tyres are cost-effective, saving users significant amounts of money.”

Alluding to how the company handled skepticism about durability and reliability, he noted, “The primary difference between our racing retreaded tyres and new racing tyres lies in the casing. New racing tyres are built with casings specifically designed for racing, making them inherently stronger. However, we compensate for this by reinforcing our retreaded tyres, particularly on the sidewalls, to ensure they perform like a racing casing. A hard sidewall is crucial in motorsport as it provides quicker responses during turns. If the sidewall is too soft, the car’s turning response is slower. By making the sidewalls harder, we achieve a faster and more precise response.”

“Regarding the compounds, the difference between our compounds and those used in new tyres is minimal. We design our compounds from scratch using proprietary recipes, which results in performance being very similar to that of new tyres, ensuring reliability and durability in high-demand racing scenarios,” he added.

When asked about plans to launch the tyres in other motorsports categories or events, he expressed an interest in expanding but clarified that, at present, the focus is primarily on Rally Cross. He acknowledged that other racing categories could potentially be interesting but noted a challenge that involved many motorsport participants willing to pay premium prices for new tyres and might not consider retreaded options. However, he also pointed out that there are racers who need to conduct extensive training and testing, and for them, retreaded tyres could be a viable and cost-effective option.

The company also collaborated with an Italian race car design and driver training institute called Labs Automotive for putting the tyres on track. Regarding the collaboration, he explained, “This collaboration extends to Labs Automotive’s school, where they teach driving skills and use our tyres for training as well as for regular racing events.”

PRESENT DAY

Matteo explained that he represents the third generation of a family business that originated in 1946 in Rome, founded by his grandfather, Alberto Malatesta. After returning to Italy from Africa following the Second World War, Alberto started working in a tyre shop, where he learned the craft of retreading tyres. From modest beginnings, he gradually expanded the business with the help of his three sons. Currently, Matteo’s uncle is the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

The first industrial-scale factory was built in 1970s and by 1990s. The company had established a larger and more advanced facility in Anagni, 50 kilometres south of Rome, which houses the current headquarters too and produces a wider range of retreaded and refurbished tyres.

Besides racing tyres, the company also processes offroad tyres, car tyres for summer and winter, solid tyres etc. Since the 2000s, the company began producing racing and solid tyres while maintaining a focus on retreading truck tyres using casings sourced from customers and its own inventory. A fleet of five trucks collect used casings from clients within a 300 to 400 kilometre radius around Rome, which are retreaded and returned within a week.

Matteo also emphasised that the company continues to invest in advanced machinery and technologies to ensure Matteo Malatesta high-quality retreaded tyres. It develops specialised compounds in its own lab and retreads approximately 200,000 tyres annually, catering to both B2B and B2C markets and exporting to 20 countries.

He also highlighted that the family business employs around 40 people, with the management remaining under the Malatesta family. Alongside the main operations, the company also produces bladders and envelopes for retreading facilities and new tyres through their subsidiary, MAE Industria Gomma. They also operate a tyre shop by the factory that sells both self-made products and new tyres from multiple brands, and this shop recently became a member of Michelin’s Euromaster network.

In terms of revenue, Matteo noted that truck tyres account for around 25–30 percent, while off-the-road and passenger car tyres make up approximately 40 percent. Race tyres contribute about 10 percent, as do solid tyres, with the remaining 10 percent comprising other types of tyres.

LOCAL INDUSTRY

Despite the challenges posed by competition from low-cost Asian manufacturers, particularly from countries like China, Thailand and Vietnam, the company has remained committed to retreading. Matteo noted that while retreaded tyres are environmentally beneficial, the price gap between new budget tyres and retreaded options often sways customers towards the former, limiting demand for retreads.

Despite the growing challenges and closures of many retreading factories over the years, the company remains dedicated to this segment, believing in its environmental and performance advantages.

Commenting on whether retreading is a dying industry in Italy, he noted, “Retreading is not a dying industry, but it’s not thriving either. It’s stable but slightly declining, which is concerning given the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. While recycling plastics and paper has become mandatory, there’s no similar push for retreading tyres, even though retreaded tyres can perform as well as or better than budget tyres. It’s baffling that such a viable recycling method isn’t more supported or incentivised.”

“Our factory is currently operating at 30–40 percent of its capacity, meaning we could double our production if needed. However, finding enough quality casings is a challenge. In Europe, the system is inconsistent. For example, when purchasing new tyres, consumers pay a tax for tyre disposal. In countries like Spain and England, this has led to mandatory recycling policies where a portion of casings must be reused, making it easier to source materials for retreading. In contrast, Italy has regulations that hinder the reuse of casings. This makes it difficult to find casings suitable for retreading,” he added.

The company has invested in advanced technologies to improve the longevity and performance of retreaded tyres. It uses a shearographic machine to inspect casings before and after retreading and electrical detection systems to identify micro-holes. Additionally, laser-equipped machinery ensures precise casing measurements, while high-quality rubber and proprietary recipes are used for compound testing. The company also invests in rebalancing technologies ensuring superior performance and reliability.

He emphasised the need for greater efforts by European states and unions to inform the public and potentially legislate the mandatory use of retreaded tyres to support the industry.

FUTURE COURSE

Matteo mentioned that the company exports to 20 countries and its largest export markets are in Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the Baltic countries. These regions are accustomed to using retreaded tyres and have a strong culture of recycling, making them ideal markets for the company’s products.

He also expressed a strong desire to expand the use of retreaded racing tyres into other types of motorsports. Furthermore, he highlighted that the company is supplying retreaded tyres to the Rome Fiumicino Airport. This collaboration began approximately two years ago after the airport, which had been exploring greener initiatives, reached out to the company. The airport representatives visited the company’s facility, became convinced of the quality and viability of retreaded tyres and started using them for its fleet of smaller cars.

Nonetheless, the executive stated that while this partnership marked progress, there is still a significant opportunity to expand retreaded tyre use at the airport. For example, many buses transporting passengers to planes still rely on low-cost Asian tyres rather than retreads. He expressed a desire to see a broader adoption of retreaded tyres in this sector and plans to continue advocating for their use at the airport.

Retreaded tyres exemplify the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness, performance and sustainability. By reusing casings and employing advanced technologies, it offers a reliable alternative to new tyres across diverse applications – from commercial vehicles to motorsports. Companies like Malatesta Tyres have demonstrated the durability and versatility of retreaded tyres, debunking myths about reliability. As environmental awareness grows, retreading emerges as a vital contributor to the circular economy, making it a crucial choice for eco-conscious industries and individuals alike.

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has expanded its partnerships in India’s premier men’s T20 cricket league to eight teams, adding Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming season as it seeks to strengthen its position in the country’s consumer tyre market.

The company said its BKT Tyres brand would continue as Official Tyre Partner to Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, alongside the newly added Bengaluru franchise.

The move comes as BKT advances its entry into India’s consumer tyre segment, using the tournament as a platform to expand visibility and engage a broader customer base, including commercial operators and private vehicle owners.

The partnerships are structured as long-term arrangements, incorporating stadium branding, broadcast integrations, dealer activations and digital campaigns aimed at strengthening fan engagement.

Rajiv Poddar, JMD of BKT, said: “Partnering with sporting institutions has always been central to BKT’s philosophy of Growing Together with communities. Cricket is one of the most influential cultural forces in India, uniting people across geographies, generations and backgrounds. Our continued partnerships as the Official Tyre Partner under the BKT Tyres brand allow us to connect with audiences in a meaningful way while strengthening our presence in the tyre segment. Through this association, we will further amplify our ‘Elevate Your Drive’ campaign featuring Ranveer Singh across broadcast and digital touchpoints, bringing the campaign’s message of ambition, progress and forward momentum to millions of viewers. These collaborations reflect our commitment to building long-term relationships founded on teamwork, performance and shared aspirations.”

Venky Mysore, Chief Executive of Kolkata Knight Riders, said: “BKT Tyres is not just a partner they are a brand that shares our relentless pursuit of performance. This renewed association is a testament to the trust we have built together and the ambition we carry forward. As BKT accelerates its growth in India's consumer market, the Knight Riders brand gives them the platform, the passion, and the global scale to make that journey count. At Knight Riders Sports, we do not build partnerships for visibility alone we build them for impact. This collaboration is precisely that: two performance-driven organisations, aligned in purpose, investing in a future they intend to win together.”

Rajesh Menon, Chief Executive of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said: “Royal Challengers Bengaluru is proud to welcome BKT Tyres as our Official Tyre Partner. At RCB, we believe in pushing boundaries, embracing ambition, and creating meaningful connections with our fans, values that closely align with BKT’s ‘Elevate Your Drive’ philosophy. Together, we aim to accelerate our shared vision of excellence, resilience, and forward momentum both on and off the field.”

K Shanmugam, Chief Executive of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said: “We are happy to continue our partnership with BKT Tyres as part of this T20 cricket league. This collaboration reflects a strong alignment of values, bringing together a shared focus on excellence, performance, and consistency. Together, we move forward with clear intent, committed to raising standards both on and off the field, while delivering a meaningful and engaging experience for fans.”

Alok Chitre, Chief Operating Officer of Rajasthan Royals, said: “We are delighted to partner with BKT Tyres for the sixth year, with a shared energy and drive for performance that continues to strengthen our association. Their commitment to sport, and cricket specifically, reflects a clear focus on the growth of the game and its fan ecosystem in India. As we advance in scale and influence, we look forward to building on this partnership in a meaningful way this year as well.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said: “BKT Tyres has been a valued long-term partner of Mumbai Indians, and this continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to consistency and performance. We look forward to building on this partnership through the season.”

Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Gujarat Titans, said: “Gujarat Titans are pleased to continue the association with BKT Tyres. Partnerships like these reflect a shared commitment to performance, consistency and long-term growth. Such collaborations provide a strong platform for teams and brands to connect with fans across the world, and we look forward to building on this association while continuing to engage meaningfully with our supporters and striving for excellence both on and off the field.”

Satish Menon, Chief Executive of Punjab Kings, said: “We are very happy to continue our journey with BKT Tyres. They have been a loyal and valued partner for the Punjab Kings over the years. Their commitment to excellence matches our ambitions, and it is always a pleasure to work with a brand that understands the pulse of the sport and its fans so well.”

Vinay Chopra, Chief Executive of RPSG Sports Private Limited, said: “At Lucknow Super Giants, we believe that strong partnerships are built on shared values of performance, resilience, and ambition. Our association with BKT Tyres reflects this synergy, as both brands are committed to pushing boundaries and consistently striving for excellence. As we gear up for another exciting season, we look forward to engaging our fans more deeply and creating meaningful experiences together through this partnership.”

BKT said its sports partnerships form part of a broader global portfolio spanning multiple disciplines, aimed at reinforcing brand visibility and consumer engagement.

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Goodyear India Limited said its board has taken note of the resignation of Abhishek Arora as Director – Human Resources, India, with effect from April 20, 2026, and approved the appointment of Vishal Dhingra as HR Director, South Asia from April 21, 2026.

Arora, who will also cease to be a senior management personnel member on April 20, 2026, resigned to explore external growth opportunities, according to the company.

The board approved Dhingra’s appointment following the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. He will assume the role as a senior management personnel from April 21, 2026.

Dhingra has more than 25 years of experience in human resources. He joined Goodyear in July 2020 as Director HR – India and currently serves as HR Director – ASEANZ. Prior to this, he held roles at PepsiCo, India, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Limited, Eicher Tractors and Ballarpur Industries Limited.

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India has concluded that imports of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR) of the 1500 series from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Thailand were dumped, following an anti-dumping investigation initiated in March 2025.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, found that dumping margins across all subject countries were above the de minimis threshold and “significant”.

The investigation was launched after Reliance Industries Limited filed an application alleging injury from imports of the product, which is widely used in tyre manufacturing and other rubber goods. The authority determined that the application met the requirements for standing, with support from Indian Synthetic Rubber Private Limited.

The product under consideration, ESBR-1500, is primarily used in tyres due to its abrasion resistance and ageing stability. The DGTR concluded that domestically produced material is comparable to imported goods and can be used interchangeably.

The period of investigation covered October 2023 to September 2024, with injury analysis spanning four financial years. During this time, imports from the subject countries rose overall and accounted for more than 90 per cent of total imports throughout the period.

The authority found that import volumes were highest during the investigation period and had increased relative to domestic production and consumption.

Dumping margins varied by country. Imports from the European Union and Japan were found to have margins in the range of 10–20 per cent, while Russia showed higher margins of 20–30 per cent. South Korea and Thailand recorded lower ranges, generally between 0–10 per cent for cooperating producers and up to 10–20 per cent for others.

The DGTR conducted a cumulative assessment of imports, concluding that goods from the subject countries compete with each other and with domestic production in the Indian market.

On injury, the authority determined that increased imports had affected the domestic industry through price suppression and declining profitability. It noted that while demand for the product rose steadily, the domestic industry’s financial performance weakened over the same period.

The DGTR also rejected arguments that the injury was caused by internal inefficiencies or raw material volatility, stating that such fluctuations were global and not specific to India.

The authority concluded that dumped imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry, establishing a causal link between import volumes and the deterioration in financial performance.

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Fornnax Technology, a global leader in recycling equipment manufacturing, has officially brought Sushil Upadhyay on board as the new Head of its Service Department, a leadership transition that takes effect immediately. With a professional background spanning over 26 years, Upadhyay arrives with extensive experience drawn from multiple multinational corporations. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed and coordinated large, cross-functional teams comprising more than 300 professionals. Within his new capacity at Fornax, his primary focus will involve steering strategic transformations within the service domain, with the objective of optimising equipment reliability, maximising value across the lifecycle of machinery and elevating the sustained performance of the company’s worldwide installed base of industrial recycling solutions.

In the coming year, the service division under his leadership is set to concentrate on a series of clearly defined operational objectives. Key among these is the effort to curtail instances of unexpected machinery downtime by integrating both preventive and predictive maintenance approaches. The team also intends to roll out measurable performance benchmarks for service delivery, which will include tracking metrics such as speed of response, Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and overall equipment uptime. Moreover, there will be a concerted push to reinforce the availability of spare components by optimising regional warehousing and distribution processes.

Further developments on the agenda involve the creation and delivery of well-structured training modules targeting technical expertise and workplace safety, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of service personnel. In parallel, the organisation plans to introduce digital tools designed to boost transparency in operations and enable customers to more effectively monitor service activities. These combined efforts underscore Fornnax’s commitment to evolving its service infrastructure in response to growing demands for efficiency and reliability.

Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax, said, “Our people are the true engine behind our innovation and execution. As we scale globally and expand our footprint across diverse recycling applications, cultivating a culture of excellence remains central to our strategy. In 2026, we are intensifying our focus on talent development, leadership growth and building a high-ownership, high-accountability environment that drives continuous improvement across engineering, manufacturing, and service. This will set new benchmarks in the industry, and I believe Upadhyay will play a crucial role in this journey.”

Upadhyay said, “Fornnax’s strong positioning in high-capacity shredding solutions and its commitment to sustainable recycling deeply resonated with me. The company’s engineering strength and rapid growth trajectory present a powerful opportunity to build a world-class service organisation. In an industry where machine reliability directly impacts customer profitability, service becomes a direct driver of customer success. I am excited to elevate Service from a support function to a strategic growth enabler, which is specifically focused on uptime, lifecycle value and long-term partnerships.”

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