India’s tyre recycling sector, long plagued by fragmented operations and lax compliance, is undergoing a critical overhaul. With Gujarat’s recent approval for continuous pyrolysis plants, the industry is moving decisively towards cleaner, scalable and regulation-driven solutions. This shift signals more than a technological upgrade and it’s a rebuke of outdated batch systems and a call for formalisation, traceability and environmental accountability. As global demand for sustainable materials rises, India’s pivot positions it as a potential leader in circular economy practices. In conversation with TRRAI President Chetan Joshi, we explore how this development could redefine the future of tyre waste management at home and abroad.

India’s tyre recycling sector is on the cusp of a transformational shift with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) approving the establishment of continuous pyrolysis plants in the state. The move marks a significant departure from traditional batch-based tyre processing systems, promising to boost efficiency, environmental compliance and resource recovery at an industrial scale.

“This shift is nothing short of revolutionary,” said President of the Tyre and Rubber Recyclers Association of India (TRRAI) Chetan Joshi. “We’re moving from outdated, fragmented batch operations to streamlined, automated continuous pyrolysis systems. This is going to uplift the entire industry, from cleaner emissions to higher resource recovery, better traceability and serious investor interest. It sets a new national standard and will accelerate formalisation, industrial-scale operations and a far more sustainable approach across India.”

The approval has been met with optimism by recyclers and environmental advocates alike as it signifies a structural change in how end-of-life tyres will be handled in India, which is home to more than 1.8 million tonnes of tyre waste annually.

The Gujarat model mandates stringent adherence to environmental standards, particularly concerning air quality and emissions. Continuous pyrolysis plants approved under the new framework are required to incorporate top-tier pollution control mechanisms.

“We see compliance not as an obligation but as a core design principle. Our plants are being built with advanced air pollution control devices (APCDs), real-time emissions monitoring and automation that ensures consistent performance. We’re aligning with both GPCB and CPCB regulations through pro-active design, third-party audits and integrating global best practices. It’s not just about meeting today’s standards but staying ahead of tomorrow’s,” said Joshi.

The approach reflects a broader shift in the recycling sector, where regulatory compliance is no longer viewed as a hurdle but as a strategic advantage and market differentiator.

Industrial scale

Under the new directive, each continuous pyrolysis facility must operate at a minimum capacity of 60 tonnes per day (TPD). This scale reflects the government’s push to industrialise tyre recycling and eliminate inefficient, informal practices.

“Scaling to 60 TPD is a serious industrial commitment and it means heavy investment in automation, utilities, safety systems and logistics. But it’s also the only way forward. India generates over 1.8 million tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually. This scale allows us to handle the problem responsibly while creating traceable and economically viable recycling ecosystems,” Joshi said.

With India’s growing automotive base, the urgency to develop sustainable, high-capacity recycling infrastructure has never been higher.

One of the key advantages of continuous pyrolysis lies in its outputs that include valuable petrochemical byproducts like pyrolysis oil, sustainable fuels and recovered carbon black (rCB). These materials are increasingly in demand across a range of industries, from rubber manufacturing to renewable energy.

“These by-products are entering a new phase of global relevance. Recovered carbon black is being adopted in rubber, plastics and even pigments. Pyro oil, when upgraded, is a viable alternative fuel. We’re actively engaging with global buyers and certifiers to standardise and integrate these outputs into international supply chains. The world is ready for sustainable alternatives and it’s up to us to deliver with consistency and quality,” averred Joshi.

India’s entry into this global supply chain positions it not just as a recycler of waste but as a producer of sustainable industrial materials.

Circular economy

TRRAI views this milestone as more than an environmental success. It’s a step towards realising India’s vision of a circular economy, where tyre waste is fully reintegrated into the production cycle.

“We aim to be more than recyclers. We want to be circular economy enablers. That means building systems where tyre waste is traceable from collection to output, where value is recovered and re-injected into the economy. We’re developing collection infrastructure, digital traceability and offtake agreements with industries globally. This is not just about waste; it’s about resource optimisation and environmental stewardship,” Joshi explained.

Such a shift could significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint while fostering job creation and industrial growth.

Despite the enthusiasm, industry leaders acknowledge that challenges remain, particularly in terms of adoption among legacy operators and infrastructure gaps.

“The biggest challenge is inertia as many operators are still working in the unorganised sector with outdated setups. Then there’s infrastructure as a hurdle as tyre collection networks are underdeveloped in many parts of India. To overcome this, we’re advocating policy changes, investing in reverse logistics and training the workforce. Regulatory clarity and enforcement will be key and we’re working closely with industry associations and government bodies to drive this,” said Joshi.

Stakeholders believe that education, investment and enforcement will be pivotal to ensuring widespread transition to continuous pyrolysis systems.

Global trends

Globally, countries like those in Europe and North America have already adopted advanced tyre recycling technologies. But Joshi believes India has a unique opportunity to leapfrog older systems and build world-class facilities from scratch.

“Europe and North America have a head start, especially in policy frameworks and end-use applications. But India’s opportunity lies in scale and adaptability. We can leapfrog legacy systems and build efficient, tech-driven plants from the ground up. If we get the ecosystem right – collection, compliance and capital – we can set new benchmarks, not just catch up. India could become a global hub for tyre recycling technology,” he said.

The industry’s fast pace of development combined with India’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities could make the country a case study in sustainable industrial transformation.

Innovations in emission reduction

In line with global best practices, TRRAI and its partners are integrating innovations to ensure safety and minimal environmental impact.

“We’re integrating closed-loop systems, AI-driven control logic and multi-stage gas cleaning technology. Real-time emissions data will be available both internally and to regulators. Safety protocols are built into every operational layer, from material feeding to shutdown procedures. We’ve also prioritised workforce training and regular third-party safety audits. The goal is to operate with zero compromise on health or the environment,” Joshi explained.

Such innovations are crucial not only to maintaining regulatory compliance but also to building public and investor confidence.

The entry of advanced technologies is expected to catalyse foreign investment and technical collaboration.

“Our approach is partnership-driven. We’re already working with European and Australian technology providers and are in discussions with institutional investors. We see India as a platform for co-creation, where global IP meets local scale and agility. Through industry associations like TRRAI, we’re building collaborative networks to ensure knowledge sharing, investment facilitation and joint innovation,” Joshi noted.

This strategy could help India become a global innovation hub for recycling technologies applicable across other emerging markets.

The vision

Looking to the long term, the industry’s goals extend far beyond domestic waste management. TRRAI envisions exporting its model to developing nations facing similar challenges.

“Our vision is bold but simple. It is to create a fully circular, scalable and replicable tyre recycling ecosystem. India should not only solve its own tyre waste crisis but become a global model for how emerging markets can tackle resource recovery. We see this model being exported to Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. With continuous pyrolysis, India can move from reactive recycling to proactive resource management on a global stage,” Joshi concluded.

As Gujarat lights the way with its approval of continuous pyrolysis plants, India’s tyre recycling sector is poised to become a beacon of innovation and sustainability – one that could shape the future of global recycling practices. n

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for August 2025, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector.

According to the report, a number of reasons, including limited supply and rising demand, contributed to the volatile pattern in natural rubber prices this month. Consumption was increased by seasonal considerations, especially in China, where stronger demand was evidenced by inventory reductions at key ports. However, tapping efforts were restricted due to manpower shortages and rains in producing regions, which tightened supplies.

Global natural rubber (NR) output is expected to increase slightly by 0.5 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to recent data from ANRPC member countries. At the same time, a 1.3 percent increase in demand for natural rubber is anticipated in 2025. As buying demand increased, the market sentiment got more positive, especially when the customary peak season for natural rubber, notably for heavy-duty vehicles and all-steel tyres, began.

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Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. has finalised the strategic acquisition of Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Co., Ltd. from Bridgestone Corporation and Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd. The transaction, valued at roughly THB 2.05 billion (USD 56 million approximately), was officially completed on 30 September 2025. This move represents a significant expansion of Tokai Carbon's carbon black operations within the key Southeast Asian market.

Subsequent to the deal's closure, the newly acquired entity has been rebranded as Thai Tokai Carbon Product Rojana Co., Ltd. The company's ownership is now held by Thai Tokai Carbon Product Co., Ltd. at 99 percent and Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. at one percent, making it a consolidated subsidiary. Tokai Carbon has appointed its Executive Officer, Tatsuhiko Yamazaki, as the new Managing Director to lead the organisation.

This acquisition is a calculated step in Tokai Carbon's wider plan to bolster its global presence and reinforce its production and supply chain capabilities. The company anticipates that this will solidify its standing in the international carbon black sector, which serves the tyre, rubber and various industrial markets. While the specific financial effect on its 2025 results is still being assessed, the move is a clear part of its ongoing growth strategy across Asia.

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Hana Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of radio-frequency identification inlays, has joined the board of Auburn University’s RFID Lab, marking its deeper engagement in setting industry standards for the technology.

The appointment positions the California-based company, which holds ARC Quality certification, alongside other industry participants in shaping research and standards development at the Alabama-based laboratory, which is recognised as a leading academic centre for RFID testing and certification.

RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects automatically and has seen growing adoption in the retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors for inventory management and supply chain tracking.

“I am excited and honoured to once again collaborate with the Auburn RFID Lab Board, representing Hana RFID,” said Jeremy Liu, chief technology officer of Hana RFID. “This opportunity allows us to contribute to the future of RFID by ensuring quality remains a top priority. Hana is proud of its strong position in the RFID world, and we are committed to supporting our partners with the finest, smartest products available. Together, we will keep moving the industry forward.”

John Erdmann, president and chief executive of Hana RFID, said: “The Auburn RFID Lab has been a key contributor since the very beginning, helping to create a strong and trustworthy RFID ecosystem. We are grateful for this foundation and see our board membership as a chance to give back to the community. Hana will be a fully engaged member – providing continuous feedback, and sharing our knowledge to ensure RFID adoption continues to grow on a solid, reliable base.”

The company, which operates manufacturing facilities globally, did not disclose the term of the board appointment or specific initiatives it plans to pursue in the role.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a significant step in its renewable energy transition through a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) between Kuraray Holdings U.S.A., Inc. and Tokyo Gas America Ltd. (a subsidiary of TOKYO GAS CO., LTD.). This agreement, which commences in October 2025, involves the procurement of renewable energy from a solar power project located in Wharton County, Texas.

Annually, the arrangement will supply Kuraray with renewable energy certificates equivalent to 300 gigawatt-hours of electricity. The company projects this initiative will yield a substantial reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions, cutting the Kuraray Group's US emissions by nearly 70 percent. Furthermore, this shift is expected to lower the entire Group's global electricity-related emissions by approximately 40 percent.

This VPPA is a core component of Kuraray's broader environmental strategy, which identifies climate action as a critical priority. The Group has established a long-term objective of achieving carbon neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2050. To ensure meaningful near-term progress, a new interim target has been set to reduce these emissions by 63 percent by 2035, using 2021 as the baseline year.

Beyond securing external renewable power, Kuraray is implementing a multi-faceted approach to decarbonisation. This includes enhancing energy conservation and operational efficiency across its production facilities, transitioning in-house power generation to natural gas and developing carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies. The company will also collaborate with its supply chain to encourage a broader shift towards cleaner utility fuels. For advisory services related to this specific VPPA, Kuraray engaged Kinect Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of World Kinect Corporation.

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