The global demand for efficiency and precision in tyre manufacturing has reached unprecedented levels, and VIPO a.s., a pioneer in advanced bead winding technology, has delivered a game-changing solution: the LIHEXAL 8 – octuple head single wire bead winding machine (production of 8 beads per cycle). Designed specifically for the production of PCR (Personal Car Radial) tyres, this latest innovation epitomises cutting-edge research and development, coupled with decades of expertise in rubber and wire applications.

A LEAP FORWARD IN BEAD MANUFACTURING

The LIHEXAL 8 sets a new benchmark for bead winding machines, enabling the simultaneous production of up to eight beads per cycle. This state-of-the-art machine accommodates bead diameters ranging from 13” to 24.5” and cross-sections in both hexagonal and rectangular profiles.

The latest model of VIPO’s bead winding machine significantly reduces production time while maintaining consistent quality. The result is an increased beads output, minimised downtime and improved profitability for tyre manufacturers around the globe.

INNOVATION AT EVERY STEP

The LIHEXAL 8 redefines bead production with cutting-edge sensing and automation technologies. It offers real-time monitoring of material levels and predictive maintenance, ensuring seamless operations. Precision is at its core, measuring key variables like wire temperature, rubberisation and other parameters to guarantee beads of impeccable quality. Its advanced festooner system with independent pulleys allows precise control of wire tension and pressure, adapting effortlessly to unique production needs. Meanwhile, the upgraded bead winding station delivers unparalleled accuracy and speed, producing one bead every two seconds with flawless consistency.

VIPO’s innovations go beyond speed – they deliver reliability. With every cycle, manufacturers achieve premium-quality beads, securing their competitive advantage in the tyre industry.

GROUNDBREAKING WRAPPING TECHNOLOGY

One of the most notable features of the LIHEXAL 8 is its integrated bead wrapping system. In collaboration with the world’s best wrapping tapes suppliers, VIPO has developed a high-performance wrapping solution that applies tape to bead ends simultaneously without affecting the machine’s cycle time. With a machine autonomy and real-time verification of tape application, this system guarantees optimal quality and consistency.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Rooted in the legacy of Tomáš Bata’s historic town, VIPO a.s. has been at the forefront of rubber and wire technology for over 50 years. Combining generational expertise with cutting-edge innovation, VIPO proudly serves the world’s leading tyre manufacturers – partners who trust its solutions to deliver excellence. This enduring trust drives VIPO to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, with gratitude to its customers as the foundation of its success.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, UNMATCHED RELIABILITY

From installation and training to continuous support and machine optimisation, VIPO ensures that clients harness the full potential of the LIHEXAL 8. This exceptional level of service, combined with the machine’s unparalleled performance, makes it a cornerstone for modern, efficient and premium tyre manufacturing. Moreover, the LIHEXAL 8’s unmatched reliability and advanced automation significantly reduce human intervention, paving the way for streamlined operations and optimised production workflows.

WHY EVERY TYRE MANUFACTURER NEEDS THE LIHEXAL 8

The LIHEXAL 8 isn’t just a machine – it’s a revolution in tyre manufacturing. With precision, flexibility and speed, it meets the demand for high-quality beads while driving down costs and enhancing efficiency. Designed to adapt to each customer’s unique needs, it’s the ultimate solution for modern production challenges.

More than a supplier, VIPO is the trusted partner and committed to its clients’ success. The LIHEXAL 8, as well as the other VIPO equipment and services isn’t just about transforming production – it’s about empowering your business to lead in a competitive market.

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ARLANXEO has launched its ISCC PLUS-certified Keltan Eco rubber grades in India, responding to rising demand for sustainable materials in the world’s most populous nation.

The German-based performance elastomers manufacturer unveiled the portfolio through technical seminars and workshops, targeting automotive components, wires and cables applications where customers increasingly value environmental credentials.

The Keltan Eco range comprises Eco-B and Eco-BC grades derived from bio-based and bio-circular feedstocks, respectively, whilst maintaining identical physical and mechanical properties to conventional fossil fuel-based products. The materials offer resistance to oxygen, ozone, heat and radiation.

ARLANXEO employs a mass balance approach for certification, ensuring the volume of Eco-labelled products corresponds with sustainable source feedstock volumes. This methodology provides supply chain transparency and enables customers to verify sustainability claims in downstream applications.

“This new portfolio will help our customers seize sustainable growth opportunities in India and stay ahead amid industry transformation,” said Rupesh Shah, ARLANXEO India’s Managing Director and Regional Sales Head.

The company also showcased its Therban hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber speciality grades during the events, targeting original equipment manufacturers and component producers. Therban applications include air conditioning seals, timing belts, high-temperature gaskets for oil platforms and spacecraft components.

ARLANXEO operates as one of the world’s largest synthetic rubber producers with more than 10 production sites across eight countries and four research and development locations globally. The company serves automotive, tyre, electrical, construction and oil and gas sectors.

The Indian launch forms part of ARLANXEO’s broader strategy to expand sustainable product offerings across key growth markets. Additional ISCC PLUS-certified synthetic rubber grades will be introduced in India following the initial rollout.

India’s steady rubber consumption growth, driven by the automotive and infrastructure sectors, signals a significant opportunity for speciality chemical producers aiming for sustained market expansion. ARLANXEO is well-positioned to meet this demand, marking a decisive step toward a greener, more innovative rubber industry in India.

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Rathi Group, a leader in pyrolysis and end-of-life tyre (ELT) recycling, has achieved a significant milestone with its first export shipment of ISCC PLUS-certified pyrolysis oil. With over 12 years of industry expertise, the company continues to set benchmarks in sustainable recycling, innovation and circular economy practices.

This landmark export highlights Rathi Group’s ability to supply globally recognised, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. The company’s integrated operations – spanning ELT shredding, continuous pyrolysis, carbon black recovery and oil distillation – adhere to stringent international sustainability standards.

The ISCC PLUS certification underscores Rathi Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility, supply chain transparency and climate-conscious solutions. The accomplishment reflects the efforts of its dedicated team and partners, reinforcing the company’s mission to drive impactful change in sustainable tyre recycling.

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Kraton Corporation, a global leader in speciality polymers and renewable biomaterials, has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, Innovating with Purpose. The report outlines the company’s advancements in climate action, circular product solutions and supply chain sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.

Key achievements include a 41 percent reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2014, a 35 percent decrease in emissions intensity and maintaining EcoVadis’ Platinum rating for the fourth straight year. Kraton also received the 2024 Nitto Supplier Sustainability Award and conducted a Double Materiality Assessment to refine its ESG strategy.

Operational milestones feature a USD 35 million upgrade to its Florida biorefinery, expanded lifecycle assessment (LCA) data covering 90 percent of its product portfolio and a new data excellence programme to enhance ESG transparency.

Aligned with GRI, SASB, UN Global Compact and TCFD frameworks, the report emphasises Kraton’s sustainability pillars: Reliable Partnerships, Planetary Stewardship and Empowering People. These efforts reflect the company’s dedication to responsible innovation and measurable environmental progress.

Marcello Boldrini, CEO, Kraton, said, “2024 marked a pivotal year in Kraton’s sustainability journey. We turned ambition into action, significantly reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 41 percent from our 2014 baseline and earned an EcoVadis Platinum rating for the fourth consecutive year. We accelerated our decarbonisation strategy, advanced biobased innovation and partnered with customers such as WJ Group and Henkel to help address global sustainability challenges. As demand for sustainable chemicals grows, our focus remains on developing the right solutions, fostering strong partnerships and cultivating the culture necessary to lead this transformation responsibly and competitively.”

Rogier Roelen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Kraton, said, “We have established new processes to scale credible, data-driven sustainability across our business. In 2024, we enhanced our ESG reporting through a data harmonisation programme and completed a Double Materiality Assessment to better align with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We also expanded our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data to cover almost 90 percent of our product portfolio, providing customers with greater transparency into the environmental impact of our products. These efforts reinforce our ability to identify where we can make the most impact and support more informed, strategic decision-making.”

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The German rubber industry is undergoing significant shifts, according to the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) in its mid-2025 economic report. While order trends show improvement for the first time in years, domestic production continues to struggle, reflecting broader structural challenges.

High energy costs, excessive bureaucracy and rising labour expenses remain persistent hurdles, particularly for globally competitive firms. Although rising orders may boost annual sales slightly compared to 2024, domestic output is expected to decline by one percent. Many companies are relocating production abroad due to Germany’s worsening cost disadvantages.

The federal government’s ‘investment booster’ initiative has failed to inspire confidence, with only 27 percent of industry leaders anticipating positive effects. wdk President Michael Klein described this as an alarming sign, emphasising that businesses lack faith in current economic policies. He urged immediate relief measures rather than delayed solutions.

Klein also stressed the need for inclusive policymaking, criticising the government’s focus on large corporations while neglecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He warned that without targeted support for these critical players, Germany risks losing its status as a key industrial hub for the rubber sector. The call for urgent action highlights growing concerns over the industry’s future viability in the country.

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