Birla Carbon Gets EcoVadis’ Platinum Rating For Sustainable Biz Practices

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Birla Carbon has been awarded a Platinum level rating by EcoVadis, an independent sustainability rating agency. The company said in a release that the recognition confirms Birla Carbon’s position as an industry leader in advanced sustainability practices and reporting and places it in the top 1 per cent of companies rated by EcoVadis. 

The rating was provided after reviewing Birla Carbon’s sustainability practices in its recently published ninth sustainability report, Driving Circularity, the release said. 

John Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “At Birla Carbon, sustainability is central to who we are and how we operate our business. We are extremely proud to receive the platinum rating this year by EcoVadis. This is a reflection of our focus on sustainability and Circularity, especially with the launch of Continua SCM, our Net Zero aspirations, and the Sustainability Linked Loan, among other sustainability initiatives.” 

He added, “A platinum rating is a noteworthy achievement, but it would not be possible without all of our employees’ consistent and committed efforts. I want to thank the entire Birla Carbon team for their continuous dedication to our Purpose to ‘Share the Strength’, for it is through that collaboration we are able to be the preferred partner to our customers, a good neighbour in our communities, and a safe home for our employees.” 

EcoVadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, and since its founding in 2007, to date, EcoVadis has rated over 75,000 trading partners worldwide, mitigating risk for global organisations for more than 300 leading multinationals worldwide, the release pointed out. (TT)  

Yokohama Rubber Recognised As ‘DX Certified Business Operator’ By Japan’s METI

Yokohama Rubber Recognised As ‘DX Certified Business Operator’ By Japan’s METI

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been officially recognised as a DX Certified Business Operator by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The designation, which was granted on 1 September 2025, identifies companies that are thoroughly prepared for digital transformation as outlined by the Digital Governance Code.

This certification acknowledges Yokohama Rubber's comprehensive strategy for digital transformation, which is built on three core objectives: advancing business strategy, contributing to sustainability and reinforcing its IT infrastructure. Central to this effort is the company's proprietary AI framework, HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), which drives group-wide digital initiatives. These include improving productivity, innovating processes, developing digital talent and building a global cloud-based IT system. The certification confirms that the company's efforts not only meet METI's stringent criteria but also demonstrate appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders.

Moving forward, the company said it will continue to leverage data from its entire value chain to adapt to a dynamic business environment. The company aims to enhance customer value, pursue sustainable innovation and transform its corporate culture to strengthen its competitive position and ensure long-term growth.

RPG Group’s TyresNmore Elevates Rakesh Tatikonda To Chief Executive Role

RPG Group’s TyresNmore Elevates Rakesh Tatikonda To Chief Executive Role

TyresNmore, the automotive aftermarket e-commerce platform owned by RPG Group, has promoted Rakesh Tatikonda to Chief Executive Officer and announced the change with immediate effect.

Tatikonda, who previously oversaw business operations at the Mumbai-based firm, will spearhead the organisation’s expansion and innovation strategy. The appointment advances RPG Group’s ‘Talent First!’ policy, which rewards internal promotions and develops employees.

The new chief executive brings over 15 years of industry experience, having worked across multiple sectors with companies such as telecommunications giant Reliance Jio and IT services provider Infosys. Before joining TyresNmore in 2022, Tatikonda held senior positions at tyre manufacturer CEAT, where he developed expertise in strategy, operations, marketing and digital transformation.

“My aim is to transform automotive aftercare in India by offering seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end mobility solutions delivered with trust, transparency, and convenience right at the customer’s doorstep,” Tatikonda said in a statement.

TyresNmore operates a doorstep service model for tyre and battery replacement across six major Indian cities: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The platform represents RPG Group’s entry into the growing automotive aftermarket sector, which has seen increased digitisation as consumers seek convenient maintenance solutions.

During his tenure in operations, Tatikonda scaled the business and improved profitability while driving digital transformation initiatives. His track record shows he strengthened operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience in the mobility convenience sector.

Vaculug Acquires Scotland's Tyrefair To Drive Northern Expansion

Vaculug Acquires Scotland's Tyrefair To Drive Northern Expansion

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has expanded its UK presence by acquiring Tyrefair in Kinross, Scotland.

This strategic acquisition extends the company's award-winning service further north, ensuring Scottish customers receive the same high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres Vaculug has supplied for 75 years. Since the purchase, the Kinross location has already grown by 25 percent, with an ambitious target to double its business within a year and then double it again.

This move is a key part of Vaculug's 2026 growth strategy, focused on strategic acquisitions that enable better, faster and more sustainable customer service. The acquisition reinforces Vaculug’s long-standing environmental mission, marking a new chapter of sustainable growth with a strengthened Scottish operation.

Nokian Tyres Partners With American Tire Distributors

Nokian Tyres Partners With American Tire Distributors

Nokian Tyres is expanding its US presence through a new nationwide partnership with American Tire Distributors (ATD). This agreement provides Nokian access to ATD’s vast network of over 110 distribution centres, serving roughly 80,000 customers.

The collaboration will efficiently supply tyre shops with Nokian’s complete product lineup, enabling dealers to broaden their inventory. Both companies bring 90 years of experience and a shared dedication to innovation, safety and sustainability. This partnership will offer drivers more choices, supported by Nokian’s award-winning Tennessee factory and ATD’s technology-driven logistics.

This enhanced distribution capability ensures that consumers will have greater access to a full spectrum of high-performance tyres, meeting diverse driving needs and conditions. The alliance strengthens both brands' market positions by combining premium products with an unparalleled delivery system, ultimately improving service for dealers and drivers alike across the country.

Chris Ostrander, SVP, North America, Nokian Tyres, said, “The partnership with ATD enables us to reach more tyre shops and more drivers than ever before. ATD’s robust distribution network, customer service and responsiveness strengthen our agility to serve both new and existing customers.”