The Indian Rubber Materials Research Institute (IRMRI) recently announced the appointment of Professor (Dr) Abhijit Bandyopadhyay as its new Director. In a tete-a-tete with Tyre Trends, he delves into his top priorities and IRMRI’s roadmap under his leadership.

What will be your top priorities as the new director of IRMRI?

I have a list of four priorities. The first is to transform IRMRI from a testing and certification centre into an innovation hub that integrates research, technology development, scale-up engineering, innovation and commercialisation for the tyre and non-tyre rubber industries. The second priority is developing technologies for EV tyres. While automakers are using lightweight polymer composites and foams to offset battery weight, advancing EV tyre technology will remain a key focus.

Thirdly, to undertake autonomous research that benefits industry beyond traditional rubber compounds, covering plastics, rubber-plastic blends, advanced polymer systems and other emerging materials. Finally, internationalise IRMRI by establishing MoUs with global industries and academic institutions.

Sustainability and circularity are becoming central themes across industries. How do they fit into your vision for IRMRI?

Sustainability should not be viewed as a separate objective; it must be embedded in every project we undertake. Every technology we develop should inherently follow sustainable principles. The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has fundamentally changed the tyre industry’s responsibilities by making manufacturers accountable for the waste generated by their products.

This naturally increases the importance of reclaimed rubber, rubber crumb, recycling technologies and broader circular economy practices. Today, applications for reclaimed materials remain limited and expanding their use will become an important research area.

How will you strengthen collaboration between IRMRI, academia and industry?

IRMRI has always supported industry through its testing services but its contribution to research and development can become much stronger. At present, academia and industry operate with very different priorities. IRMRI is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap because it already has advanced facilities in Chennai, Thane and the Eastern Centre, with new centres coming up in Tripura and Delhi.

Building on existing collaborations at the Thane Centre, IRMRI should expand partnerships with universities, IITs and industry beyond rubber technology into areas such as mechanical engineering, machine design, sustainable rubber processing, simulation, modelling, artificial intelligence and other multidisciplinary fields to strengthen both its research capabilities and national stature.

What are the biggest challenges facing India’s rubber and tyre industry today?

The industry’s biggest challenge is sustainability, particularly recycling, devulcanisation and compliance with EPR. While significant progress has been made in developing rubber and polymer products across numerous industries, recycling remains a major technological hurdle.

The same challenge extends beyond rubber to composite materials. Although material development has advanced considerably, achieving efficient, commercially viable recyclability remains one of the industry’s greatest unresolved problems.

What do you expect to be the biggest challenges in your new role at IRMRI?

I have worked closely with industry for the past 16 years and almost all of my current research projects are industry-sponsored. I understand industrial expectations, priorities and ways of working, so adapting to the industry itself will not be difficult.

The real challenge will be transforming IRMRI from a testing institute into a research and innovation institute. Achieving this will require a clear roadmap, well-designed policies and systematic implementation with some trial and error along the way.

How do you see AI and digital technologies accelerating rubber materials research?

AI, simulation, modelling and digital engineering will become integral parts of IRMRI’s future development strategy rather than standalone initiatives. Artificial intelligence is fundamentally a form of data science. It involves developing computational models and predictive systems that help researchers analyse data more intelligently and efficiently.

Computation, simulation and modelling are becoming increasingly important. The tyre industry already relies heavily on these tools because modern tyre development would be almost impossible without them. However, the non-tyre rubber industry has not yet adopted them to the same extent. Simulation and modelling also contribute engineering efficiency, reducing development costs, optimise manpower deployment and enable better product design before physical prototypes are built.

How can IRMRI strengthen its testing capabilities to meet future industry requirements?

IRMRI already has strong testing facilities for existing technologies, but the rapid growth of electric vehicles makes specialised EV tyre testing an important priority.

We also need to evaluate whether current testing protocols adequately assess EV-specific requirements such as acoustic performance, vibration characteristics and other parameters beyond rolling resistance. Where gaps exist, IRMRI will develop new testing methodologies and standards tailored to EV tyres.

What emerging technologies and materials should IRMRI focus on in the coming years?

Sustainability and next-generation materials must be major priorities. As bio-composites and natural-material-based rubber products gain importance, standardised testing methods for many rubber-polymer bio-composites are still lacking. Developing reliable performance evaluation standards for these materials while strengthening capabilities in recycling, devulcanisation and circular economy technologies will help Indian manufacturers meet global quality standards.

Material innovations, particularly in solution-grade Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), will also require advanced testing, reinforcing IRMRI’s vision of becoming an innovation-driven institute.

How can IRMRI help Indian manufacturers meet global quality standards?

Helping Indian manufacturers meet increasingly demanding global quality and performance standards begins with addressing the industry’s biggest technological challenges, which is recycling, devulcanisation and circular economy requirements. If IRMRI can develop technologies in these areas, it will benefit both the rubber and non-rubber industries.

As an NABL-accredited institution, IRMRI also has a unique advantage over most universities, whose testing and certifications, while technically credible, are generally not accepted for commercial compliance. Now that IRMRI has been recognised as an institute, it will strengthen its independent certification capabilities and establish itself as a nationally and internationally respected authority for testing and certification.

Does India need stronger collaborative testing programmes?

Yes. India needs a more structured ecosystem that brings together research institutes, OEMs, raw material suppliers, manufacturers, universities and IITs throughout testing and product development. IRMRI should become the platform that connects academia’s knowledge-driven research with industry’s application- and product-oriented approach, accelerating innovation.

Internationally, this model has proven successful through industry-sponsored academic programmes that create a continuous pipeline of research, skilled talent and commercial innovation. India has some examples of such collaborations, but they remain scattered and should be expanded significantly.

How do you plan to change the industry’s perception of IRMRI?

One of my biggest objectives is to fundamentally change how both the tyre and non-tyre industries perceive IRMRI. Today, the institute is primarily viewed as a testing laboratory. Testing will always remain an essential function, but I want IRMRI to be recognised as much more than that.

My vision is for IRMRI to become an innovation hub where research, technology development, product innovation, industrial problem-solving, scale-up engineering, commercialisation, multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced materials research all come together. Changing that perception will take time, but we will build that bridge eventually.

What opportunities do you see for retreading technology?

Retreading has enormous potential but also significant technical challenges because it involves bonding a new tread to an already vulcanised tyre. While unvulcanised rubber is naturally tacky, vulcanisation removes this property, making two vulcanised surfaces difficult to bond.

Strong adhesion requires roughening both surfaces for mechanical anchorage followed by specialised adhesives and carefully controlled processing. Since India’s retreading industry remains fragmented, advancing retreading technology will be a key focus, particularly for its sustainability and resource conservation benefits.

Looking ahead, what will define the success of IRMRI?

Success, in my view, will not be measured by the number of tests conducted or certifications issued but by whether IRMRI becomes an innovation-driven institute. That means undertaking autonomous research, developing industry-focused technologies, strengthening academia-industry collaboration and more.

Indian manufacturers compete globally. Ultimately, I want IRMRI to be recognised not just as a testing centre but as one of India’s leading innovation hubs for rubber, polymers, advanced materials and sustainable industrial technologies.

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The FALKEN ZIEX ZE320 has emerged as the outright winner of the 2026 Auto Express summer tyre test, securing the top position in a competitive field that included premium, mid-range and budget alternatives. The comprehensive evaluation, conducted by the prominent UK automotive publication, saw the ZIEX ZE320 praised for its balanced capabilities and reassuring dynamics across both wet and dry surfaces.

Auto Express, a leading authority for new and used car buyers in the UK, is renowned for its independent tyre assessments, which are carried out without the prior knowledge of the manufacturers. The testing procedure for this year’s competition focused on the popular 205/55 R16 91V size, incorporating a variety of rigorous metrics such as braking, handling, aquaplaning resistance and noise levels.

The tyre’s victory was underscored by its performance in key disciplines, including setting the fastest lap times on both wet and dry circuits. The design features of the ZIEX ZE320, including an intelligent tread pattern with offset sipes, contribute to its strong traction and precise steering feel, while its lightweight casing and optimised sidewalls aim to improve rolling efficiency and reduce noise without sacrificing lateral stability. The entire range holds an ‘A’ rating for wet grip under EU labelling.

Available in 61 sizes spanning 15- to 18-inch wheel diameters, the tyre’s success was hailed as a strong endorsement of its everyday usability and performance. The Auto Express test team ultimately concluded that the ZE320’s all-round excellence and strong results in almost every discipline made it an outstanding choice for a broad spectrum of drivers.

John Barker, a journalist and expert tester from Auto Express, said, “The FALKEN scored an impressive victory, beating some excellent tyres to take a first win. It topped the table in three tests, including setting fastest lap times on both the wet and dry circuits, illustrating its excellent all-round ability. It was the pace-setter in both the wet and the dry and delivered strong results in almost every other discipline too. It’s an outstanding tyre.”

Jaap Leendertse, Managing Director, Sumitomo Rubber Europe, the parent company for FALKEN, said, “Winning the Auto Express summer tyre test is a fantastic achievement and a strong endorsement of the ZIEX ZE320’s real-world performance. This result demonstrates that FALKEN achieved the highest overall score in this test against several other tyre models and can deliver qualities that many drivers value, including performance and everyday usability.”

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Michelin has unveiled a strategic overhaul of its product branding within the Beyond Road division, following the recent divestiture of the Camso business. The restructuring marks a significant shift in how the company will present its off-road portfolio to the global market, focusing on clarity and heritage.

Effective September 2026, the agricultural tracks previously sold under the Camso label will be rebranded as MICHELIN BIBTRACK. This new nomenclature pays homage to Michelin’s deep-rooted agricultural history, with the ‘BIB’ designation drawing from a legacy of tyre innovation that began in the 1980s. This lineage includes renowned ranges such as AGRIBIB and AXIOBIB, underscoring the brand's longstanding commitment to the farming sector.

The rebranding extends to conversion and trailed track systems, which will now carry the Michelin name without altering their product designations. Crucially, this transition involves no changes to product performance, manufacturing processes or service delivery, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. The company has simultaneously retained its material handling and Powersports activities, with industrial wheels and tyres transitioning to the Solideal by MICHELIN banner, alongside its dedicated on-site service unit.

This restructuring follows the formal sale of the Camso brand, along with specific construction tyres and tracks, to CEAT, a process initiated in late 2024 and finalised in September 2025. By streamlining its brand architecture, Michelin aims to simplify the customer journey while reinforcing its ambition to become a premier player in off-road mobility, delivering sustainable and innovative solutions grounded in advanced materials expertise.

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Yokohama Tire’s off-road racing contingent is set for a pivotal appearance at the 57th annual Polaris World Championships, scheduled for 4–6 September at Crandon International Raceway in Wisconsin. Known as ‘The Big House’, the venue represents a key stop on the Championship Off-Road season calendar, with Yokohama serving as both the official tyre of the facility and a supporting partner of the racing series.

The team’s lineup features several notable competitors navigating the rugged terrain on GEOLANDAR tyres. Andrew Carlson, a proven contender with multiple podium finishes at Crandon, will pilot his vehicle in the Pro4 class using GEOLANDAR X-AT tyres. Meanwhile, recent Supercross 450 Class Champion Ken Roczen is slated to make his debut at the historic track, competing in the Pro2 class on the same tire model.

Robb Holland is also poised for his first Crandon appearance, trading asphalt for dirt in the Pro Lite division. He will drive a truck belonging to fellow Team Yokohama driver John Holtger, relying on GEOLANDAR A/T4 tyres for his inaugural short-course off-road race. Additionally, team driver Nick Visser enters the weekend holding a narrow lead in the Pro-Spec championship standings, with the title battle intensifying as the season progresses.

Beyond the on-track action, Yokohama will lead the traditional Crandon Labor Day Parade, featuring Carlson and Roczen. The weekend will also include a BassmastHER workshop hosted by Cogan and Carsello, aimed at advancing skills for female participants in the paddock, alongside a VIP and youth fishing tournament held on-site.

Candace Cogan, Director – Product Marketing, Yokohama, said, “We’ve got a great team ready to take on the challenges at Crandon during short-course racing’s most celebrated weekend. They will be ready to face the task on our versatile line of GEOLANDAR tyres. We will once again feature our partnership with Bassmaster with a cool collaboration. Last year we hosted Team Yokohama elite angler, Brandon Palanuik. This time we’ll host Wisconsin native MaggieJo Carsello, a Bassmaster open angler and ambassador for BassmastHER, a female-driven initiative to support a community of female anglers via education, travel and inspiration. We look forward to introducing her to Crandon and the world of short-course off-road racing, something she grew up hearing about.”

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Kumho Tire USA recently hosted a national Ride & Drive event at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, where over 70 dealers, media professionals and content creators tested the company’s newest tyre models. The gathering served as a key component of Kumho’s broader 2026 regional tour, which has already engaged more than 600 participants across five American cities. Attendees evaluated the newly launched Road Venture HT and Crugen GT Pro tyres through demanding, real-world driving scenarios.

The testing programme featured controlled modules, including a wet handling course, an autocross track for braking and stability assessment and high-speed freeway driving to measure ride comfort. These exercises allowed participants to directly compare the all-season Highway-Terrain Road Venture HT, intended for light trucks and SUVs, against the Crugen GT Pro, a touring tyre built for modern crossovers and larger SUVs. Kumho’s engineers also conducted an educational forum detailing the technological development of both tyres while collecting direct feedback from attendees.

The Road Venture HT, launched earlier this year, offers enhanced wet and snow traction, extended tread life and a quiet ride, and is compatible with electric vehicles. The Crugen GT Pro is engineered for heavier crossover and SUV applications, delivering premium comfort and all-weather capability with one of the highest treadwear warranties in its segment. Available in 85 sizes covering over 85 percent of the current crossover and SUV market, the Crugen GT Pro is backed by a 75,000-mile warranty for H- and V-speed ratings and a 65,000-mile warranty for W-speed models.

Kumho will conclude its 2026 Ride & Drive series with final regional events in Detroit and St. Louis later this month. The company has confirmed plans to extend the programme into 2027 and beyond, ensuring dealers and partners continue to benefit from hands-on product evaluations, technical training and direct access to Kumho’s engineering expertise.

Chris Corwin, Director of Procurement at Discount Tire & Service Centers, said, "A spec sheet has never sold a tyre to a customer standing at our counter. That is why the Kumho Tire Ride & Drive in Seattle was worth every minute. We got real seat time, instead of a sales pitch, running the all-new Crugen GT Pro and Road Venture HT back-to-back in real world scenarios. Having a seat at that table means a lot to me, and it says something about how seriously they take dealer input."

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “You can read all about a tyre, but nothing compares to driving it yourself, which is why KUMHO has made a significant investment in Ride & Drive events in 2026. These events give our dealers, wholesale partners and retail partners the opportunity to experience firsthand how our latest tyres perform in real-world driving situations. Whether they are evaluating braking, handling, ride comfort or overall performance, attendees can experience the differences for themselves, giving them greater confidence when recommending our products to their customers.”

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