GRP, an Indian rubber recycling company, reported a 20 percent year-over-year revenue growth for both Q3 and the first nine months of FY25, despite facing margin pressures from elevated raw material costs.

The company recorded total income of INR 1,327 million in Q3 FY25, with EBITDA margins holding steady at 9.8 percent. For the nine-month period, revenue reached INR 3,912 million, while EBITDA stood at INR 363 million.

"We achieved a 12 percent increase in volumes on a standalone basis, with Reclaim Rubber volumes growing nine percent despite subdued global tyre demand," said Harsh Gandhi, Managing Director of GRP Limited.

The company recognized INR 121 million in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credits year-to-date, with an additional INR 180 million worth of credits valued at minimum support price still available for sale.

Expansion Plans

GRP is moving forward with its INR 2.5 billion expansion plan, having secured financing from French development finance institution Proparco. The company has also received shareholder approval to raise an additional INR 1.5 billion through a qualified institutional placement.

"We remain on track to commence operations for the first line of crumb rubber and continuous pyrolysis line by Q4 of this financial year," Gandhi stated, noting that INR 330 million has already been invested in the project.

Industry Developments

The expansion comes as major carbon black producers like Birla Carbon, Epsilon Carbon, and Phillips Carbon Black launch recovered carbon black products using tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO).

"With carbon black producers now actively sourcing TPO to produce their own grades of recovered carbon black, it allows us a new avenue for sale, which was maybe 6 to 8 months ago, was non-existent," Gandhi explained.

Future Outlook

The company expects margins to stabilize following recent raw material cost pressures, particularly in its synthetic rubber reclaim business. GRP's subsidiary focused on recycled polyolefins is gaining approvals from major brands ahead of new recycling regulations taking effect from April 2025.

"Once we do get into this business, there are a lot of synergies between the two businesses, and that will allow for the overall margin profile of the business to move towards mid-teens and even a little higher towards the high-teen EBITDA numbers for a consolidated level," Gandhi added.

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Continental is supplying a special edition of its new 30-mm Grand Prix 5000 TT TR tyre for the Bugatti Factor ONE, a distinctive bicycle born from the partnership between the prestigious automotive marque and high-performance bike manufacturer Factor Bikes. This collaboration steps outside traditional cycling regulations to merge automotive engineering precision with advanced bicycle innovation, resulting in a machine focused on aerodynamic efficiency, precise handling and stable control at elevated speeds.

The tyre selected for this exclusive bicycle represents one of two recent size additions to Continental’s Grand Prix 5000 family, a product line engineered for reliable performance across diverse road conditions. Developed with a focus on pure velocity, the Grand Prix 5000 TT TR utilises a simplified casing construction to reduce both weight and rolling resistance, a feature trusted by elite competitors.

Now available in 30 mm width, this tyre offers an expanded contact patch that improves stability and grip during fast cornering while maintaining composure over extended distances. This combination of confidence and control allows riders to tackle technical sections more aggressively, fully utilising the bicycle’s capabilities. As the fastest model within the Grand Prix 5000 lineup thanks to its specialised two-ply casing that further minimises rolling resistance, the TT TR is a fitting match for the limited-edition Bugatti Factor ONE.

Limited to a worldwide production run of just 250 individually numbered units, the Bugatti Factor ONE embodies the exclusivity and meticulous detail characteristic of the Bugatti name. With the Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR serving as a critical performance element, the bicycle delivers a riding experience defined by uncompromising engineering and a world-class collaborative vision.

Rob Gitelis, Founder, Factor Bikes, said, “We’re thrilled to have been able to work together with Continental to create these special edition Bugatti Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT tyres. We’ve partnered with Continental to provide the tyres for all our bikes, and since they make the best tyres in the world, it was a natural choice to collaborate with them on these very special tyres for the Bugatti Factor ONE.”

Karsten Jacke, Global Head – Bicycle OE Sales, Continental, said, “We are highly honoured to be part of this premium project. Each Factor bike begins with a non-negotiable purpose. And here, with the Bugatti Factor ONE, it was Bugatti’s maxim to provide nothing but the best for their customers. Both brands’ values of excellence, courage and dedication create a perfect match with Continental’s ambition to Lead the Ride. It’s just great to see this collab rolling on our special edition Grand Prix 5000 TT TR tyres.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, marked a significant milestone on 23 March 2026, celebrating seven decades in the automotive industry. In recognition of this achievement and the company’s broader influence, the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed the date as TBC Corporation Day, honouring the organisation’s deep-rooted impact on both its sector and the local communities it serves.

Originating in 1956 as a simple purchasing cooperative for tyre retailers, TBC has since evolved into a sprawling enterprise. The company now employs over 3,000 people, maintains more than 130 strategically located distribution centres across US and Mexico and operates globally. Its presence spans the entire automotive value chain, encompassing nearly 470 franchised Big O Tires locations alongside wholesale distribution, supply chain services and third-party manufacturing.

Beyond its commercial footprint, TBC prioritises social responsibility through its ‘Driven to Give’ initiative. This programme channels the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement by fostering volunteerism, sustainable business practices and targeted corporate giving, ensuring a positive impact in the areas where its employees live and work.

Don Byrd, CEO, TBC, said, “At TBC, we are building on our legacy by focusing on our purpose to be the distributor, franchisor and employer of choice in the markets where we compete through a steadfast commitment to excellence. We are proud of what we’ve achieved in our 70 years, and we strive to continue to be the most trusted provider of innovative and efficient solutions for our customers, franchisees and business partners.”

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Atturo Tires, a leading private brand of performance-focused tyres for light truck, SUV, crossover, UTV, hybrid, EV and performance vehicles, has confirmed it will continue as the Official Tyre Partner of the Professional Fighters League throughout North America for the 2026 season. This marks the second year of collaboration between the performance tyre manufacturer and the rapidly expanding mixed martial arts organisation. Building on a successful 2025 campaign that delivered more than 300 million impressions, the renewed agreement underscores Atturo’s dedication to supporting the league’s growth.

The partnership will be featured across the PFL’s North American event schedule. Atturo’s presence will include in-arena branding at all 10 United States events, beginning in Pittsburgh and Chicago, as well as broadcast visibility on ESPN platforms. Further integration comes through continued sponsorship of the ‘Keys to Victory’ segment, where analysts break down matchups. Collaborative digital content and brand ambassador activations tailored for MMA audiences will also extend the brand’s reach.

Alongside the renewed agreement, Atturo has introduced two official brand ambassadors for 2026: welterweight Logan Storley and bantamweight Sergio Pettis. Storley, a former interim Bellator welterweight champion and four-time NCAA Division I All-American, is set to headline the PFL’s return to Sioux Falls on 2 May. Pettis, a former Bellator bantamweight champion known for his polished footwork and technical striking, will headline the 11 April event in Chicago against undefeated Mitch McKee.

Both fighters carry strong followings within North American MMA, offering Atturo meaningful connections to an engaged consumer base. Storley’s championship pedigree aligns with the brand’s performance-driven identity, while Pettis’s skill positions him as a central figure in the 2026 title picture. Through these ambassador relationships and the broader sponsorship framework, Atturo continues to embed itself within the league’s marquee moments and fan-facing platforms.

John Martin, CEO, Professional Fighters League, said, “We’re excited to extend our relationship with Atturo Tire, a brand that aligns with our dedication to innovation and performance. As PFL continues to expand globally – including new partnerships in France, China, Mexico and Central America – our North American events remain a major foundation of our programming, and Atturo is a strong fit for that regional focus.”

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said “Atturo is proud to remain the Official Tyre Partner of the PFL in North America. The PFL’s North American fan base is passionate, fast-growing and deeply engaged – exactly the kind of audience that resonates with our high-performance product line. We’re thrilled to continue showcasing the Atturo brand alongside the PFL’s elite athletes throughout the 2026 US season.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has issued a fresh warning to owners of caravans, motorhomes and trailers as vehicles emerge from winter storage, highlighting a significant rise in towing-related incidents across UK roads. New data reveals that between 2022 and 2024, there were over 16,700 incidents involving towed vehicles on the Strategic Road Network, with a 16 percent increase over that period. The majority were breakdowns, and trailers made up the largest proportion, followed by caravans and horseboxes. With nearly four out of five such incidents classed as breakdowns and many considered preventable, TyreSafe stresses that tyre condition and air pressure are essential checks after prolonged periods out of use.

Tyres can deteriorate while stationary, even when they appear undamaged. Air pressure often drops during storage, and combined with rubber degradation, this greatly raises the risk of failure once back on the road. For caravan owners, under-inflated tyres can lead to instability or snaking, especially in crosswinds or when passed by large vehicles, while the extra flexing increases the chance of tread separation under heavy loads. Motorhomes face distinct risks due to their heavier, permanently laden construction, which places sustained strain on tyres. A blowout can be harder to control given the higher centre of gravity, and flat spotting from long storage periods may cause internal damage that manifests as vibration at speed. Horseboxes and trailers stored for extended intervals are equally vulnerable, as tyres can suffer internal weakening without visible signs.

Correct tyre pressure on the towing vehicle is just as critical. Under-inflated rear tyres can cause the vehicle to sag under nose weight, altering weight distribution and reducing steering precision and braking effectiveness. Pressures should always be adjusted according to manufacturer recommendations for towing loads. Motorhome owners must also pay attention to CP-marked tyres, which are specifically designed for camping vehicles and often require significantly higher pressures—sometimes up to 80 PSI—compared to standard car tyres. Using lower car-type pressures leaves them dangerously under-inflated, leading to excess heat, sidewall stress, and potential failure.

Tyres that have lost pressure are more prone to overheating, rapid wear and sidewall cracking, which occurs when rubber polymers degrade. Cracking can appear on the sidewall or tread even in lightly used tyres, particularly if storage conditions are poor, and can compromise structural integrity over time. Factors such as air loss while stationary, oxidation, UV and temperature extremes, ozone exposure and improper storage all contribute to deterioration. Unlike regularly used vehicles, stored vehicles miss out on the benefits that help maintain tyre flexibility and pressure stability.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “With towing incidents rising, tyre safety has never been more important. Air pressure naturally reduces over time, and tyres that are both under-inflated and degraded are far more likely to fail. When towing or driving a motorhome, tyres operate under higher loads and stresses, so even small weaknesses can have serious consequences.”

Sarah Smithurst MBE, Chief Operating Officer, NTTA, said “Many caravans, trailers and horseboxes spend months in storage over the winter, and during that time, tyres can slowly lose pressure or begin to deteriorate without the owner realising. Because these tyres are often carrying heavy loads when they return to the road, even small issues can quickly become serious safety risks.

“Before towing for the first time each season, owners should take the time to check tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommendations and carefully inspect the tyres for signs of cracking, damage or excessive wear. It’s also important not to overlook the tyres on the towing vehicle itself, as they play a vital role in maintaining stability and control when towing. A few simple checks before setting off can make a significant difference to safety and help prevent avoidable breakdowns or incidents on the road.”

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