India’s Atmanirbharta push is reshaping the tyre industry as companies leverage domestic mineral resources and advanced processing technologies to reduce import dependence and strengthen global competitiveness. Players such as 20 Microns Limited are capitalising on this shift by developing value-added fillers that enhance tyre performance while lowering costs and emissions.

As radialisation, sustainability targets and export ambitions converge, indigenous innovation is increasingly being positioned not merely as import substitution but as a strategic lever for global market integration and long-term industry transformation.

India has witnessed a sharp rise in cross-manufacturing capabilities across industries over the past decade. Once heavily dependent on imports, the country is gradually positioning itself as a manufacturing and export hub. This transition has been accelerated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).

The domestic tyre ecosystem is also benefiting from this momentum, with companies that have established strengths in adjacent sectors now entering the tyre value chain. Gujarat-based 20 Microns, a speciality chemicals company operating primarily in industrial minerals and performance additives for sectors such as tyres, rubber, plastics, Paints, paper etc., has emerged as a supplier to leading Indian tyre manufacturers including CEAT.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends, K K Mishra, President – Product and Business Development at 20 Microns, said, “The shift from bias-ply to radial tyres opened up opportunities for players like us to enter the tyre industry.”

Before entering the tyre segment, the company catered to multiple industries. “We supply products for 78 different applications, so tyres were not initially a focus area for us. Our entry into the segment was largely driven by customer demand,” Mishra explained.

The company’s first offering to the tyre industry was magnesium oxide. However, tyre manufacturers were already using the material in limited quantities relative to their overall raw material consumption. While some experimented with alternative fillers, these solutions often failed to deliver significant value.

Mishra pointed out that India had traditionally exported large volumes of raw minerals such as China clay, talc, mica and other industrial minerals but lacked advanced grinding and processing capabilities. As a result, European companies imported these raw materials, converted them into high-value speciality products and exported them back to India at significantly higher prices.

Recognising this gap, 20 Microns began developing nano and value-added mineral-based products domestically.

“We registered 20 Microns Nano Minerals Limited in 2004, but commercial operations started in 2012. We introduced products gradually. Our first major offering was an anti-blocking agent, which was largely imported by petrochemical Complex. These agents are used in packaging films to prevent layers from sticking together,” Mishra said.

To manufacture the product, the company installed a delamination process capable of producing platy particles. Advanced machinery was imported from Germany, and the delaminated talc products were initially supplied to Reliance Industries.

Following this success, the company realised the same technology could be applied to other minerals.

“We introduced kaolin, which also has a platy structure. Using the same delamination process, we produced nano-sized, high-aspect-ratio particles without fracturing them,” he noted.

This development became particularly relevant as the tyre industry transitioned from bias-ply to radial tyres.

“Radial tyres require improved air retention and reduced permeability. Our delaminated nano kaolin enhances these properties. We developed a product in which each particle is separated layer by layer rather than mechanically crushed,” Mishra explained.

The company recognised that global tyre manufacturers such as Bridgestone were importing similar materials from suppliers like Imerys, encouraging it to approach Indian tyre makers.

“Our first engagement was with CEAT, where the product delivered encouraging results. This was largely due to the superior quality of Indian China clay. Following CEAT’s success, we approached JK Tyre and Apollo Tyres. After two to three years of trials and validation, our product was approved and commercial supplies began,” Mishra said.

The company is now in discussions with Bridgestone, which currently imports these materials, and securing a position in its supply chain would mark a significant milestone.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

India’s tyre industry is expanding rapidly. While the domestic market includes several major tyre manufacturers, the global supply side for speciality minerals remains concentrated among a few multinational players such as Imerys and Thiele. 20 Microns sees this as an opportunity to position itself as a global supplier.

“After establishing ourselves in India, we have started approaching international tyre manufacturers such as Pirelli and Iris Tyres, where approvals are currently underway. Globally, the transition towards radial and tubeless tyres is driving demand for such materials,” Mishra stated.

The company claims its products help reduce costs, provide reinforcement and partially replace carbon black while also supporting sustainability objectives.

Compared to carbon black or silica, the company’s product reportedly generates only around five percent of the associated carbon emissions, resulting in nearly 95 percent lower carbon output.

Additionally, the company operates its own mining facilities, where land restoration and environmental compliance form part of the extraction process.

“Around 15 percent of carbon black in tyres can be replaced with our product. Simultaneously, air impermeability improves by approximately 13–15 percent. Typical loading levels are around 15–20 percent. This means tyre manufacturers achieve carbon black replacement along with some reduction in rubber usage because improved air impermeability allows lower rubber consumption,” Mishra explained.

Beyond large tyre makers, the company is now targeting smaller manufacturers as well. Producers of two-wheeler and three-wheeler tyres have already begun adopting these solutions.

According to Mishra, several manufacturers have also expressed strong interest, with collaborative research and development activities underway to accelerate adoption.

However, he acknowledged that large-scale application in commercial vehicle tyres, where carbon black usage is significantly higher, will take time.

“Tyres are directly linked to safety, so manufacturers are understandably cautious. There is initial scepticism regarding whether replacing carbon black or introducing China clay-based fillers could affect mechanical performance. However, as successful implementation in passenger car radial tyres becomes more visible, adoption is expected to expand into commercial tyres as well,” he said. 

STRENGTHENING THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Exports currently contribute around 18 percent of the company’s total revenue, with supplies reaching 86 countries across Europe and the Americas. Mishra expects demand for delaminated products to grow three to four times over the next three to four years.

The company operates mine-site plants for kaolin, while its primary facility is located in Bhuj, Gujarat, where mining operations span 168 hectares. One mine is operational, while another is awaiting environmental clearance.

Its facilities employ advanced technologies, including cryogenic magnetic separation systems, to remove paramagnetic and ferromagnetic impurities. The kaolin slurry is processed through specialised systems to produce ultra-pure material, ensuring high-quality output.

“Indian kaolin deposits naturally offer high aspect ratios and superior platy structures. This enables two major applications. First, delaminated kaolin improves permeability and reinforcement in tyres. Second, when calcined at 1200–1,400 degrees Celsius, it can partially replace titanium dioxide, especially in paints and plastics. While this market is smaller than tyres, it still offers considerable potential,” Mishra noted.

According to the company, competition in this niche segment remains limited globally, with only a handful of manufacturers producing such specialised materials. While China competes aggressively in standard grades, the delaminated segment continues to remain relatively niche.

Sustainability has become a key focus area, as the products are derived from naturally occurring minerals that require mining and processing, yet still offer a significantly lower carbon footprint.

The company’s long-term objective is to increase the share of mineral-based fillers in tyre formulations.

“Three additional products are currently under development, including amorphous silica from diatomaceous earth and nano silicates as green tyre fillers. Delaminated talc, already supplied as an anti-blocking agent for petrochemical applications, is also being positioned by some European players as a partial carbon black substitute,” Mishra revealed.

The company recently invested INR 1 billion, fully funded through internal accruals, towards expansion. It currently operates nine plants in India along with facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam

Delaminated production capacity, currently at 400 tonnes and fully utilised by three tyre customers, is being expanded to 1,000 tonnes in response to strong global demand.

Capacity expansion is also underway in the petrochemical segment to cater to rising demand for anti-blocking agents. The company has acquired mineral assets and land in Anantapur for a talc and dolomite plant serving both tyre and non-tyre sectors, while calcium carbonate operations are being expanded in Makrana.

Expansion of the Malaysian subsidiary is expected to be funded through debt and private equity following mining asset acquisitions.

GLOBAL AMBITIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

Export opportunities remain a key focus, particularly in Europe and other global markets.

“Our strategy is to first establish a strong domestic base and then expand globally through direct engagement with international manufacturers as well as distributor networks. The overseas expansion of Indian tyre companies is also creating opportunities, as approved supplier bases are being extended internationally,” Mishra said.

At the international level, concerns persist regarding the impact of replacing carbon black with China clay-based fillers on mechanical performance. However, awareness of similar global products already exists, and the company believes its 50–60 percent cost advantage could support gradual adoption despite lengthy validation cycles.

In the electric vehicle tyre segment, progress has so far been limited. Nevertheless, mineral-based fillers are recognised for offering improved flame-retardant properties, which could create future opportunities.

“Traditionally, adoption cycles in the tyre industry have been lengthy, typically taking around three years from laboratory testing to commercialisation. However, this approach is evolving following the Paris Agreement, with sustainability and circular economy goals driving greater openness towards green tyres. Artificial intelligence is also being leveraged to accelerate innovation, enhance testing and improve supply chain efficiency,” Mishra observed.

At the same time, challenges remain. The company also highlighted how readily mineral-based innovations can be replicated, leading to intensifying competition in the value-added minerals segment, where fillers are increasingly positioned as performance enhancers. While India continues to hold strength in China clay, talc, mica resources, and continues to export aggressively, imports of calcium carbonate from countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Egypt are also increasing.

Even as the Atmanirbharta wave drives innovation and global ambition, challenges related to validation cycles, performance concerns and rising competition persist. The ability to scale sustainably, protect innovation and build global trust will determine whether India’s mineral-based solutions evolve from cost-efficient alternatives into indispensable components of next-generation tyre manufacturing.

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Webfleet, the fleet management arm of Bridgestone, used the IAA Transportation event to introduce its Commercial Trip Monitor, a free online benchmarking tool that assesses how easily vans and trucks move through 32 major European cities. Initial results suggest operating conditions are growing tougher in numerous urban centres.

The monitor refreshes monthly, drawing on anonymised, aggregated commercial vehicle data to track shifts in fleet operating conditions over time. Because it examines repeat business journeys rather than general traffic, it offers operators and city stakeholders a clearer picture of where urban operations are improving or deteriorating. Even minor changes in reach or idling can reduce productivity, raise fuel use and increase emissions.

Two core metrics underpin the platform. The 15-Minute Reach metric shows how far a typical van or truck travels in a fixed quarter-hour, with higher scores indicating greater distance covered. Idling Intensity measures the share of a journey spent stationary with the engine running, where a higher percentage signals more wasted time. Users can rank cities, compare performance and follow trends.

Early 2026 data revealed sharp contrasts. Zaragoza, Apeldoorn and Utrecht posted the strongest average 15-Minute Reach rankings, while Berlin, Paris and Kraków were the most difficult. Poland was the only country where every analysed city improved year-on-year while idling stayed stable or fell. Rome and Milan improved on reach, yet Milan recorded Europe’s highest Idling Intensity at 21 percent, against Paris’s 16 percent. Berlin finished last overall, with Munich, Leipzig and Hamburg covering 4.4 percent, 4.3 percent and 3.3 percent less ground respectively than in 2025. Users can also examine trip volumes, distance, CO₂ emissions, fuel consumption and local conditions.

Webfleet developed the methodology with mobility intelligence specialist Mobito, leveraging over 25 years of fleet experience and one of Europe’s largest connected vehicle ecosystems.

Jan-Maarten de Vries, President – Fleet Management Solutions, Bridgestone, said, “The Webfleet Commercial Trip Monitor provides a clearer picture of urban mobility through the lens of fleet operations. Commercial vehicles do not experience cities the way commuters and consumers do. They follow different routes, operate under different regulations, make multiple stops and load and unload. When conditions change due to congestion, roadworks, low-emission zones, regulation or major events, fleet businesses often feel the impact first. Even relatively small changes can affect productivity, operating costs, fuel use and emissions.”

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) strengthened its ties with the worldwide rubber sector by attending the 12th International Rubber Glove Conference & Exhibition (IRGCE) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, which ran from 8 to 10 September 2026. With ‘Synergising Innovation: Redefine the Future of Rubber Glove Ecosystem’ as its theme, the gathering drew together manufacturers, technologists, industry leaders and other players from around the world.

Their discussions revolved around innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth across the rubber glove ecosystem. Dr Suttipong Angthong, ANRPC Secretary-General, addressed the plenary session ‘Economic Synergies and Sustainable Initiatives for the Glove Ecosystem’, delivering a presentation titled ‘Navigating the Global Natural Rubber Outlook’. His remarks covered major trends affecting the world natural rubber market and what they mean for glove producers.

Dr Angthong and Dr Lekshmi Nair of ANRPC also used the event's sidelines for high-level talks with international partners. With the Latin American Rubber Association (SLTC), the focus was on possible Asian-Latin American cooperation among natural rubber-producing nations, especially sharing knowledge and building capacity through experiences and best practices. A joint session with the China Synthetic Rubber Industry Association (CSRIA) pinpointed areas for collaboration in both natural and synthetic rubber, such as exchanging data and publications and taking part in one another's events.

Talks with TechnoBiz centred on possible partnerships for organising rubber industry events alongside programmes in ANRPC member countries. Altogether, the engagements confirmed ANRPC's dedication to international cooperation, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships, creating new openings with partners across Asia and Latin America.

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Hankook Tire has secured a multi-year original equipment agreement with Schmitz Cargobull, Europe’s foremost trailer manufacturer. The arrangement commenced on 1 July 2026 and will continue through June 2030, marking Hankook’s re-entry into the European commercial vehicle tyre original equipment market.

Under the deal, Schmitz Cargobull will fit Hankook trailer tyres ex-works on a portion of its newly built semi-trailers and trailers. The tyre range encompasses the Smart Line series for long-distance haulage, Smart Flex for regional and local distribution and Smart Work for off-road construction applications.

(From left): Andreas Schmitz, CEO, Schmitz Cargobull AG, and Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe

The agreement also extends to the used-trailer segment. Schmitz Cargobull produces curtainsiders, dry freight containers, refrigerated semi-trailers, container chassis and tippers across three German plants plus facilities in Great Britain, Spain, Lithuania, Romania and Turkey.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “The development of the European logistics market opens up new potential for close partnerships in the commercial vehicle tyre segment, which is increasingly important to us from a strategic perspective. As an industry leader, Schmitz Cargobull has particularly high standards in terms of quality, performance, efficiency and sustainability. We are proud that our tyres meet all these criteria and are delighted about the strategic partnership.”

Andreas Schmitz, CEO, Schmitz Cargobull, said, “With Hankook, we are gaining a capable partner whose high-quality tyres are the perfect complement to our portfolio. In addition to the product qualities, reliability of supply for our European production sites was an important consideration. The agreement will enable us to offer the right tyre solutions for different applications, whether long-distance transport, regional transport or use on construction sites, while also taking into consideration our customers’ requirements for cost-effectiveness and operational reliability.”

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Pirelli will bring the E1089 soft-compound development front tyre to Moto2 riders for the Austrian Grand Prix next weekend. The tyre, which debuted at Aragón and drew positive feedback, shares the SC1's structure but uses a different compound. At the Red Bull Ring, with its many braking zones and heavy decelerations, the E1089 could deliver greater stability, especially under braking. The range SC1 completes the front allocation, allowing riders to compare both options directly.

For the rear, Pirelli is confirming last year's allocation, offering the SCX supersoft. In 2024, as the E0126 development specification, it won both qualifying and the race. The range SC0 soft serves as the alternative, also present at the Red Bull Ring last year as a development solution and potentially useful if temperatures drop.

In Moto3, both axles will have the SC1 soft and SC2 medium compounds. In 2025, Argentina's Valentin Perrone (KTM) took Saturday's pole and Sunday's victory using the SC2 front and SC1 rear, the latter unanimously selected by the entire grid, while the two front options were chosen equally.

The Red Bull Ring is atypical, just over four kilometres long with only 11 corners, eight right and three left. Its layout demands braking stability, strong corner entry and good traction out of slow corners. The asphalt generally offers low grip with limited wear, and weather could matter greatly, as this year's race falls in early autumn rather than mid-August, meaning potentially lower temperatures.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “The Austrian Grand Prix represents a further opportunity to continue the development work on Moto2™ front tyres, which began in Aragón and continued at Misano. On a track that differs significantly from MotorLand Aragón, with severe braking, strong acceleration and few high-speed corners, we will once again make the E1089 soft front specification available. This will allow us to broaden its evaluation and continue the comparison with the range SC1. The objective is to gather further data and feedback that will be useful for the development of this solution.

“At the rear, we are confirming last year’s allocation with the SCX, which also originated as a development tyre. Introduced in 2025 as the E0126 specification and subsequently added to the range, it is now the category benchmark. If weather conditions are favourable, it will be interesting to assess the performance gains compared with last season, both over a flying lap and across race distance. In the event of lower temperatures, riders will also have the range SC0 soft at their disposal, which was introduced at the Red Bull Ring in 2025 as the E0125 development solution. The Austrian event will also be particularly relevant looking ahead. On the Monday following the race, the Spielberg circuit will host a private test session dedicated to the tyres that will be used by the premier class next season, providing an important opportunity to continue data collection and development work ahead of Pirelli’s debut as the World Championship single tyre supplier.”

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