India’s tyre retreading market is estimated to be an INR 60 billion industry with retreading mostly happening on commercial vehicle tyres. The organised sector is slated to grow between 7-9 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. The retreading industry in India dates back decades, primarily focusing on commercial vehicle tyres. Over the decades, it has evolved with advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks. Government initiatives promoting sustainability and waste tyre management have further spurred growth, establishing retreading as a key component of the tyre market.

A recent media report stated that the organised tyre retreading market in India observed muted growth in the last five years. Speaking to Tyre Trends¸ ICRA Assistant Vice President and Sector Head – Corporate Ratings Nithya Debbadi said, “The domestic tyre retreading market is estimated at over INR 60 billion. Tyre retreading is largely done in commercial vehicles, which account for 80 percent of the market. Trucks account for 60-65 percent, while buses account for the rest of 15-20 percent. Off-highway tyres (OHT) including tractors account for 12-15 percent, while passenger vehicles account for a negligible share.”

More than 70 percent of the truck tyres are retreaded at least once. While retreading is prominent even in the LCV segment, proportion of tyres retreaded is lower than in M&HCV. Increasing radialisation, improving road infrastructure and retreading technology and focus on sustainability is expected to increase the share of retreading in the truck and bus radial (TBR) segment, going forward. New tyre designs for electric vehicles also presents opportunities for the retreading industry.

Demand growth

Alluding to how the Indian government’s focus on waste tyre disposal and increasing radialisation in commercial vehicles has benefitted the TBR retreading market in India, she noted, “Indian government introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for waste tyres management, which came into effect in July 2022. The guidelines lay down rules relating to utilisation and management of waste tyres by producers (manufacturers and importers), recyclers and retreaders. Producers or importers need to fulfil EPR obligations by purchasing EPR certificate from registered recyclers. However, EPR obligation of tyre which has been retreaded shall be deferred by one year.” 

 “While the guidelines came into effect in FY2023, targets have been increasing progressively with the obligation increasing to 100 percent of tyre production in FY2025. Increasing focus on waste tyre management incentivises producers to focus on sustainability, which supports growth of retreading market. Compliance is achieved by purchasing EPR certificates from authorised recyclers or retreaders, thus developing tyre recycling infrastructure,” she added.

In trucks and bus segment, share of radialisation is estimated to have increased from 48 percent in FY2019 to over 55 percent in FY2024. Radial tyres have stronger structure, which supports multiple rounds of retreading. Moreover, radial tyres are more suited for roads in better conditions, leading to higher range for a given duration. This leads to frequent need for retreading.

She also noted that owing to Covid-19 and its post-effects, the retreading industry saw a flattish growth (estimated CAGR of 1-3 percent) in the three years ending FY2023. However, with the government’s thrust towards disposal of waste tyres, anti-overloading measures and increasing radialisation in commercial vehicle tyre segment, the retreading market has been a key beneficiary witnessing better demand traction in FY2024.

ICRA expects the organised tyre retreaders to grow by 7-9 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. Key factors supporting the growth include focus on sustainable tyres, improving tyre and retreading technology, better road infrastructure, rising radialisation in CV segment etc.

Alluding to what impact is the growing demand for sustainability and cost efficiency having on the quality standards and innovation within the retreading industry, she noted, “Retreading results in significant cost saving as the cost of retreading is around 20-50 percent the cost of a new tyre because of reuse of casing. Treads account for close to one-third of a tyre’s total cost. Performance of a retreaded tyre also depends on the health of the original casing.”

She added, “Developments in tyre technology has resulted in stronger casings and overall tyre structure that supports multiple rounds of retreading. Enhanced re-manufacturing techniques and higher quality rubber compounds are improving the quality of retreaded tyres and supporting demand. With quality casing and superior retreading technology, a tyre can be retreaded two to three times before being replaced while maintaining 80 percent quality of the new one.

Impending challenges

The tyre retreading market in India is at a pivotal juncture driven by a confluence of regulatory support, technological advancements and a growing awareness of sustainability. While challenges remain in the form of market fragmentation, the potential for growth is significant.

Despite these positive trends, the TBR retreading market faces significant challenges. The Indian market remains highly fragmented with over 50 percent of players operating in the unorganised sector.

As the industry adapts to changing dynamics, the focus on quality and sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory. The next decade may see retreading not just as a viable alternative to new tyres but as an essential component of a more sustainable automotive ecosystem in India.

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Yokohama India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co., has launched its newly revamped official website.

The company said that the upgrade is a major milestone and part of its digital transformation, aiming to make tyre discovery, selection and aftersales service simpler and more intuitive for consumers.

The new platform features an intuitive interface with simplified navigation, detailed product information and a mobile-first design for a responsive user experience. The website incorporates AI-led enhancements.

The platform also introduces WhatsApp Connect+, an automated chatbot designed to provide instant product assistance, personalised recommendations and quick connection to dealers. An upgraded dealer locator and a blog section with tyre care tips and maintenance advice are also included.

Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing, Yokohama India, said, “Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that goes beyond information, it’s about building a closer connection with every driving enthusiast. The new website mirrors the performance, innovation, and reliability our tyres represent, while making every interaction from exploring to support seamless and enjoyable.”

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Cabot Corporation has named William ‘Bill’ Masterson as the new Senior Vice President and President of its Reinforcement Materials segment, effective 21 November 2025. He takes over the position from Matthew Wood, whose departure from the company is effective immediately. The company clarified that Wood’s exit is not connected to any form of disagreement concerning business performance, financial controls, operational matters or auditing practices.

Masterson brings considerable experience to his new role, having progressed through a series of leadership positions since joining Cabot from WR Grace in 2011. His most recent assignment was as Vice President of Global Business Operations for Carbon and Silica Technologies, where he managed a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities. In that capacity, his responsibilities extended to overseeing product management, supply chain logistics and technology functions, through which he led key projects focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering sustained growth.

Previously, he served as Vice President and Regional Business Director for the Americas, directing all commercial and technical activities for the specialty carbons and fumed metal oxides lines. This extensive background in managing intricate global operations, supported by his strong commercial strategy expertise, equips him to successfully lead the Reinforcement Materials segment and advance Cabot’s strategic goals.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “Bill brings a strong and diverse background to his new role, with deep expertise in global business operations, commercial strategy and a proven ability to lead complex organisations. Throughout his career at Cabot, he has demonstrated disciplined execution and a commitment to driving growth and operational excellence. Bill will also have the support of a long-tenured, highly experienced team with decades of knowledge in Reinforcement Materials, providing consistency and strength as he leads the business forward. He is also highly regarded for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to develop talent across the Company. I am confident that his strategic insight and operational experience will position the Reinforcement Materials business for continued success and long-term growth.”

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Hankook Tire has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finland’s Rotoboost to co-develop a new class of low-carbon carbon materials for tyres, as the South Korean manufacturer accelerates efforts to cut emissions across its supply chain.

The agreement was concluded on 20 November at Rotoboost’s China office in Shanghai and centres on the joint development of carbon materials derived from so-called turquoise hydrogen — a process in which methane is thermally decomposed to produce hydrogen and solid carbon with significantly lower CO₂ output than conventional production methods.

Hankook said the collaboration marks a further step towards its “2050 Net-Zero” target, with a specific focus on the raw-materials stage, where carbon black — a fossil-fuel-based input widely used in tyre manufacturing — is associated with high emissions. The company has been expanding research into recycled and certified forms of carbon black but sees the hydrogen-derived alternative as a promising next stage.

The signing was attended by Hyuncheol Kim, chief operating officer of Hankook Tire China, and Rotoboost chief executive Kaisa Nikulainen. According to the companies, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to “strengthen sustainable materials value chain”.

Turquoise-hydrogen carbon materials, generated during the decomposition of methane in a high-temperature reactor, have recently drawn interest in the automotive and tyre sectors for their potential to reduce lifecycle emissions. Hankook aims to optimise the material’s properties, validate its performance in tyre compounds and achieve more than a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse-gas intensity “without compromising product performance”.

The group will also develop a quantitative verification system, using Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations, to assess carbon-reduction effects from raw-material sourcing through to production.

The agreement builds on Hankook’s growing portfolio of sustainability-driven projects. This year the company joined a national research programme on large-scale turquoise hydrogen production and began a development initiative with Solvay Silica to produce circular silica using industrial waste streams. Last year it achieved mass-production use of three ISCC PLUS-certified carbon blacks made from end-of-life tyre pyrolysis oil, and commercialised Korea’s first chemically recycled PET tyre cord through a partnership with SK Chemicals and Hyosung Advanced Materials.

Hankook said it would continue to “reduce its dependence on petroleum resources, prevent the depletion of natural resources, and consistently lower carbon emissions” through global collaborations.

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India’s Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has strengthened its original equipment (OE) business with three senior appointments across France and South America, as the off-highway tyre maker accelerates its 2030 growth strategy.

The company said the hires mark a further step in its plan to expand in priority markets and reinforce its position as a global OE partner through technical collaboration and deeper engagement with equipment manufacturers.

In France, BKT has appointed Rémi Morin as Brand Specification Manager. Morin, who has more than 12 years’ experience with a global OEM and a decade in smart farming, mobility and innovation, will lead the firm’s engagement with tractor dealers. BKT said the role is designed to align product development more closely with the needs of OEMs, dealers and end-users in a market where the company already has a strong aftermarket presence.

In South America, BKT has added Cadu Accica as Head OEM South America and Lincoln Sugimoto as OEM Technical Manager South America.

Accica brings 19 years of experience in the specialty tyre sector across Latin America, with a track record in business development, marketing and sales. He will oversee OE partnerships with a focus on customer proximity and long-term collaboration.

Sugimoto, an engineering and project management specialist with 15 years’ experience in the specialty tyre and material-handling industries, will provide technical support to OEMs in the region and drive innovation and operational efficiency.

“These appointments reflect our bold commitment to scaling our OE business worldwide — with Europe and South America being critical parts of that journey. Remi, Cadu, and Lincoln bring passion, expertise, and a shared belief in performance through partnership and innovation. Their arrival enhances our ability to engage with OEMs at the highest level and deliver long-term value across regions. We are building a team that will transform our strong ambitions into reality at a global level,” said Ludovic Revel, President Global OEM, BKT.

BKT said the latest hires follow recent additions to its OE teams across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The company added that it is now positioned to expand its OE footprint across agricultural, industrial and OTR segments as part of its long-term strategic plan.

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