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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Bridgestone India announced the winners of the 5th Edition of its Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) 2025 in Pune, celebrating organisations that use mobility for social good.

The top honour in the Road Safety Innovation and Excellence category went to ALERT (Amenity Lifeline Emergency Response Team) from Chennai for empowering over 450,000 citizens with emergency response skills. Safety Research Foundation (SRF), based in Pune, received a Jury Commendation for its BRACE Project, which transforms school zones with safety audits and infrastructure upgrades.

In the Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities category, The Association of People with Disability (APD), Bengaluru, won the top honour for its Rehab on Wheels initiative, which provides last-mile rehabilitation services.

The winners were presented with their awards by social worker Dr. Girish Kulkarni, founder of Snehalaya.

Hiroshi Yoshizane, Group President, Bridgestone Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said: “It is a privilege to honour these changemakers who are redefining mobility for social good. Their work reflects our shared commitment to building inclusive, safe, and empowered communities.”

Jeya Padmanaban, Founding Trustee, Safety Research Foundation (SRF), said, “We are truly honoured to receive the Jury Commendation at the Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards 2025. The BRACE Project reflects our belief that road safety must begin at the community level, where awareness and infrastructure meet action. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue building safer environments for children and fostering a culture of responsibility and care on our roads.”

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Linglong Tire has announced the promotion of Alessio Iacovelli to Deputy Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, effective 1 September 2025. In this elevated role, Iacovelli will take on leadership of the regional sales team with a mandate to accelerate business development. His key objectives will include forging strategic alliances and implementing programmes to strengthen customer loyalty. Iacovelli will report directly to Lisa Zhao, the Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, and will collaborate with her to manage key markets, including Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain.

Iacovelli, who began his career with Goodyear and Nexen, first joined Linglong Tire at the end of 2022 as a Sales Manager. In that capacity, he demonstrated significant success in developing the Southern European aftermarket, where he expanded the brand's footprint, defined effective growth strategies and secured robust partnerships with distributors. This strategic appointment and the restructuring of the sales leadership underscore Linglong Tire's intensified focus on achieving its ambitious growth targets across the European continent.

Iacovelli said, "I am very pleased to have been promoted to Deputy Director Replacement Sales West Europe at Linglong Tire. We have fantastic products such as the Sport Master 4S and the Sport Master Winter, both successfully tested in the recently published tyre tests. We have a state-of-the-art development centre in Germany and a new tyre plant in Europe and are successful in original equipment – ideal conditions for achieving our ambitious goals together with my team and the colleagues in Hannover and continuing to grow, especially in Europe."

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German synthetic rubber maker ARLANXEO has launched consultations with worker representatives over the potential closure of its Port Jerome facility in France, citing persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness in the European chemicals industry.

The company, which is majority-owned by Saudi Aramco, had begun an information and consultation period with the Works Council at the site, located in northern France. A final decision on the closure will be taken after the mandatory consultation process concludes and approval is obtained from the French labour authorities, DREETS.

“The European chemical industry continues to face persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness driven by rising costs, unbalanced global markets, and increased regulatory pressure,” said Stephan van Santbrink, ARLANXEO chief executive.

“These conditions have generated a significant burden on the sector across the regional value chain. ARLANXEO has not been an exception to these challenges. The Port Jerome site has remained in a structurally loss-making position. Despite numerous improvement efforts, we do not foresee a viable path to a sustained structural improvement.”

The company did not disclose how many jobs would be affected by a potential closure, nor did it provide details on the facility’s production capacity or annual output.

Van Santbrink acknowledged the impact on workers, saying: “We recognise the impact a potential closure may have on our employees, and we regret the need to consider these steps. We will continue to treat all employees with respect. If we decide to cease operations at the site, we will do our utmost to assist in finding alternative solutions for all impacted employees. In addition, we intend to provide impacted employees with a social plan which reflects their valued contribution to ARLANXEO.”

The announcement adds to a growing list of European chemical producers struggling with high energy costs, sluggish demand and competition from lower-cost producers in Asia and the United States.

ARLANXEO said it would work closely with all affected internal and external stakeholders to minimise the impact of the intended closure.

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Continental's Tires group sector has strengthened its leadership team with two key internal appointments, effective 1 September 2025. Jana Striezel has been named the new head of global purchasing for Continental Tires, while Dennis Bellmund has assumed leadership of the global original equipment business for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Both executives will report directly to Christian Kötz, the member of Continental AG's Executive Board who leads the Tires group sector.

In her new capacity, Striezel will oversee worldwide strategic and operational purchasing. She brings extensive experience from the automotive industry, having previously held several procurement management roles at Renault, where she led purchasing for the Renault brand and its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe. Her career began at Volkswagen in 2014.

Bellmund, who has a 25-year tenure with Continental, steps into his role following the departure of his predecessor, Manja Greimeier, to the ContiTech sector. His extensive background within the company includes recent responsibility for Continental’s tyre retail operations, alongside prior leadership roles in EMEA supply chain management and sales direction for the European replacement tyre business. These appointments signal a strategic reinforcement of Continental's tyre division leadership.

Kötz said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jana Striezel, a highly skilled manager, to our team. She brings extensive expertise in international procurement and will focus on driving forward our purchasing strategy. In Dennis Bellmund, our global original equipment business has gained a highly experienced leader. Thanks to his many years at Continental, he is familiar with our company and our customers’ needs from many different angles. On behalf of the entire management team, I wish both of them every success in their new roles and look forward to working together.”

“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank Manja Greimeier for her successful leadership of our original equipment business and wish her all the best and continued success,” added Kötz.

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