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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Tructyre has announced the appointment of Mark Holland as its new Operations Director, effective from April 2026. In this role, he will leverage his extensive background in managing large-scale mobile service operations to enhance support for fleet customers across all sizes.

Holland transitions to Tructyre from ATS Euromaster, where he spent nearly six years as Operations Director. His tenure there also included leadership positions such as Head of Mobile Operations, Head of Network Development and Area Operations Manager. Prior to joining ATS Euromaster in 2011, he served as Network Manager at Auto Windscreens, where he was responsible for overseeing the company’s mobile teams.

In his new capacity, Holland will oversee a 350-strong fleet of service vehicles, along with tooling, equipment, supply chain and distribution. He will also manage Tructyre’s 24/7 Customer Experience Centre in Gateshead, which handles over 11,000 calls each month. Tructyre specialises exclusively in mobile servicing for trucks, trailers, buses and coaches. Its operations are supported by a network of 40 depots across England, Wales and Scotland, supplemented by additional stocking points, ensuring technicians have round-the-clock access to the necessary fitments for both planned service work and roadside emergencies.

Holland said, “Tructyre is partway through a major investment in new systems, so it’s an exciting moment to be stepping into this role. These upgrades will streamline processes for both our technicians and colleagues within our Customer Experience Centre, enabling us to deliver an even faster, more efficient service for fleets. Few industries carry the responsibility that ours does, and the opportunity to help de‑risk Britain’s commercial vehicle fleets is one I take seriously. I’m looking forward to driving operational excellence in everything we do and ensuring our customers have complete confidence in their tyres.”

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Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd, has been appointed to another term as Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA). This industry body represents India's automotive tyre sector at the national level. Meanwhile, Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director of Bridgestone India Private Limited, has assumed the role of Vice Chairman. In a separate leadership transition, Sanjay Chatterjee, formerly Assistant Director General, has been promoted to Director General of ATMA. He takes over from Rajiv Budhraja, who is set to retire on 31 March 2026.

Mammen’s educational background includes graduation from Madras Christian College and an MBA from Ashland University in United States. His professional development was significantly enhanced by extensive training with B F Goodrich Tire & Co. and Uniroyal Goodrich Tire & Co. during his time in US, an experience that proved highly beneficial in his subsequent career. He was appointed Managing Director of MRF Ltd in 2004 and later became Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

His initial tenure as ATMA Chairman began at a pivotal moment last year, coinciding with the organisation's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Established in 1975, ATMA stands as one of the country's most prominent national industry associations, representing an automotive tyre industry valued at over INR 1 trillion. The association's membership encompasses major Indian and international tyre manufacturers, who collectively account for more than 80 percent of India's total tyre production.

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Giti Tire has secured the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the second consecutive year, positioning it within the top one percent of companies globally evaluated for sustainability. This ongoing distinction underscores the organisation's dedication to ethical operations, environmental stewardship and the generation of sustainable value throughout its worldwide activities.

The EcoVadis framework appraisals in four principal domains: environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethical conduct and sustainable procurement. This methodology offers a thorough benchmark for corporate sustainability. Earning Platinum recognition for two straight years indicates that Giti's environmental, social and governance efforts are not only effective but are also demonstrating ongoing enhancement.

Complementing this accolade, Giti’s manufacturing sites in Anhui and Fujian, China, recently secured ISCC+ certification. This dual achievement illustrates the company's holistic sustainability strategy. This approach encompasses corporate governance and operational excellence while also ensuring the responsible procurement of materials essential for developing next-generation tyres.

As the worldwide mobility industry moves towards more environmentally friendly solutions, Giti is persistently investing in advancements aimed at minimising ecological impact, all without compromising the safety, durability and performance expected by consumers. These milestones reinforce Giti's goal to emerge as a prominent contributor to sustainable mobility within the international tyre sector, offering conscientious products and methods that support its customers, collaborators and communities.

Francois Petiot, Director, International QA Centre, said, “Reaching the top is difficult – but staying at the top of the mountain is even harder. This achievement shows not only our commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices and continuous improvement but also the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved.”

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Agricultural machinery specialist Emyr Evans marked four decades in business by restoring the first new tractor it ever sold. The Massey Ferguson 3065, originally purchased in late December 1995 for New Year delivery, has been beautifully brought back to life. It now rides on the latest MICHELIN AgriBib 2 tyres, supplied and fitted by Saracens, a trusted partner and part of the Michelin Quality Centre network. The tyres fitted are 340/85 R24 on the front and 420/85 R34 on the rear.

Emyr Evans founded the company with his wife Gwenda in 1986, starting with used tractors before becoming a Massey Ferguson dealer for Anglesey and Gwynedd in 1996 from their base in Gaerwen. By 2002, their territory had expanded to cover all of North Wales to the Cheshire border, prompting the opening of a second depot in Denbigh. Over the years, the business has grown by adding major franchises including JCB, Fendt, McHale, Pottinger and Bailey. Today, their sons Gwynedd and Berwyn manage the two depots.

The restored tractor is a significant piece of the company’s history, representing the last of Massey Ferguson’s 3000 series of versatile mid-range tractors. It was originally sold to a farmer in Anglesey and had worked there ever since. Despite its coastal location near the Irish Sea, it remained in working order but required dedicated care and attention.

The choice of modern Michelin tyres highlights the evolution in agricultural technology. The current AgriBib 2, with its improved tread pattern featuring 45-degree lugs, offers enhanced traction, durability and a higher load index to cope with the increasing weight of modern machinery. Comparing it to the Bib’X M18 from the 1990s illustrates this progress. For example, a 16.9 R34 Bib’X M18 carried a maximum load of 2,060 kg at 40 kmph, while the equivalent AgriBib 2 now carries 3,075 kg, an increase of over a tonne per tyre.

The restored Massey Ferguson 3065 is being showcased along with a collection of vintage tractors at the company’s 40th Anniversary Open Days (11 and 12 March) at their Denbigh depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate.

Berwyn Evans, Director at the business, said, “The tractor was sold to a farmer in Anglesey and has been working there ever since. Due to the location by the Irish Sea, it needed some TLC but was still in working order. As the tractor is now 30 years old, it’s been a challenge tracking down replacement parts but a worthwhile one. When it came to fitting new tyres to this special tractor, the only choice was Michelin, which is king in the agricultural world.”

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