As sustainability becomes central to the tyre industry’s evolution, the spotlight is now shifting from just recyclability and circularity to a newer, promising domain – bio-based materials. While global tyre manufacturers invest heavily in de-carbonisation strategies, companies like Shanghai Cheeshine Novel Materials Technology Co., Ltd. are at the forefront of pushing this transition further. With a growing portfolio of innovative, high-performance bio-based solutions, Cheeshine is betting on the increasing demand for greener alternatives. However, as industry adoption remains cautious, especially in replacing petroleum-derived materials, the road to mainstream acceptance of bio-based materials may still require both technological refinement and a stronger market-driven pull.

Sustainability, recyclability, circularity and renewable materials are the main keywords of the current tyre industry. Companies have invested millions in its efforts towards reaching sustainability goals and attaining a circular economy.

But there is also a new buzz word in town – bio-based raw materials. Cheeshine is confident that the tyre industry has developed an interest towards such materials in its quest towards a sustainable future.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends, the company’s Director of Research and Development Centre, Hai Li, said, “Our goal is to support the rubber industry’s sustainable development. That’s why we’ve selected certain bio-based materials, and through modification, enhanced their properties to make them suitable for rubber applications. There’s growing demand for bio-based materials in tyres due to increased environmental awareness and the need for greener alternatives.”

Founded in 2005 in Shanghai, the company delivers different products and services to the rubber industry. Over more than a decade of growth, the company has expanded its footprint with factories and offices in Jiangsu Huai’an, Jiangsu Suzhou, Shandong Linyi, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Tianjin, India and France, serving a global customer base.

It maintains long-term collaboration with leading Chinese universities and in 2016 established the ‘Cheeshine Scholarship’ at the School of Polymer Materials, Qingdao University of Science and Technology to support innovation in research and development.

With strong research and development capabilities and large-scale production capacity, Cheeshine offers six core product categories including low rolling resistance silane, high-temperature resistant cross-linking agents, wet-skid resistant resins, adhesion promoters, special reinforcing fillers and environmentally friendly processing oils.

It currently holds 108 patents and several technologies for which it has filed PCTs. A standout example is its high dispersion precipitated silica by carbonisation, the precipitated silica via CO₂ substitution for sulfuric acid, a process that currently sets it apart as the only manufacturer with this capability.

MANUFACTURING PROWESS

The company focuses on the ‘magic triangle’, which, in the tyre industry, is referred to the balance between three critical performance factors viz-a-viz rolling resistance, wet grip and wear resistance.

Cheeshine Materials manufactures through its three factories in China and ships worldwide. Its research and development hubs are also located within the country. “We’re a research and development-driven company. Our largest development centre is in Suzhou with over 80 team members, most of whom hold master’s or doctoral degrees. We have a total of three R&D centres. Our teams work closely with clients to co-develop customised and high-performance solutions. We have two main production bases – one in Hua’an, Jiangsu Province, and another in Shandong Province,” said Li.

The company registered a turnover of USD 120 million in 2024 and serves a global base of over 500 customers. Within the tyre industry, it majorly works with the global top 10.

Li expressed pride in the company’s innovations and emphasised on the broad portfolio of rubber additives and sustainable materials. Claiming that the company has a strong market presence both in China and internationally, he provided an overview of the core offerings.

Under the category of bio-based products, Li highlighted a rubber processing oil derived from modified cashew nut shell oil, a product he claimed is manufactured in China only by his company. This oil not only improves compatibility with rubber compounds but also contributes to sustainability. Another innovation was the modified natural rubber (epoxidised NR), developed to serve as a bio-based alternative to synthetic SSBR, offering enhanced performance.

In terms of eco-friendly fillers, he pointed to the high-dispersion precipitated silica by carbonisation, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional sulfuric acid-derived silica and also improves dispersion in rubber compounds. He also mentioned a high-performance liquid rubber additive known for its excellent compatibility and market success.

For advanced functional additives, he cited the modified silane coupling agent, designed to replace TESPT and improve rolling resistance and silica dispersion and currently protected under a PCT patent. The company’s multi-functional cross-linking agent enhances durability and strength, while a line of environmentally friendly accelerators was developed to minimise environmental impact during vulcanisation.

The portfolio also includes speciality resins such as a tear-resistant resin for improved tyre durability and several wet skid-resistant resins, including AMS and modified AMS resin, hydrogenated resin, bio-based resin and modified C5/C9 resin, targeted at enhancing grip on wet surfaces. Additionally, the company produces various phenolic and formaldehyde resins for specific performance attributes like heat resistance and bonding, along with anti-reversion agents and silica dispersion agents that support high-performance compound development.

Among the company’s most cutting-edge innovations is a sulfur-free curing agent, an alternative that replaces traditional sulfur in rubber vulcanisation and enhance tyre ageing resistance and wear resistance while significantly boosting overall durability performance. This agent helps reduce tyre cracking over time and extend product life. Li noted that Cheeshine Materials is currently the only company globally manufacturing this agent and has secured a PCT patent for it.

When asked about the source of their materials, Li acknowledged that while many of the older products were petrochemical-based, the company is now strongly shifting towards bio-based alternatives including bio-oils, resins and natural rubber modifications, in alignment with the industry’s evolving sustainability goals.

MARKET TALK

While the company has a kitty of impressive offerings that might cater to the emerging and evolving demands of the tyre industry, replacing traditional materials completely is a matter that is to be taken up in the near future. Of all the raw materials that go into a tyre, replacing synthetic rubber seems to be a very vague concept for many.

Alluding to why the industry will choose modified natural rubber over SSBR, Li explained, “Modified natural rubber offers higher bio-based content, which supports sustainability goals. Through our proprietary modifications, we enhance its ageing, physical and dynamic properties, making it a strong alternative to synthetic rubber.”

Commenting on challenges, Li said, “Our main challenge is the constant push to develop better products and solutions. Innovation is an ongoing effort. We’re continually working to modify bio-based materials like lignin. Many projects are ongoing, focused on improving sustainability and performance. On the cost front, we aim to keep the cost of our new products on par with conventional ones while providing the added value of sustainability.”

Li described that the business is fairly balanced between domestic and international markets. In terms of global expansion, he mentioned that growth is being driven through a network of affiliates and distributors. The company already has team members based in Paris, Copenhagen and Mumbai and are actively engaging with international partners to access new markets.

In response to questions about the shifting dynamics in Europe, particularly with some local plants shutting down, Li noted that the company is continuing to expand its manufacturing capacity in China. He cited the country’s cost advantages and strong pool of research and development talent as key factors. Looking ahead, the company plans to strengthen its presence in Europe by hiring more local technical support staff to better serve the region.

As for establishing a manufacturing plant in Europe, Li shared that there are no immediate plans to do so. However, the company may consider this move in about two or three years, particularly after the full commissioning of the new domestic plant as part of a longer-term strategy to navigate tariffs and support local demand.

When asked about the future vision, Li stated that Cheeshine Materials’ ambition is to become a true pioneer of the unexplored territories in the rubber industry. The focus remains on leading innovation and continually expanding the company’s global influence.

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Nokian Tyres has named Timo Koponen as its incoming Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Management team. He is scheduled to assume the role by 15 April 2026 and will report directly to President and CEO Paolo Pompei. The company’s interim CFO, Jari Huuhtanen, who serves as VP of Group Business Control, will continue in that capacity until Koponen officially begins.

Koponen brings extensive financial and executive experience to Nokian Tyres, most recently serving as the CFO and a member of the Leadership Team at Normet, a prominent global provider of mining and tunnelling technology. His professional background includes a series of senior roles in finance and business leadership across several industrial corporations. Before his tenure at Normet, he held significant positions at Lamor Corporation, Wärtsilä, Hackman and Konecranes.

Koponen holds degrees in Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration. His appointment is part of Nokian Tyres' strategic leadership planning, ensuring a structured transition in its financial leadership.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am pleased to welcome Timo Koponen to Nokian Tyres. His extensive experience in finance and operations within publicly listed companies, combined with his leadership in international business and major transformations, will be a valuable asset as we move into the next stages of our development. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Jari Huuhtanen for his outstanding contribution as interim CFO and his role as a strong partner in our transformation. I look forward to continuing our journey together with Jari as a key leader within Timo’s team.”

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Magna Tyres Group has appointed Ruud Leijtens as the new Sales Manager for Scandinavia. In this position, he will dedicate his efforts to expanding the company's network across the Scandinavian region.

Leijtens will focus on building strong partnerships with customers and creating new opportunities for the brand. The company considers his experience and energy a valuable addition to the team and looks forward to strengthening its commercial activities in Scandinavia with him on board to achieve its strategic goals for the market.

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The Indian Rubber Institute (IRI), a non-profit professional body focussing on the tyre and rubber industry, has officially announced its flagship biennial conference, ‘IRI-CON’26’. IRI Gujarat and Rajasthan Branch have jointly organised the event. 

Scheduled to take place on 30th and 31st January 2026 at the Hotel Sayaji in Vadodara, Gujarat, the event serves as a critical junction for technocrats, researchers, and industry leaders to navigate the sector's rapidly evolving technological and sustainability priorities.

The choice of Vadodara as the host city underscores Gujarat’s status as a formidable powerhouse for elastomers and rubber manufacturing. The region serves as a strategic base for global and domestic tyre giants, including Apollo Tyres, CEAT, BKT, MRF and JK Tyre & Industries, while hosting a robust network of suppliers specialising in carbon black, silica, textiles and rubber chemicals. 

IRI-CON' 26' is supported by Ravi Enterprises, Kobelco Industrial Machinery India, Panama Petrochem, Pukhraj Additives and Beakert Industries as Platinum sponsors. Rajsha Chemicals, Madhu Silica, Balkrishna Industries and Madura Industrial Textiles are the Gold sponsors. On the other hand, Singh Plasticisers and Resins, Raj Petro Specialties, Nynas Napthenics, OCCL, 20 Micros, Sampann Utpadan India, ISRPL, Polyplas Global, Aksharchem India, Rubber King Tyre and Northwest Group are Silver Sponsors.

Lanxess India, Witnmans Industries, Epsilon Holdings, Kuraray India, Rubamin, Tinna Rubber and Infrastructure, Chem-Trend Chemicals, Dawsun Exim Corp, JK Tyre & Industries, Galaxy Chem & Machiner, Gujarat Bondchem and Silox India are the Bronze sponsors.

Lastly, MLA Industries, FINORCHEM, Tata Chemicals, Reliance Industries and DCM Shriram Chemicals are the Supporter for the event.

Against this backdrop, the conference theme – ‘Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Developments in Rubber and Allied Industries’ – reflects an urgent industry-wide commitment to resource efficiency, circular economy principles and responsible manufacturing.

High-Profile Inauguration and Strategic Vision

The conference will commence with a high-powered inaugural session dedicated to global trends and strategic updates. This session features a line-up of some of the most influential figures in the Indian rubber ecosystem. Dr Sujith Nair, Chairman, IRI Gujarat and VP R&D, CEAT, will deliver the welcome speech.

V K Misra, Chairman of IRI and representative of JK Tyres & Industries, will open the proceedings with a vision for the institute’s role in future-proofing the industry. He will be joined by Vasantagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board and Dr R Mukhopadhyay, who will provide a comprehensive overview of global sustainability trends.

Further technical leadership will be provided by Renji Issac, Chairman of ITTAC and representative of CEAT and P K Mohamed, Emeritus Chairman of IRI. The academic foundation of the event is bolstered by the presence of Prof. Dr Kinshuk Naskar from IIT Kharagpur – the institute's long-term partner for technical certification – and Prof. Dr Sabu Thomas of MG University, ensuring a seamless bridge between cutting-edge research and industrial application.

Innovations in Green Chemistry and Circularity

The event will also dive deep into technical breakthroughs that are reshaping the tyre value chain. A significant focus will be placed on ‘Green Tyres’ and the reduction of environmental footprints. Key presentations will feature Bekaert Industries discussing advanced cord solutions for weight reduction, and CEAT showcasing the CIRCL90, a sustainable passenger car tyre.

The shift toward a circular economy is a recurring theme throughout the technical sessions. Epsilon Carbon and Rathi Group India (Capital Carbon) will present on the integration of recovered carbon black (rCB) and the importance of ASTM standards in ensuring market momentum for recycled materials. Meanwhile, Brisil Green Silica and Tata Chemicals are set to discuss the revolutionary transition of producing sustainable silica from agricultural waste, a move that highlights the industry's move away from traditional, energy-intensive sourcing.

A Collaborative Ecosystem

The conference serves as a global stage for a diverse array of companies, including Arlanxeo India, which will present eco-friendly elastomer solutions and Finorchem, focusing on enhancing compound performance through phenolic resin-silica coupling. Other notable participants include LANXESS, TUV Rheinland and TTRC, covering everything from bio-based additives to water-based vulcanising cements and rigorous certification standards.

As regulatory pressures and environmental expectations continue to intensify, IRI-CON’26 stands as a timely and vital forum. By aligning manufacturers, R&D specialists, and academia, the event is positioned to chart a sustainable growth pathway for India’s tyre and rubber ecosystem, ensuring it remains competitive on the global stage while meeting the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

The event will also celebrate the next generation of industry talent with a Best Student Presentation Award Ceremony on the final day.

All-in-all the event is a must-attend for industry professionals, R&D specialists and academics in the tyre and rubber industry. To register click here

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As 2026 begins, Fornnax enters a decisive phase of its growth, seeking to scale its operations globally after years of investment in engineering, innovation and sustainable recycling.

“Our 2026 strategy is driven by four key priorities,” said Jignesh Kundaria, Director and Chief Executive of Fornnax.

The first priority is global expansion. The company plans to strengthen its presence in Europe, Australia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, while continuing to grow in existing markets. By aligning closely with local regulations and customer requirements, Fornnax aims to position itself as a long-term partner for advanced recycling solutions.

A central milestone will be export-led global installations. In 2026, the company plans to commission Europe’s highest-capacity shredding line, a project intended to reinforce its focus on high-capacity recycling systems.

The second priority is product innovation and technology leadership. Innovation, the company says, underpins its ambition to become a global leader in recycling technology by 2030. The focus remains on solutions that are efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible.

Building on more than a decade in tyre recycling, Fornnax has expanded into additional applications including municipal solid waste, e-waste, cable and aluminium recycling. Several large projects are scheduled to become operational this year, including the installation of India’s largest e-waste and cable recycling line and the commissioning of a high-capacity municipal solid waste RDF recycling line.

“Sustainable growth must be scalable and profitable,” Kundaria said. In 2026, Fornnax expects to complete phase one of its capacity expansion with the establishment of what it describes as the world’s largest shredding equipment manufacturing facility. The 23-acre site is scheduled for completion in July 2026 and is intended to expand production capacity and support global deliveries.

Alongside manufacturing expansion, the company plans further efficiency gains across its supply chain and service operations, while strengthening its service network in India, Australia and Europe to improve response times and customer support.

The final priority is people and culture. “People remain the foundation of Fornnax’s success. We will continue to invest in talent, leadership development, and a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” Kundaria said.

With sustainability positioned as a core principle, the company says its objective is to grow while supporting the circular economy and contributing to a cleaner future. Management describes 2026 as a defining year, shaped by global installations, diversified recycling applications and manufacturing expansion.

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