Retread tyres in Malaysia are unfairly blamed for road accidents. While the tyres enjoy a pristine reputation in export markets, the notoriety within the local market stems from the lack of ability to differentiate them from low-cost and low-quality tyres that fail to comply with performance standards owing to overloading, maintenance and misapplication.

A total of 1.35 million lives are lost each year in road accidents, according to data from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Another data set from Statista highlighted that the South Asian country witnessed 545,000 road accidents in 2022, an increase from the previous year data of 370,000.

A large portion of these accidents involve commercial vehicles and the blame is also shared by retread tyres. A recent news report highlighted rising concerns within the Malaysian parliament to ban the use of retread tyres of commercial vehicles citing safety norms.

The situation seems ironic as the Malaysian retread industry enjoys a pristine reputation in export markets. Yet, the notoriety of retread tyres on home turf might be seen as ‘collateral damage’.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively on why retread tyres remain a scapegoat for road accidents, Tyre Retreading Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (TRMAM) President Edmund Wong said, “Retread tyres are often unfairly blamed for road accidents because the public struggles to differentiate them from low-cost, low-quality tyres that fail due to poor maintenance, overloading and misapplication. Many people mistakenly associate tyre debris, especially when it reveals exposed steel cords, with retreads. However, this type of failure is more commonly linked to cheap, substandard tyres rather than retreads, which, when properly maintained and used correctly, can be as safe as new tyres. The focus on retreads allows the real issues such as inadequate tyres maintenance and overloading to remain overlooked.”

IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY

Malaysia has a higher road fatality rate compared to ASEAN peers like Singapore, largely due to motorcycle-related deaths, which make up over 65 percent of fatalities.

Malaysia’s road safety goals have reportedly fallen short despite setting out clear targets. In 2014, the government aspired to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2020 as part of its alignment with United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The initiative was a failure and the same target was reiterated in Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030.

Current figures also raise questions over the supposed success of the target. Commenting on ways that could make the reduction target a reality, Wong noted, “To reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030, Malaysia should enforce traffic laws strictly, including penalties for speeding and disobeying traffic lights, while expanding automated systems like speed and red-light cameras. Enhancing road infrastructure with safety audits, smart technology and dedicated motorcycle lanes is essential.”

“Malaysia can adopt best practices, such as dedicated motorcycle lanes, public education campaigns and improved road infrastructure, while learning from Singapore’s success in enforcement, infrastructure and safety culture. Public awareness campaigns should target risky behaviours including running red lights and promote defensive driving. Protecting vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, through improved infrastructure and safety regulations is also crucial,” he added.

Alluding to why stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures are not undertaken to reduce motorbike fatalities, he noted, “The lack of stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures targeting motorbike users in Malaysia is due to several factors. Firstly, motorbikes are a vital mode of transport for many due to affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas, making stricter regulations politically sensitive. Secondly, enforcement of existing laws such as helmet use and licensing is inconsistent, particularly in rural regions, allowing unsafe practices to persist. Thirdly, cultural factors like risk-taking behaviour, resistance to change and low awareness of safety risks hinder the adoption of safer practices. Lastly, limited resources, both financial and infrastructural, result in insufficient investment in targeted campaigns and dedicated motorcycle lanes, leaving riders vulnerable.”

CLOSING GAPS

Wong iterated that to improve road safety and support the retreading industry in Malaysia, several regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses need to be addressed. One significant issue is the inconsistent enforcement of tyre standards, especially for imported new tyres.

While Malaysia requires that imported tyres have certifications like the E-mark, DOT or MS, these standards can sometimes fail to verify the genuineness and reliability of the tyres, leading to concerns about the quality and safety of some imports. This lack of stringent checks on tyres authenticity puts road users at risk and undermines confidence in tyre safety.

Additionally, there is a gap in regulations requiring regular tyre maintenance checks, particularly for retread tyres. Without mandatory inspections for tread depth, pressure and overall tyre condition, vehicles, especially commercial fleets, are at higher risk of tyre-related accidents.

Another issue is the weak enforcement of penalties for overloading and the misapplication of tyres such as using retreads in unsuitable conditions. Overloading vehicles puts excessive stress on tyres, increasing the likelihood of tyre failure, and stricter penalties are needed to deter this dangerous practice.

There is limited education on the benefits of retreads and how to use them safely, which affects their acceptance and proper usage. Implementing campaigns that highlight the safety, environmental and economic benefits of retreads could help improve perceptions and encourage safer practices.

Moreover, government procurement policies should prioritise retread tyres for public transportation fleets, encouraging their use across sectors and providing a market boost to the retreading industry.

Lastly, there is a lack of clear regulations on tyre end-of-life management including guidelines for recycling and disposal. Establishing clear regulations for the responsible management of worn-out tyre, including retreads, would support the circular economy and further promote the sustainability of the retreading industry.

Addressing these regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses would not only improve road safety but also foster the growth of a reliable, safe and sustainable retreading industry in Malaysia.

REPUTATION REVIVAL

The shadow of malignance over the local retread industry is daunting, especially considering its stellar reputation abroad. A methodical plan is urgently needed to change the prevailing perception.

Commenting on how the industry can leverage its foreign reputation to promote retreads domestically, Wong explained, “Malaysia can leverage its reputation in the global retreading industry to promote retreads domestically by focusing on education, policy support and sustainability initiatives.”

“Firstly, educating the public about the benefits of retreads, such as safety, environmental advantages and cost-effectiveness, can shift perceptions. Secondly, incentivising businesses to adopt retread tyres would not only increase its usage but also align with sustainability practices. Retreads significantly reduce waste by reusing tyre casings, contributing to lower carbon footprints and less landfill waste. Offering tax breaks, rebates or financial incentives to businesses that adopt retreads can encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly practice, benefiting both companies and the environment,” he added.

He also noted that Malaysia has a well-established certification system with Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224), which sets high-quality standards for retread tyres. This national standard ensures that domestically produced retreads meet rigorous safety and quality requirements, reinforcing consumer confidence and helping local manufacturers maintain global competitiveness. By promoting this certification and its benefits, Malaysia can further build trust in its retreading industry and drive domestic demand for high-quality retreads.

He also noted that partnerships with universities, research institutions and organisations such as the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) could play a pivotal role in establishing Malaysia as a hub for innovation in tyre retreading. These collaborations would enable research and development focused on improving the quality, safety and efficiency of retread tyre, which could enhance their appeal domestically and internationally.

“The Malaysian Rubber Board has extensive expertise in rubber technology and the development of new rubber compounds, which are crucial for retreading. By working with these organisations, Malaysia could explore advanced rubber materials and improve the durability and performance of retread tyres. MRB’s research could focus on optimising the rubber used in tyre retreading, enhancing its resilience and performance under various road conditions, thus improving the overall safety of retreads. Universities and research institutions bring additional expertise in materials science, engineering and sustainability and can help address any technical gaps in the retreading process. They could collaborate with retreading companies, fleet operators and tyre manufacturers to develop new retreading technologies, better tyre monitoring systems and more efficient processes,” explained Wong.

He added, “These partnerships could also produce credible, science-backed data on the reliability and safety of retread tyre, helping to build public trust and dispel misconceptions about retreads.”

FILLING DATA GAPS

The lack of local data to validate the reliability and safety of both retread and new tyres in Malaysia stems from several key factors, according to Wong.

“Primarily, there is a significant gap in research due to the lack of collaboration between tyre manufacturers, retreaders, fleet operators, research institutions and government agencies. Without cooperation among these stakeholders, there is little incentive or infrastructure to collect and analyse tyre failure data in the local context. This leads to a situation where tyre failure research is outdated or non-existent, leaving the industry to rely on studies from other countries such as US, which may be many years old and not reflective of current tyre technology or local conditions,” noted Wong.

He added, “This problem is not unique to Malaysia; many countries face similar challenges in gathering and sharing tyre-related data. For example, tyre debris reports and studies on tyre failures tend to be infrequent and may not accurately capture the complexities of modern tyre usage, road conditions or fleet operations. To address this gap, a collaborative effort among different stakeholders, both local and international, could be instrumental.”

Collaborations could fund and conduct comprehensive studies on tyres performance under local conditions. By sharing data and expertise, these stakeholders can develop a more accurate understanding of the causes of tyre failures, improve maintenance practices and promote better safety standards for both new and retread tyres.

Additionally, international partnerships could allow for access to global tyre failure databases and new research, enabling Malaysia to adopt best practices from countries like US, Japan or the EU, where more tyre safety research is available.

Establishing a framework for ongoing research and data sharing with regular updates and reports would help fill the data gap and improve tyre safety standards locally. This collaborative approach could ultimately lead to the development of localised tyre safety standards, improved regulations and more informed decision-making by all stakeholders involved.

NEW LEARNING

According to Wong, Malaysia can learn important lessons from countries like Japan and UK, where retread tyres are promoted effectively for their cost-efficiency and environmental benefits. Both Japan and the UK have robust local manufacturing industries for new, high-quality tyres, which ensure a consistent supply of durable tyre casings for retreading.

This industrial advantage helps protect the respective retreading industries by ensuring the availability of reliable casings that meet safety and performance requirements. Japan enforces stringent standards for both new and retread tyres through the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) such as JIS D 4202, which defines specifications for automobile tyres. These regulations ensure high-quality tyre production and maintenance, supporting a thriving retreading ecosystem.

Similarly, UK relies on the ‘E’ mark certification system, which aligns with European safety and performance regulations. The ‘E’ mark, prominently displayed on compliant tyres, indicates that a tyre has undergone rigorous testing and meets safety standards. This harmonised approach in UK ensures that only certified-quality tyres are used, reducing risks and building trust in retread tyres.

In Malaysia, the absence of a local new tyre manufacturing industry for trucks presents a challenge. The reliance on imported new tyres, coupled with the fact that Malaysia’s new tyre standard (MS 1394) is not compulsory, allows low-cost and lower-quality imports to flood the market.

These tyres often produce casings unsuitable for retreading, which undermines the retreading industry. To address these issues, Malaysia could make MS 1394 mandatory for new tyres, ensuring better-quality casings and fostering trust in retreads.

Additionally, promoting awareness of retreads’ economic and environmental benefits, strengthening enforcement of Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224) for retread quality and offering incentives for their adoption could help the industry grow.

Technology, such as tyre monitoring systems, can play a significant role in addressing concerns about retread tyres and improving road safety. These systems provide real-time data on tyre pressure, temperature, tread depth and overall tyre health, helping to ensure that all tyres, including retreads, are properly maintained.

By monitoring tyre performance, these systems can detect early signs of wear, overloading or misapplication, reducing the risk of tyre failure. This not only enhances the safety of retread tyre but also helps prevent accidents caused by poor tyre maintenance or low-quality tyres, leading to a change in perception.

Apollo Tyres, one of the leading manufacturers of tyres in India, has reported its financial results for Q2 FY2027 and H1 FY2027, alongside announcing the appointment of Ravi Kumar Shingari as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective 4 November 2026.

In his new role, Shingari will be reporting directly to Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar. He joined Apollo Tyres in 2018 as Group Head of Finance and subsequently managed functions across budgeting, accounts, investor relations, and legal affairs, following a 16-year tenure at KPMG as Partner in Tax and Regulatory.

The company announced that its consolidated revenue from operations for Q2 grew by 17 percent YoY to INR 79.68 billion, compared to INR 68.31 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

Operating profit for the quarter stood at INR 8.55 billion, while net profit grew 13 percent to INR 2.92 billion, as against INR 2.58 billion in Q2 FY26. The net profit figures include an estimated pre-tax restructuring cost of INR 260 million recorded as an exceptional item.

For H1 FY2027, revenue reached INR 153.66 billion, up 15 percent from INR 133.92 billion in H1 FY26, with operating profit closing at INR 17.23 billion and net profit at INR 6.41 billion.

Onkar Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres, said, "Growth across categories in India has been supported by our sustained rural expansion efforts and strategic association with cricket. In addition, the launch of new products in the commercial vehicle segment in India has strengthened performance during the past quarter. At the same time, geopolitical tensions in West Asia remain a headwind, resulting in elevated input costs and supply chain disruptions."

Also read: Apollo Tyres Appoints Abhineet Kothari As India Business Head For Vredestein

From advanced materials and compound development to intelligent production, testing, simulation and regulation, the global tyre technology community returns to Hannover on 2, 3 and 4 March 2027.

Tire Technology Expo will open its 27th edition next March across Halls 19, 20 and 21 at Deutsche Messe, Hannover. For tyre manufacturers, vehicle OEMs, material developers, production engineers, technical directors, researchers and regulatory specialists, it is one of the few dates in the calendar when the complete tyre development and manufacturing chain can be examined in one place.

That breadth is increasingly important. Tyre performance is being reshaped by changing vehicle architectures, tighter sustainability targets, evolving regulation and the growing role of data in development and production. Progress rarely depends on one isolated technology. It requires decisions across materials, design, process engineering, quality control, testing and the factory systems that connect them.

THE FULL PRODUCTION CHAIN, IN ONE VISIT

Across the three halls, the 2027 exhibition will present more than 240 technology and materials solutions. Visitors will be able to investigate raw and reinforcing materials, speciality chemicals, process oils and compound development alongside mixing, extrusion, calendering, tyre building, mould, curing and cutting technologies.

The show floor will also cover factory automation, handling and logistics, in-line measurement, X-ray inspection, uniformity and balancing, RFID, smart tyres, simulation software, lifecycle monitoring, recycling and homologation. It is a practical opportunity to assess how individual technologies perform within the wider production environment rather than viewing each stage in isolation.

A plant manager can move from dosing and mixing to material handling and process control. An R&D engineer can discuss compound properties, test methods, modelling and production feasibility during the same visit. Vehicle OEM teams can meet specialists in tyre behaviour, data acquisition, simulation and connected-tyre applications, as well as the companies responsible for turning those developments into repeatable industrial processes.

The 2027 exhibitor list is already bringing together major machinery, automation, materials and testing organisations. Confirmed names include VMI Group, HF Group, TROESTER, KraussMaffei Extrusion, Rockwell Automation and Siemens, together with ARLANXEO, Asahi Kasei, Evonik and Henkel. Testing and development expertise is represented by organisations including MTS and Applus IDIADA.

THE CONFERENCE: SUBSTANCE BEHIND THE INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST QUESTIONS

The 2027 speaker lineup is going to be released in the very near future, with the direction of the three-day Tire Technology Expo Conference already clear. The presentations will highlight the scientific, technical, business and regulatory contributions, with an emphasis on genuine insight, practical experience and application-led case studies rather than corporate presentations.

The highlighted subjects reflect the decisions now facing tyre manufacturers and their customers. They include sustainable manufacturing, circularity, retreading and material reuse; advanced and alternative materials; requirements linked to the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, deforestation rules and homologation; tyre and road wear particles and the implications of Euro 7, including a specific focus on C3 tyres; virtual tyre development, testing, modelling and simulation; intelligent connected tyres, sensors and data applications; AI in R&D and manufacturing; supply-chain resilience; and tyre integration with electric, autonomous and software-defined vehicles.

The programme is being shaped with input from an advisory group that includes senior expertise from Continental, Michelin, Tyres Europe and the University of Twente. The conference is set to bring together more than 170 expert speakers and over 100 hours of presentations and panel discussions across three days, creating a concentrated forum for tyre makers, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, research institutions and academia.

For delegates, its value goes beyond individual presentations. The format allows the technical and regulatory implications of a development to be tested against different viewpoints, often while the relevant materials, equipment and measurement technologies can be examined a few steps away on the exhibition floor. Delegate passes also include hospitality, private networking, access to the awards and post-event access to presentation materials. The programme and delegate registration will be released in due course.

DEVELOP SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE THROUGH THE SHORT COURSES

Four specialist short courses will run during the event week, with the full 2027 programme and booking details to be announced. The established subject range spans tyre mechanics, mathematical modelling, regulations and reinforcement, with formats ranging from one to four days.

These courses are intended for professionals who need more depth than a conference session can provide. Previous programmes have taken participants through subjects such as tyre structure and compounding, grip and durability, finite-element and real-time modelling, tyre-road interaction, EU and UNECE regulatory frameworks, type approval, tyre labelling, reinforcement properties and fatigue testing.

For engineers, scientists, technical managers and regulatory teams, the courses provide a concentrated opportunity to strengthen knowledge that can be applied directly to current development and manufacturing work. They also offer a valuable common technical foundation for colleagues moving into new responsibilities or working across different parts of the tyre and vehicle industries.

RECOGNISING THE WORK MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence will again place the industry’s strongest recent work under the spotlight. The 2027 awards cover 11 categories across environmental achievement, chemicals and compounding, materials, R&D, manufacturing, supplier performance, tyre concepts and finished products. Access to the ceremony is included with a visitor pass and takes place right after the networking drinks, giving the wider expo audience an opportunity to see which developments are setting the benchmark for the sector and to catch up with new and existing connections.

PLAN THE CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER

Tire Technology Expo is built around practical progress. It is where a new material can be assessed against production requirements, a modelling approach can be discussed with vehicle and tyre specialists and an equipment investment can be examined with the engineers who will support its implementation.

The exhibition is open to tyre industry and related professionals, and visitor registration is now available. Conference delegate registration and short-course booking will open separately as the 2027 programmes are confirmed.

India’s recycling industry is becoming more technology-driven, formalised and commercially sophisticated, but women remain underrepresented across its operational and technical functions. GRP Ltd Executive Director Hemal Gandhi believes a new generation, increasingly exposed to sustainability and circular-economy thinking, could begin changing that equation. Recently appointed as Chairperson of Material Recycling Association of India’s Women in Recycling Committee, Gandhi is pushing for greater participation, capability building and visibility as the sector moves beyond conventional waste processing towards advanced resource recovery and sustainable-material manufacturing.

A new generation of professionals exposed to sustainability and circular-economy principles will drive greater participation of women in India’s recycling industry, according to GRP Ltd Executive Director Hemal Gandhi, who was recently appointed Chairperson of the Women in Recycling Committee at the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI).

Gandhi acknowledged that women’s representation across the recycling industry remains limited, particularly outside conventional support functions. However, she sees an opportunity for this to change as second-generation members of recycling businesses enter the sector and younger professionals increasingly encounter sustainability and circularity through universities and education.

“A lot of the second generation has come into the business,” Gandhi told Tyre Trends, adding that the newer generation is more receptive to entering recycling because it increasingly understands the industry’s broader environmental purpose.

For Gandhi, the immediate priorities for increasing women’s involvement are participation, capability building and visibility.

She wants participation to extend beyond corporate and leadership positions into technology, operations, engineering, research and development, entrepreneurship and commercial functions.

“I’d like to encourage greater participation of women across the recycling value chain,” Gandhi said.

She added that stronger platforms for knowledge sharing and mentoring are needed, with mentor circles among the mechanisms being considered to engage a wider audience.

Visibility represents the third element as she wants greater recognition of women already contributing to recycling while strengthening connections between established industry leaders and the next generation.

The broader objective, she said, is to make recycling a more inclusive, professional and future-oriented industry and ensure women have a meaningful role in determining its next phase of growth.

“Women bring extraordinary attention to detail, discipline, resilience and an ability to see both the task and the people around it. But I don’t want women to be valued only for these qualities. I want them at the table, making the big decisions,” noted a confident Gandhi.

GRP’s own experience illustrates some of the barriers. Gandhi said women joining the company’s Sholapur operations were initially concentrated in support functions including administration and human resources.

Changing that required what she described as a ‘mindset shift’ within GRP itself. The company has since expanded their presence into manufacturing.

“We are pros at multi-tasking and know how to get the job done. We’ve successfully represented plenty of industries before and now it’s recycling’s turn to take centre stage,” she said.

Women’s representation at GRP varies across locations based on the job requirement and talent availability. The head office has the largest women participation of 28.57 percent. The reclaim rubber and Pyrova business combined contribute to about 13.30 percent with substantial women participation on shopfloor at all shifts.

The plants in Solapur and Ankleshwar show 19.32 percent and 17.81 percent, respectively, which are far higher than the industry average of 10–11 percent.

The focus is to create opportunities of women participation in the plastics business as well.

BROADENING BASE

The push for broader participation comes as India’s tyre-recycling ecosystem itself undergoes significant change.

Gandhi said tyre recycling now has strong representation within MRAI with participation increasing across the value chain. The ecosystem has expanded beyond conventional scrap processing to include collection, aggregation, mechanical recycling, crumb rubber, reclaim rubber, pyrolysis, devulcanisation, retreading technologies and downstream users.

MRAI’s tyre-focused sessions and programmes have also seen increased participation, according to Gandhi. She sees the association’s role extending beyond industry representation to providing a platform where stakeholders can engage on policy, standards, technology and development of end markets.

The next opportunity, she said, is to deepen representation across the tyre-recycling value chain.

Gandhi described India’s tyre-recycling industry as being at an inflection point with Extended Producer Responsibility emerging as a significant catalyst.

The waste-tyre framework has brought greater attention to end-of-life tyres, encouraged formal recycling channels and provided recyclers with a more structured position within the tyre ecosystem.

More companies entering the sector demonstrate growing interest, but Gandhi cautioned that regulation and creation of recycling capacity represent only the beginning.

“The next phase needs to concentrate on quality, traceability, responsible processing and end markets,” she said, adding, “Industry should not measure success only by how many tonnes of tyres are processed.”

Instead, the sector needs to examine how much material value is recovered from every tyre, the quality of those recovered materials and whether they ultimately enter higher-value applications.

She described EPR as a game changer that has established the framework, while the next challenge is developing a more transparent, technology-driven and circular system around it.

COLLABORATION OVER CONSOLIDATION

India’s tyre-recycling industry has historically been fragmented, though Gandhi believes it is gradually becoming more organised as regulations, technology and market requirements become clearer.

She drew a distinction between consolidation and collaboration.

“Companies operating in collection, dismantling, shredding, pyrolysis and retreading can have significantly different levels of technology and formalisation. The objective should therefore not simply be reducing the number of companies,” she argued.

Instead, India needs a more organised ecosystem with common expectations around compliance, traceability, quality, technology and responsible processing.

More clearly defined standards and EPR requirements will increasingly differentiate companies investing in quality systems and sustainable operations, she said.

Comparing India with more established recycling economies, 126 T Y R E T R E N D S | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Gandhi said the country has several advantages including a large domestic tyre market, substantial availability of end-of-life tyres, rubber-processing capabilities and an increasingly structured policy framework.

There is, however, no single international recycling model India can simply replicate because individual markets have developed around different collection systems, regulations and economics.

The common global direction is towards higher-value material recovery.

Products such as reclaim rubber and recovered carbon black are increasingly being developed as industrial raw materials rather than merely waste-derived outputs.

India is moving in the same direction, Gandhi said, with domestic recyclers already producing such materials and supplying to international markets.

“The opportunity is to combine India’s scale, manufacturing capabilities and entrepreneurial base with global best practices,” she noted.

EXPANDING CAPACITY

GRP, meanwhile, is positioning its recycling operations around recovering greater value from waste materials and developing applications capable of substituting virgin resources.

The company currently operates across five strategic locations and eight manufacturing units with installed capacity of approximately 122,000 tonnes per annum, according to Gandhi.

Its next step into end-of-life tyre recovery is being pursued through Pyrova Energy.

At Sholapur, GRP has commissioned a 15,000-tonne-per-annum continuous tyre pyrolysis reactor alongside an integrated crumb-rubber facility. The next phase includes expanding pyrolysis capacity to 45,000 tonnes per annum and developing recovered carbon black capacity.

The broader objective is to recover the different components of an end-of-life tyre while progressively improving the quality and value of each material stream.

Gandhi also highlighted GRP’s wider sustainability performance. She said the company reduced Scope 4 emissions by 55 percent, while the share of its energy requirements met through renewable sources increased to 48 percent from 37 percent in the previous year.

GRP has also received an EcoVadis Gold rating and published a comprehensive sustainability report covering initiatives across the organisation. It has also been recognised as a 2026 Avtar & Seramount ‘Best Company for ESG’, acknowledging its commitment to responsible business, transparency and accountability.

The direction, Gandhi said, is to recover more from every tyre, improve material quality and create additional applications for those recovered materials.

GAINING GROUND

Interest in recycled and renewable materials is increasing, although Gandhi said recycled content varies significantly depending on the material, application and performance requirements.

For reclaim rubber, she cited Rubber Board data showing domestic consumption of almost 167,500 tonnes in 2024-25, including about 67,000 tonnes consumed by automotive tyre manufacturers.

GRP supplies reclaim rubber to major tyre manufacturers globally, Gandhi said, adding that eight of the world’s top 10 tyre manufacturers are its customers.

She noted that recyclers and tyre companies need to work together from the product-development stage, developing materials and testing capabilities for specific applications and establishing appropriate quality and performance parameters.

Sustainability targets will translate into meaningful virgin-material substitution only when recycled alternatives meet requirements around quality, safety, consistency and economics, she added.

Despite India’s sizeable tyre-recycling ecosystem, Gandhi said a significant proportion of the industry continues to serve relatively lower-value applications.

“The next opportunity is to retain more of the material value contained within an end-of-life tyre by developing markets for high-quality reclaim rubber, recovered carbon black, pyrolysis products and engineered tyre-derived materials,” she noted.

Achieving that transition will require recyclers and downstream industries to collaborate on qualification, testing and application development.

Gandhi also argued that comparisons between virgin and recycled materials should move beyond price.

“Cost needs to be considered alongside performance, consistency, carbon footprint and supply security. Recyclers, meanwhile, will need to invest in process control, research and development and testing to improve performance, while scale, automation and energy efficiency will be critical to improving costs,” she contended.

NEXT PHASE

Greater standardisation and quality benchmarks will be among the most important enablers of the industry’s next stage, Gandhi said.

Tyre manufacturers and other industrial customers need confidence that recycled material purchased today will meet the same critical parameters when supplied months later.

This places increasing importance on testing protocols, traceability and credible certification.

Gandhi said standards should nevertheless avoid becoming barriers to innovation. Instead, they should be performance-based, allowing new technologies and materials to develop while providing customers with confidence around consistency and safety.

She sees MRAI as potentially playing a constructive role by bringing recyclers, tyre manufacturers, standards bodies, technical institutions and policymakers together.

GRP’s immediate priorities include scaling its next-generation reclaim-rubber business, ramping up the Pyrova Energy platform, commissioning recovered carbon black capacity and investing further in innovation and research and development to develop higher-value products and applications.

But Gandhi said her ambitions extend beyond the company.

Through her role with the Women in Recycling Committee, she wants to increase women’s participation particularly in leadership, technology and technical functions.

“The next generation of women in recycling should not just be entering the industry but shaping its technology, factories, businesses and future,” contended Gandhi.

Her message to young and aspiring women was not to make themselves smaller to fit the room but to prepare well, do the work, speak up and take their place.

That objective intersects with Gandhi’s broader view of where the Indian recycling industry is heading.

“India has an opportunity to progress from waste management towards resource recovery and sustainable-material manufacturing. Combining stronger regulation and standards with responsible manufacturing could help develop a globally competitive circular-materials industry,” she said.

For women entering the sector, that transformation could simultaneously broaden the types of careers available.

As recycling becomes more technical, formalised and closely integrated with manufacturing, Gandhi believes the new generation’s familiarity with sustainability and circularity could help accelerate that shift.

The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has appointed Michael Berthel as its new Managing Director, effective 1 January 2027. The decision was made by the wdk Executive Board, with Berthel set to succeed Boris Engelhardt, who is retiring at year-end at his own request after leading the association since 2011. Berthel brings deep institutional knowledge to the role, having served the wdk since 1998 and currently holding the position of Chief Economist.

Reflecting on Engelhardt's tenure, wdk President Michael Klein acknowledged the outgoing director's dedication over 15 years, noting that membership doubled during that period and the association earned worldwide recognition as the industry's voice. Klein expressed confidence that Berthel's extensive experience and strong network will further reinforce the wdk's role as the representative of the rubber industry's interests. The leadership transition is scheduled to take effect at the start of 2027.

Boris Engelhardt

Michael Klein, President, wdk, said, "We thank Engelhardt for his dedication over the past 15 years. During this time, not only has the number of association members doubled, but the wdk has also become known and recognised worldwide as the voice of our industry. With Berthel, we have gained a highly experienced and exceptionally well-connected expert as Managing Director, with whom we will further strengthen our position as the representative of the rubber industry's interests."