Russia's tyre recycling industry has grown significantly in recent years due to increasing environmental concerns and government regulations aimed at reducing landfill waste. The country generates millions of tonnes of used tyres annually, with many initiatives focusing on recycling them into rubber granules, fuel and construction materials. Key players in the industry include local companies and a few foreign investments with major recycling plants concentrated around Moscow and other industrial regions.

However, the Russian Far Eastern region, referred to the vast, easternmost part of the country that borders the Pacific Ocean, still struggles to deal with the disposing of end-of-life (EOL) tyres.

According to Ecostar Factory Co-founder Sergei Lazarev, “Vladivostok, the largest city in Russia's Far East, ranks fifth in the country for vehicles per capita, making it the region's leader in vehicle density. This results in a growing volume of waste tyres annually, posing a significant environmental challenge. Due to the vast distances, transporting used tyres to recycling facilities in central Russia is prohibitively expensive, inflating both the recycling costs and the prices of products made from recycled materials. The lack of local recycling infrastructure exacerbates the problem, underscoring the need for regional solutions to manage tyre waste more efficiently and sustainably.”

“With 15 years of experience in tyre recycling, our company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for tyre recycling in the Russian Far East. The new facility will allow us to recycle over 10,000 tonnes of ELT annually and meet market needs accurately. We also plan to double this capacity within the next five years, which is especially crucial in regions like the Russian Far East, where transportation costs are high and local recycling infrastructure is lacking. This expansion will help address regional tyre waste challenges more effectively,” he added.

A total of USD 500,000 was invested in the new tyre recycling unit, financed through a mix of 30 percent capital and 70 percent bank loans. The seven percent interest rate, subsidised by the Primorye Government Guarantee Fund and the Federal Government Fund for SMEs, highlights the strategic backing you’ve received. Specialising in recycling ELT tyres into rubber crumb, this setup not only aligns with growing sustainability efforts but also demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private cooperation in fostering business expansion and environmental impact in Russia’s Far East.

The Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (FEDC) played a crucial role in the tyre recycling project’s success by providing a 17.3-acre land lot and essential infrastructure. This included telecommunications, access roads, power supply, water supply, water disposal and natural gas supply. Additionally, FEDC offered tax benefits, making it a key partner in the project’s development, facilitating smoother operations and reducing overhead costs. This comprehensive support has been instrumental in advancing the project in the Russian Far East.

Promoting recycling

The company's operations, which focus on recycling ELT tyres without thermal methods like pyrolysis due to environmental concerns, were nearly derailed when the ruble-dollar exchange rate doubled in 2022, making equipment and construction prohibitively expensive.

Despite purchasing Chinese machinery, adjustments were needed due to differences in tyre composition, particularly the amount of cord fibre. The company plans to recycle 20 years’ worth of accumulated tyre waste and supply crumb rubber to playgrounds, stadiums and road projects, boasting the only facility in the region certified to meet government sanitary standards.

With no direct competitors in the Primorye region, the company remains committed to expanding operations despite these challenges.

Answering how the new plant supports broader recycling goals, Lazarev said, “The new plant supports the broader goals of the company by serving as a central hub for tyre recycling in the Russian Far East. We operate facilities in five regions including Magadan, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Khabarovsk and Primorye and plan to upgrade them within the next three years to produce rubber chips, which will be transported to the main facility in Primorye for further processing. Additionally, we aim to invest in research and development to develop additives for bitumen, enhancing its use in road construction projects. This strategy is key to expanding recycling capabilities beyond 10,000 tonnes annually and promoting sustainable infrastructure development.”

The company will source tyre waste primarily from transportation and tyre service companies. To ensure quality, it has implemented a comprehensive management system designed to produce clean, precisely sized crumb rubber. The triple cleaning process removes metal and cord fibre, while its proprietary qualification system ensures four specific size fractions of crumb rubber are achieved.

Alluding to European Union (EU) directive on crumb rubber infill ban, he noted, “Regarding the EU ban on rubber crumb in artificial turf, Russia has no such restrictions. In fact, a recent Russian government act (08/28/2024) mandates the use of rubber crumb in sports infrastructure and road construction. We have also obtained a special health certificate allowing the use of its crumb rubber in outdoor playground construction.”

Addressing challenges

Russia imports tyres primarily from China, which is the largest supplier, offering a wide range of products including passenger, truck and industrial tyres. South Korea follows, known for its high-quality passenger and performance tyres, while Japan contributes advanced technology and speciality tyres. Belarus, as a neighbouring country, exports various tyre products, particularly for commercial vehicles. Turkey has also been increasing its market presence with competitive prices and quality. Additionally, some European Union countries export tyres to Russia, although trade dynamics are influenced by tariffs and geopolitical factors.

Such a wide array of tyres poses challenge for recyclers. Commenting on the same, the executive said, “The plant was initially scheduled to open in August 2023. The company faced significant challenges due to currency fluctuations, infrastructure delays and regulatory hurdles. Despite purchasing Chinese machinery, adjustments were needed due to differences in tyre composition between China and Japan, particularly the amount of cord fibre. The lack of suitable land with the necessary infrastructure and meeting strict ecological standards are further obstacles.”

“We are currently facing a staff shortage across all skill levels, from low-skilled to highly qualified personnel. To address this, we plan to recruit workers from other regions of Russia and internationally. Recently, we hired five individuals from India on one-year contracts, providing them with comprehensive benefits that include accommodation, food, transportation and work uniforms. We aim to attract even more skilled workers this year to strengthen our team,” he added.

Ecostar's plant aligns seamlessly with Russia's broader waste management and environmental objectives, particularly in the Far East. It supports the government's strategy for a circular economy, which is reinforced by new legislation regulating the use of recycled materials in the production of goods and services. Additionally, the government has introduced the concept of ‘green purchases’, mandating that government agencies and state-owned companies procure a minimum quantity of products made from recycled materials. This initiative emphasises the importance of integrating recycled materials into the economy, enhancing sustainability efforts across the region.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Titan International has elevated Kendra Mann to the role of Director of Aftermarket Sales for the Titan and Goodyear agricultural tyre lines. In this capacity, she becomes a key member of Paul Hawkins’ North American aftermarket leadership team, where she will oversee strategic direction and operational execution within the aftermarket channel. This appointment underscores Titan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its agricultural aftermarket presence as the company continues to focus on growth and dealer alignment across North America.

With over two decades in the tyre industry, Mann brings extensive expertise to her new position, including the last eight years spent at Titan. Her previous roles there ranged from OEM Account Manager to Field Sales Manager overseeing a multi-state territory, where she drove aftermarket expansion. Prior to joining Titan, she spent 15 years at GCR Tires and Service managing commercial tyre operations. In her latest capacity, she will work closely with field sales, product management and dealer networks to ensure seamless coordination across the Titan and Goodyear agricultural portfolios.

Looking ahead, customers can expect a sharper focus on aligning field support with sales and marketing strategies, reinforcing the dealer partnerships that form the backbone of daily service. Through this leadership change, Titan aims to enhance responsiveness and deliver a more cohesive experience across the agricultural aftermarket channel.

Paul Hawkins, SVP of Aftermarket Sales, said, “Kendra has earned this. She understands the business, she understands the customer and she knows how to move the needle for our aftermarket business. This is the right person in the right role at the right time for Titan agriculture.”

Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, said, "Kendra has built valuable relationships in the field. She knows how dealers operate and what customers need on the ground. That perspective is going to make a real difference in how we execute across the ag aftermarket."

Kim Boccardi, VP of Marketing, said, "Kendra is the kind of person who makes everyone around her better. She's put in the work, she knows the industry, and watching her step into this role is exactly what you hope to see. Titan is better with her joining our leadership team."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Linglong Tire has announced a leadership transition, with Zhou Lingkun appointed as President and CEO as of 16 March 2026. Assuming full operational command, his primary objective is to refine the company’s corporate governance structure. Meanwhile, former President Wang Feng, whose family retains controlling shares, continues as Chairman of the board.

A 1974-born graduate of Zhejiang University, Lingkun brings a robust background from global consulting and IT firms, including Arthur Andersen, IBM and Hewlett-Packard. His most recent role was President of the Enterprise Technology and Performance Business Group at Deloitte China, where he also served as a board member.

This strategic appointment separates operational leadership from familial shareholding, positioning Lingkun to steer daily management while leveraging his extensive international expertise to drive organisational efficiency.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

KraussMaffei Group is set to implement a leadership transition at its US subsidiary, KraussMaffei Corporation (KMC). Brett Greenhalgh, President of KMC, will retire at the end of May 2026, marking the conclusion of his tenure. His departure will also see him step away from the industry and leave United States for a three-year period, during which he and his wife will devote themselves to a church mission project of deep personal significance.

Over the past two years, Greenhalgh has served as a pivotal leader for KraussMaffei, providing steady direction for the US organisation. His foresight in preparing for the future is evident in his deliberate cultivation of an internal successor, John Fini, ensuring a seamless transition grounded in business continuity and institutional knowledge. Taking the helm on 1 June 2026, Fini brings a customer-first philosophy forged through extensive hands-on operational experience. Currently serving as Vice President of Digital Solutions and Service North America, he has been a member of the KraussMaffei Corporation leadership team since 2022.

Fini’s background includes leading large, multidisciplinary teams, strengthening service and aftermarket capabilities and driving gains in operational performance, employee engagement and financial results. Prior to joining KraussMaffei, he held roles at Rehrig Pacific Company, a California-based family-owned plastics manufacturer and longtime KraussMaffei customer, where he improved operations across multiple manufacturing sites. A New York native, Fini holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Brett Greenhalgh

Greenhalgh said, "I am grateful for my time at KraussMaffei and for the collaboration with such a dedicated team in the US and internationally. Stepping back and giving my life a new direction has not been an easy decision. But I look forward to serving our church community together with my wife Janice. As a teenager, I participated in a similar project that profoundly shaped my life and values. Now I want to give others the same opportunity to experience something similar. The next three years abroad will be an exciting and rewarding time for both of us."

Alex Li, CEO, KraussMaffei Group, said, “We thank Brett for his exceptional dedication and strategic foresight. Thanks to the early identification of John Fini as an internal successor, we can ensure seamless continuity in serving our customers with the reliability and quality they expect. The strong collaboration between our US and European teams has been instrumental in advancing KMC’s success, and this partnership will remain a key pillar of our future development. While we regret Brett`s decision to step down, we fully respect and support his choice to pursue a personal mission close to his heart. We wish Brett and his wife all the very best for the years ahead.”

Fini said, “KraussMaffei’s success has always been driven by its people, its technology and its customers. I’m honoured to lead this organisation and build on the strong foundation our teams have created together. I would like to thank Brett Greenhalgh for the coaching, guidance and support as part of a thoughtful, long-term leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and sustained growth.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Ltd, a prominent Sri Lankan manufacturer and exporter of high-quality industrial solid tyres, has announced a significant leadership transition, naming Chinthaka Wegapitiya to the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Wegapitiya’s ascent to this top executive position follows a tenure within the company where he previously held the responsibilities of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. His background is rooted in deep expertise across both operational management and long-term strategic planning, providing a strong foundation for his new mandate.

In his current capacity, Wegapitiya is entrusted with the comprehensive leadership of the organisation’s strategic direction, tasked with steering the company towards an expanded global presence while working to increase its competitive market share. His purview encompasses the oversight of sophisticated, high-tech manufacturing operations, with a particular focus on the production of premium solid tyres.

Beyond operations, he is responsible for directing international marketing initiatives and strengthening the company’s brand identity in competitive global markets. Innovation also falls under his leadership, driving research and development efforts to create advanced engineering solutions and tailor products to precise customer specifications, all while championing sustainability initiatives within the global rubber export industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!