In the mountainous heart of Central Europe, a quiet industrial revolution is unfolding – where discarded tyres are reborn as high-performance materials for modern infrastructure, sport, construction and more. Leading this transformation is RPG Recycling, a Czech company and a flagship member of the REC Group, which has positioned itself at the forefront of tyre recycling and sustainable rubber innovation.

When you step into the industrial heart of RPG Recycling in the Czech Republic, it is immediately clear that this is not just another waste management facility. Here, unwanted tyres are transformed from a mounting environmental burden into valuable resources serving industries across Europe and beyond.

RPG Recycling is part of the Czech-based conglomerate REC Group, which houses companies such as Kovsteel, Steelmet, A-Glass, RPG Recycling, Gelpo, ASSCO, Egoe Noba, DZO, A-Orto and Kovozoo.

Interestingly, for the tyre industry RPG Recycling, Gelpo, Assco and Egoe Noba together provide complete treatment of waste from SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) rubber & EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber from the collection through crushing to production of final products. In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Pavel Hartman, Executive Director of RPG Recycling, Gelpo, Assco and Egoe Noba, shares the details.

“Tyre recycling is more than just a process – it’s a commitment to sustainability and resource maximisation,” explained Hartman.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF TYRE RECYCLING

Hartman shared that RPG’s operations span the entire lifecycle of tyre waste. “Our facility is equipped with an advanced fleet of vehicles, ELDAN recycling lines, granulation equipment, shredders, tyre cutters and even oversized tyre cutters. This technology allows us to handle everything from initial collection to final processing with unmatched versatility,” he said.

Every step is tightly controlled. “We manually sort and select tyres from the Czech and Slovak markets, ensuring consistent quality enters the granulate processing phase,” Hartman said. Sophisticated sorting ensures only the best input for further recycling. Tyres are then resized, shredded, granulated and separated into constituent materials.

The mainstay of RPG Recycling is the production of rubber granulate – a key raw material for industries ranging from construction to sport. “The primary output is rubber granulate, which becomes everything from industrial and construction panels to base layers for sports facilities. We are proud to supply the raw material behind products that deliver safety, noise reduction and durability,” said Hartman.

A closer look at RPG’s data underlines this impact: in 2024 alone, the company handled nearly 56,000 tonnes of tyres and processed enough rubber to give a new lease of life to materials from over half a million households.

But rubber is only part of the story. “A secondary output is steel fibre, primarily directed to the metallurgical industry, while textile fibre is used for energy recovery,” noted Hartman. For tyres unsuited to granulate production, RPG ensures nothing is wasted, “They are resized and used in the energy sector, contributing as alternative fuel.”

Gelpo, a sister company, pushes these materials even further, manufacturing anti-vibration panels for construction, noise barriers for transport and robust sports surfaces. “At Wenceslas Square in Prague, our anti-vibration mats made from 6,667 recycled tyres span an area equivalent to eight swimming pools,” Hartman shared, illustrating the real-world scale of their output.

He further mentioned that maintaining consistently high standards is a non-negotiable aspect for the company.

“We operate a sophisticated quality management system, overseeing everything from tyre reception to the final stage of rubber granulate production. Daily quality control checks focus on cleanliness, density and structure,” explained Hartman. He underscores that the process extends to the preparation of specific product batches according to the type and cleanliness of input tyres.

Looking ahead, he shared, “We’re developing a second recycling line to increase capacity and output quality. On the technology side, we plan to adopt new components that simplify operations and further refine our granulate.”

RPG Recycling is also actively advancing the principles of the circular economy. “By transforming waste tyres into secondary raw materials, we are reducing dependence on primary resources – like new rubber – and ensuring that fewer tyres end up in landfills or incinerators,” Hartman stresses. A unique feature is the ability to regranulate old rubber products, reincorporating them into new manufacturing cycles and eliminating landfill waste.

This holistic approach is reflected throughout the REC Group, where companies like Assco and Gelpo work together to collect EPDM and SBR rubber waste, process it and return it to market as high-performance materials.

Sustainability is quantifiable at RPG; it is not just the end-product but also the process itself.

“Our photovoltaic power plants alone have reduced emissions by 555 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting over 37,000 trees,” Hartman highlights. In total, through the use of secondary raw materials, RPG, Assco and Gelpo together have delivered emission savings of over 24,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The group’s modernisation efforts extend to cleaner production and close cooperation with environmental authorities and research institutions. “We participate in expert groups like European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA), EURIC (European Recycling Industries’ Confederation) and ESTC and support new applications for recycled materials,” said Hartman. He noted initiatives such as eco-friendly noise barriers, which integrate recycled rubber for both environmental and social benefit.

Of course, recycling tyres is not without hurdles. “Energy costs remain significant, so we responded by launching solar generation, cutting usage by 10 percent,” revealed Hartman. He points to market and regulatory headwinds, “There’s a lack of clear standards for recycled rubber products and, in some cases, insufficient market support for end products made from secondary materials. These factors impact competitiveness, especially in price-sensitive sectors.”

Still, he maintains an optimism for the tyre recycling. Hartman is keen to point out ongoing dialogue with tyre manufacturers and the tyre industry’s gradual adoption of reclaimed rubber and pyrolytic products as a route to closing the circular economy loop.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Expansion and innovation are central to RPG’s future plans. “We are building a new line to increase rubber granulate capacity and working with Gelpo to diversify applications and enter new markets,” Hartman shared.

While RPG does not currently collaborate with Indian partners, global dialogue and technological advancement are clearly on the horizon.

For Hartman and the RPG team, the mission is clear, “We give tyres a new life, protect nature and use every resource to its fullest.” And looking from both the data and the impact felt across construction, sport and industry, the Group seems to be on a mission set to steer the sector towards a more sustainable future. n

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Pirelli has commenced 2026 by building upon its record-breaking previous year, which was distinguished by numerous victories and podium placements across its entire product portfolio and its innovative Cyber Tyre technology. This exceptional momentum is underscored by the remarkable performance of the recently launched summer Cinturato, a tyre engineered for premium sedans and CUVs that has rapidly established itself as a benchmark for safety, longevity and dynamic equilibrium. Having already secured two wins in 2025, the next-generation Cinturato has added two outright victories and three podium finishes in the opening months of 2026, excelling in six comparative tests conducted by leading European automotive publications and independent organisations.

The Cinturato's success story includes a premier position in a test by Tyre Reviews, where it was lauded as the best summer tyre of the year for its impeccable dry braking and precise steering feedback. It also achieved a triumph in evaluations by the Automobilclub von Deutschland, earning an ‘excellent’ rating and top marks in safety-critical areas like dry braking and aquaplaning resistance. Further reinforcing its technological sophistication, the tyre secured second place with a ‘Highly Recommended’ rating from the ADAC, which recognised its robust durability and diminished environmental footprint alongside its balanced handling.

Additional podium finishes came from Auto Zeitung, which praised the Cinturato as a tyre devoid of weaknesses for its safe handling and impressive mileage, and from Sweden's Vi Bilägare, which highlighted its agile nature and short stopping distances. The tyre's comprehensive capabilities were also affirmed by Auto Bild, where it progressed from a strong qualifying performance to the final round, impressing testers with its grip and balanced behaviour, especially on wet surfaces.

This outstanding beginning to the year for the Cinturato is part of a broader renewal of Pirelli's summer offerings, which recently welcomed the fifth-generation P Zero, the quintessential tyre for sports cars, and the third-generation Scorpion, the latest evolution designed to deliver safety and enduring performance for SUVs.

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Prinx Chengshan, together with its brand Chengshan, participated in the 25th Heilongjiang Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in Harbin on 14 March 2026. The event served as a platform to advance the modernisation of China’s agricultural machinery sector and foster industry exchanges. In this context, the company displayed a comprehensive range of agricultural tyres tailored for tractors and combine harvesters.

For tractors, the company presented its agricultural radial tyre series. The TX600 model is engineered with robust tread blocks and a cut-resistant compound, ensuring stable handling during high-speed operations while offering strong defence against punctures. The TX700 features a reinforced carcass and belt structure, providing significant load capacity and superior traction to perform effectively in wet and uneven fields. Meanwhile, the TX800 incorporates a deep R-1W tread pattern and a specialised wear-resistant compound, supported by strengthened beads and shoulders. This design enhances resistance to damage from straw and stones, thereby extending tyre longevity. Addressing the needs of combine harvesters, the TX2000 model delivers a 20 percent increase in load capacity and excellent flexibility. Its low-pressure, wide-footprint design minimizes soil compaction, aligning agricultural efficiency with environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the company’s bias tyre offerings, the CSY90 and CSY93, were also showcased. These tyres feature a traditional herringbone tread pattern that ensures effective self-cleaning and robust traction. They maintain reliable performance in challenging terrains such as soft sand and muddy fields, while their durable construction supports continuous operation during peak farming periods.

With the global push towards agricultural modernisation and mechanisation, Prinx Chengshan has strategically expanded its off-the-road (OTR) tyre operations. A key milestone in this effort is the newly operational green smart factory for OTR tyres. With an investment exceeding RMB 1.1 billion (approximately USD 159.50 million) and spanning over 100,000 square metres, the facility is designed to produce 84,000 engineering tyres and 10,000 giant tyres annually. Serving diverse sectors including mining, construction and agriculture, this initiative enhances the company’s high-end product portfolio and promotes the sustainable advancement of China’s OTR tyre industry.

Looking ahead, Prinx Chengshan intends to uphold its integrated product and service approach. By advancing agricultural tyre technology, the company aims to support the evolution of agricultural machinery through intelligent and sustainable solutions, contributing to the sector’s continued progress.

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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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