Marubeni Corporation has taken a significant step into Thailand’s tyre recycling industry by acquiring a 32 percent stake in Green Rubber Energy, an ELT pyrolysis company. This strategic partnership aims to address the tyre industry’s waste management challenges, foster sustainability and strengthen circular economy practices by producing high-quality recovered carbon black and other recycled materials.

Marubeni Corporation recently forayed into Thailand’s tyre recycling space with investing in Green Rubber Energy (GRE), an end-of-life tyre pyrolysis company headquartered in Samut Prakan.

Speaking to Tyre Trends on the partnership, GRE Chief Executive Officer Mai Auapinyakul said, “Marubeni, with its expansive upstream-to downstream network, has long sought to tackle the waste tyre challenge while addressing sustainability goals for major tyre manufacturers. GRE fills a critical gap in Marubeni’s strategy by stepping in as the recycler, a role previously missing in its ecosystem. The partnership between GRE and Marubeni is built on a foundation of trust, having worked together for over five years in the recovered carbon black (rCB) market. GRE’s expertise and Marubeni’s global reach create a natural synergy, fostering collaboration across the entire supply chain, from producers to recyclers.”

The executive revealed that Marubeni now holds a 32 percent stake in GRE, solidifying its entry into the ELT and tyre pyrolysis business in Thailand. While financial specifics remained undisclosed, she mentioned that this partnership is poised to significantly influence regional tyre recycling markets.

“GRE’s vision to lead as a key technological player in closing the circular economy loop aligns seamlessly with Marubeni’s strategy in tyre recycling. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in transforming the tyre industry’s linear supply chain characterised by ‘make, use and discard’ into a circular one focused on ‘use, remake and recycle’,” said Auapinyakul.

The recycler emphasised that a successful circular supply chain demands a seamless partnership among producers, users and recyclers. As tyre manufacturers push towards sustainability targets such as integrating recycled raw materials into their production processes by 2050, GRE plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and consistency of rCB.

“Recovered carbon black production is inherently tied to the formulation of input tyres, whether truck tyres, eco tyres or passenger car tyres. GRE’s approach underscores that ‘what goes in is what comes out’. Tyre manufacturers’ formulations directly influence the rCB quality GRE supplies back to the industry, making collaboration not just beneficial but essential,” said the executive.

She added, “Marubeni’s extensive network within the tyre manufacturing industry opens new avenues for GRE to meet industry-grade rCB standards. This collaboration fosters innovation and quality assurance while expanding the dialogue on the broader adoption of rCB in both tyre and compounding industries.”

DEMAND FOR RCB GRE’s

ELT recycling process produces three primary commercial products that include rCB, tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) and steel wires. The rCB produced is equivalent to N660-grade carbon black, offering a sustainable alternative for industrial applications. TPO serves as a versatile byproduct used in fuel and chemical production, while the steel wires extracted during the process are sold to recycling markets.

The company currently focuses on the regional market with most of its rCB distributed within Thailand. However, GRE has begun exporting small quantities of rCB to Malaysia and Japan, indicating the growing international interest in sustainable materials. While regional demand remains GRE’s core focus, the international market offers significant potential for expansion as global sustainability goals and regulations gain momentum.

“In Thailand, the initial demand for rCB was driven largely by its cost advantage over virgin carbon black. Over time, this has evolved as manufacturers, especially those exporting to the European Union, adapt to stringent sustainability regulations that prioritise the use of recycled raw materials. Today, major tyre manufacturers are increasingly incorporating rCB into their production processes to meet their long-term environmental targets, resulting in heightened demand for GRE’s products,” said the official.

Adopting rCB, however, comes with its challenges. “Unlike virgin carbon black, rCB is not a one-to-one replacement due to its molecular differences stemming from the recycling process. Manufacturers must adjust their formulations and production methods to ensure compatibility. This shift in the supply chain mindset requires close collaboration between GRE and tyre producers. GRE has been proactive in addressing this challenge by working with manufacturers to align on product specifications and processes, fostering a ‘two-way street’ approach to innovation,” said Auapinyakul.

Currently, GRE’s plant in Samut Prakan, Thailand, processes around 10,000 tonnes of ELT annually, with Mai Auapinyakul, CEO, Marubeni an output split of approximately 38 percent tyre pyrolysis oil, 32 percent recovered carbon black and 13 percent steel wires. While operating below its full capacity of 13,000 tonnes, GRE plans to scale production in the coming year to meet the rising demand for rCB. With the local market currently using rCB in a 10 to 90 percent ratio compared to virgin carbon black, GRE anticipates this will shift to 30 percent rCB and 70 percent virgin carbon black within five years, signalling a transformative change in the tyre and materials industries.

FINE TUNING

GRE claimed to have achieved notable advancements in stabilising the quality of rCB for tyre applications through the implementation of continuous pyrolysis technology. While pyrolysis itself is not a new innovation, GRE has tailored its processes to prioritise rCB production over TPO, a strategy that sets it apart from many batch pyrolysis operations that emphasise oil production. Over nearly a decade, GRE has fine-tuned its technology to meet the stringent quality and stability requirements of the tyre industry, ensuring the rCB produced is suitable for tyre manufacturing.

Moreover, the collaboration seeks to purify rCB and TPO leveraging technology from Germany’s RCB Nanotechnologies GmbH, in which Marubeni has invested. Commenting on the implementation, the executive averred, “While GRE has not yet worked directly with Germany’s RCB Nanotechnology, the potential for collaboration is significant. GRE sees this as an exciting opportunity to further enhance the quality of its rCB and expand into higher-grade products, unlocking greater value in the sustainable raw materials market. The collaboration is expected to align with GRE’s goal of increasing market share by offering diversified grades of rCB, supported by Marubeni’s investment and resources.”

ENSURING SUPPLY

According to the company, Thailand generates approximately 80,000 tonnes of ELTs annually, with an additional 25,000 tonnes of off-spec tyres classified as waste. Currently, the ELT volume is increasing at a rate of around five percent per year driven by rising vehicle use and tyre turnover. With Marubeni’s expanded network and GRE’s growing capacity, the percentage of ELTs recycled is expected to increase significantly, reducing environmental impact and advancing the circular economy within the region.

Furthermore, the collaboration seeks to ensure a steady supply of the ELTs to GRE. Commenting on the supply chain, Auapinyakul noted, “Marubeni’s involvement brings strategic advantages in securing a consistent supply of ELTs. By leveraging its extensive network, including partnerships with tyre retailers and service providers, Marubeni ensures a steady flow of ELTs for GRE. This network also connects GRE to tyre manufacturers, allowing the collection of off-spec tyres directly from production lines.” “This expanded supply chain not only guarantees raw materials for GRE’s increasing production capacity but also addresses environmental concerns by ensuring ELTs are properly recycled and re-introduced into the market as sustainable products. Marubeni’s support enables GRE to scale its operations while promoting responsible waste management practices in Thailand,” she added.

EXPANDING REACH

Thailand offers a robust ecosystem for establishing a proofof- concept model. The country’s well-integrated tyre industry supply chain provides an ideal environment to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of a closedloop recycling model. GRE aims to leverage this position by expanding its production capacity in Thailand, focusing on both domestic supply and exports.

The next five to 10 years will see GRE doubling its current maximum capacity to 26,000 tonnes with a clear strategy to expand the applications of its products. Once the model is fully operational in Thailand, GRE and Marubeni plan to adapt and replicate it in other regions, with Japan being a key target. Marubeni’s extensive network and expertise will play a pivotal role in expanding into Japan and potentially beyond the Asia-Pacific.

While the tyre industry remains the primary consumer of rCB, GRE is also exploring other markets.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Linglong Tire has announced the promotion of Alessio Iacovelli to Deputy Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, effective 1 September 2025. In this elevated role, Iacovelli will take on leadership of the regional sales team with a mandate to accelerate business development. His key objectives will include forging strategic alliances and implementing programmes to strengthen customer loyalty. Iacovelli will report directly to Lisa Zhao, the Director of Replacement Sales for Western Europe, and will collaborate with her to manage key markets, including Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain.

Iacovelli, who began his career with Goodyear and Nexen, first joined Linglong Tire at the end of 2022 as a Sales Manager. In that capacity, he demonstrated significant success in developing the Southern European aftermarket, where he expanded the brand's footprint, defined effective growth strategies and secured robust partnerships with distributors. This strategic appointment and the restructuring of the sales leadership underscore Linglong Tire's intensified focus on achieving its ambitious growth targets across the European continent.

Iacovelli said, "I am very pleased to have been promoted to Deputy Director Replacement Sales West Europe at Linglong Tire. We have fantastic products such as the Sport Master 4S and the Sport Master Winter, both successfully tested in the recently published tyre tests. We have a state-of-the-art development centre in Germany and a new tyre plant in Europe and are successful in original equipment – ideal conditions for achieving our ambitious goals together with my team and the colleagues in Hannover and continuing to grow, especially in Europe."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German synthetic rubber maker ARLANXEO has launched consultations with worker representatives over the potential closure of its Port Jerome facility in France, citing persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness in the European chemicals industry.

The company, which is majority-owned by Saudi Aramco, had begun an information and consultation period with the Works Council at the site, located in northern France. A final decision on the closure will be taken after the mandatory consultation process concludes and approval is obtained from the French labour authorities, DREETS.

“The European chemical industry continues to face persistent weak demand and declining competitiveness driven by rising costs, unbalanced global markets, and increased regulatory pressure,” said Stephan van Santbrink, ARLANXEO chief executive.

“These conditions have generated a significant burden on the sector across the regional value chain. ARLANXEO has not been an exception to these challenges. The Port Jerome site has remained in a structurally loss-making position. Despite numerous improvement efforts, we do not foresee a viable path to a sustained structural improvement.”

The company did not disclose how many jobs would be affected by a potential closure, nor did it provide details on the facility’s production capacity or annual output.

Van Santbrink acknowledged the impact on workers, saying: “We recognise the impact a potential closure may have on our employees, and we regret the need to consider these steps. We will continue to treat all employees with respect. If we decide to cease operations at the site, we will do our utmost to assist in finding alternative solutions for all impacted employees. In addition, we intend to provide impacted employees with a social plan which reflects their valued contribution to ARLANXEO.”

The announcement adds to a growing list of European chemical producers struggling with high energy costs, sluggish demand and competition from lower-cost producers in Asia and the United States.

ARLANXEO said it would work closely with all affected internal and external stakeholders to minimise the impact of the intended closure.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental's Tires group sector has strengthened its leadership team with two key internal appointments, effective 1 September 2025. Jana Striezel has been named the new head of global purchasing for Continental Tires, while Dennis Bellmund has assumed leadership of the global original equipment business for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Both executives will report directly to Christian Kötz, the member of Continental AG's Executive Board who leads the Tires group sector.

In her new capacity, Striezel will oversee worldwide strategic and operational purchasing. She brings extensive experience from the automotive industry, having previously held several procurement management roles at Renault, where she led purchasing for the Renault brand and its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe. Her career began at Volkswagen in 2014.

Bellmund, who has a 25-year tenure with Continental, steps into his role following the departure of his predecessor, Manja Greimeier, to the ContiTech sector. His extensive background within the company includes recent responsibility for Continental’s tyre retail operations, alongside prior leadership roles in EMEA supply chain management and sales direction for the European replacement tyre business. These appointments signal a strategic reinforcement of Continental's tyre division leadership.

Kötz said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jana Striezel, a highly skilled manager, to our team. She brings extensive expertise in international procurement and will focus on driving forward our purchasing strategy. In Dennis Bellmund, our global original equipment business has gained a highly experienced leader. Thanks to his many years at Continental, he is familiar with our company and our customers’ needs from many different angles. On behalf of the entire management team, I wish both of them every success in their new roles and look forward to working together.”

“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank Manja Greimeier for her successful leadership of our original equipment business and wish her all the best and continued success,” added Kötz.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

In a significant leadership update, LD Carbon (LDC) has announced a restructuring of the chief executive office at the company. The company confirmed that Seong-Moon Baek will now serve as the sole CEO. This move follows the departure of former co-CEO Yong-Kyung Hwang from the executive position.

The change is effective immediately as the company continues to advance its initiatives in the sustainable materials sector. Chief Commercial Officer Bumseek Kim (BK) formally communicated the development in a statement, saying, “Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!