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.

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Yokohama Europe has appointed Giuseppe La Iacona to a series of senior leadership roles as the company seeks to strengthen its position across the region.

La Iacona joined the business on September 15 and will assume responsibility for supporting growth and organisational consolidation in the European market.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience in the tyre industry, spanning sales, marketing, business development, country management and international customer relations. He has held senior roles across several European markets, developing experience in managing local dynamics while driving cross-border business expansion.

Reporting to Takashi Maki, La Iacona has been appointed General Manager for southern Europe, where he will lead a newly created regional cluster covering Italy and France. The role is intended to improve coordination and operational synergies between the two markets.

He will also serve as Chief Executive of Yokohama Italia, with overall responsibility for the Italian subsidiary, alongside taking on the role of head of international customers. In that capacity, he will oversee the management and development of clients operating across multiple European markets, with the aim of creating a more consistent commercial approach and strengthening collaboration between subsidiaries.

His remit includes improving organisational alignment and fostering closer cooperation between markets and customers as the company expands its European operations.

“I am very pleased to welcome Giuseppe to YOKOHAMA Europe at an important stage in our development,” said Maki. “His extensive international experience, deep knowledge of the tyre industry and ability to work across different markets will be valuable assets as we continue to strengthen our European organisation and pursue sustainable growth.”

La Iacona said: “I am excited to join YOKOHAMA Europe and to contribute to the company’s next phase of growth in Europe. YOKOHAMA has a strong heritage, a distinctive brand and significant opportunities across the European market. I look forward to working closely with our teams, customers and partners across countries to further develop the business and strengthen our presence in the region.”

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Özka Tyre, a prominent Turkish manufacturer of tyres for agricultural and construction equipment, has reinforced its leadership team as part of a broader push towards global expansion and technological modernisation in production. The company has appointed Mehmet Yüksel as its new Chief Operating Officer, bringing aboard an executive with extensive senior experience from Goodyear’s Luxembourg-based international organisation.

In his new role, Yüksel will oversee functions central to Özka’s production and operational strength. His responsibilities encompass production, quality, research and development, planning, investment and projects, electricity and maintenance, occupational safety and quality management systems, positioning him to steer critical areas of the company’s industrial performance.

Driven by investments and a focus on advancing its manufacturing strength, Özka continuously monitors shifts in the worldwide tire sector, particularly technological progress in Europe, and uses those insights to shape its future production infrastructure. As new investments prepare to elevate its output capacity and technical systems, the firm is simultaneously bolstering its organisational framework to sustain that transformation.

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Cabot Corporation has named Steve Delahunt, currently Vice President and Corporate Treasurer, to assume the Chief Financial Officer role on an interim basis starting 1 October 2026. He will hold the position while Cabot continues searching for a permanent finance chief.

The interim appointment follows the previously disclosed leadership transition in which Erica McLaughlin, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Strategy, will become President and Chief Executive Officer on the same date. McLaughlin succeeds Sean Keohane and will relinquish her CFO duties at that time.

Delahunt brings over three decades of finance and treasury experience, including nine years leading Cabot's investor relations function through January 2026. As Corporate Treasurer, he oversees global treasury operations, capital markets strategy, liquidity management, banking relationships, risk management and pension investments. He has been central to Cabot's capital allocation, financing, investor engagement and strategic growth initiatives, as well as strengthened shareholder relations during his investor relations tenure.

McLaughlin said, “Steve is a highly respected finance leader with deep knowledge of our business, strong relationships across our global organisation and a proven track record of disciplined financial leadership. As we continue executing our strategy and building on our strong financial position, Steve’s experience, judgment and understanding of our business make him exceptionally well suited to lead our finance organisation while the Company conducts its search for our next Chief Financial Officer.”

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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has launched four new off-the-road (OTR) tyre products for construction, material handling and mining applications, as the company expands its portfolio in performance-focused segments.

The products were unveiled at BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2026, held at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, and are designed to improve durability, load-carrying capacity, traction and operational efficiency in demanding conditions.

The new range includes tyres for self-loading concrete mixers, backhoe loaders, telehandlers and mining tippers. JK Tyre said the additions are intended to meet evolving requirements across India’s construction, infrastructure and mining sectors.

Srinivasu Allaphan, Director of Sales And Marketing at JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, said: “India’s infrastructure and industrial growth is creating a growing need for high-performance, reliable and application-specific mobility solutions. At JK Tyre, we are committed to developing OTR solutions that address the specific needs of our customers and the demanding conditions in which their equipment operates. Our latest range combines durability, reliability and performance to help customers maximise equipment uptime and operational efficiency. As we continue to strengthen our premium OTR portfolio, we remain committed to delivering solutions that create value for our customers and support the growth of India’s construction, infrastructure and mining sectors.”

The company said the MPT 45 tyre pattern has been developed for traction and stability in mixed terrain, while the MPT117 range is designed for construction and material-handling operations, with a focus on grip and durability. A separate JDO XD tyre has been introduced for mining tippers, with reinforced construction aimed at resisting cuts and abrasions.

JK Tyre said the products were developed with Indian operating conditions in mind and are intended to improve machine performance and reduce operating costs in demanding applications.

The group added that the launch supports its expansion in off-the-road tyres across construction, mining and specialised industrial segments.

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