Rubbercon 2024, hosted for the first time in Kerala, India, marked a milestone in the global rubber and tyre industry by addressing key sustainability challenges and opportunities. Held in Kochi from 5 to 7 December 2024, the event attracted over 850 delegates from around the world, including MSMEs, machine manufacturers, tyre producers and leading researchers.

On 5 December 2024, the stalwarts of the rubber industry ecosystem gathered in Kochi, Kerala at Rubbercon 2024 to discuss and debate the current and future trends facing the global as well as Indian rubber industry.

This also was the first time that Rubbercon was hosted in Kerala, which also is the base of natural rubber producers in the country. The 3-day event saw participation of over 850 delegates from all across the globe ranging from rubber producers, raw materials suppliers, machine makers, MSMEs, rubber product makers, universities and even tyre manufacturers.

Tyre industry veteran and former Chief of R&D at Apollo Tyres P K Mohamed said, “We have selected Kochi, the Financial capital of Kerala. At present, Kerala accounts for 90 percent of natural rubber production. I am fortunate enough to start my career with a product that is immensely rich in elastomeric materials, commonly known as rubbers, that revolutionised the life of mankind and made them wealthier, happier and more mobile. The mobility the world enjoys today would not be possible without rubber, which is the basic component used to manufacture tyres.”

He highlighted that since the invention of vulcanisation by Charles Goodyear in 1839, the scientific community has been working to improve the rubber goods, performance and failure properties to match the expectations of never-ending customer requirements.

“In recent years, the industry has been tested by numerous challenges, such as the electrification of automobiles, mobility-related issues, sustainability, circularity, carbon neutrality and regulations. The World Institute study published in the year 2015 indicates that coal, crude oil and natural gas, which are the primary materials used for the production of monomers such as isoprene, styrene, butadiene and other critical materials, may disappear by the end of this century. The price of petroleum products and natural rubber is shooting up daily, and the industry is finding it difficult to pass on this price increase to its customers. It is also observed that the industry’s bottom line is shrinking daily, some industries are even sinking into the negative bottom lines. We use approximately 18 kg to 25 kg of natural rubber and petroleum products to 130-140 litres of oil in a truck tyre. These reasons prompted the conference’s organisation to select the theme of sustainable development in the rubber industry – challenges and opportunities to create awareness and impart new knowledge among the rubber community,” added the industry veteran.

Mohamed was also honoured with Hancock Medal in recognition of his contribution to the global and Indian tyre industry.

R Mukhopadhyay, Chairman of the Indian Rubber Institute (IRI), in his address, mentioned that the per capita consumption of rubber in the country was set to double from the current 1.3 kg to 2.5 kg by 2030. This means that in addition to capital investment, the industry will also require human capital to take advantage of the numerous growth opportunity across the natural rubber ecosystem.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of IRI in advancing global expertise in rubber technology from education, research to skill development, aligning with international standards.

Mukhopadhyay shared that to accelerate and support innovations in the rubber industry, IRI is setting up The Centre of Excellence in Polymer Science and Rubber Technology at JSS Science and Technology University Campus, Mysore. Expected to be ready by April 2025, it is estimated that the world-class facility will see an expense of INR 5 billion.

Dr Tessy Thomas, Former Project Director of Agni Missile and Currently Vice-Chancellor of Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Chief Guest at the event, said, “Sustainability is no longer an aspiration – it’s a necessity.”

She outlined concerns such as deforestation, biodiversity loss and emissions tied to rubber production, as well as raw material shortages driven by climate change and geopolitical uncertainties.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & MD, JK Tyre & Industries, addressed the gathering virtually.

Roopak Karnik, Managing Director, Bekaert India, spoke about ‘Transformational Journey of Bekaert with Steel’ on how the company was developing new advanced products with high degree of dematerialisation in sustainability. “Adding recycled content will only exponentially support the sustainability drive by reducing the emission during life and usage of tyres,” he explained.

Srikanth Chakravarthy, MD, Eonix Management Solutions, gave a brief presentation on the topic of ‘Co-Creating a Sustainable Future’.

MAKING MOBILITY SUSTAINABLE

The topic of sustainability is now a global concern, with each stakeholder expected to do their bit to make tomorrow greener and better.

Rubbercon 2024 saw experts present and share their views on different aspects ranging from sourcing, manufacturing to processes, applications and even recovery & recyclability of rubber.

The speakers, ranging from technocrats to researchers to professors, represented various organisations such as University of Lincoln; Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; Rubber, Chemical, and Petro Chemical Skill Development Council (RCPSDC); Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); Emissions Analytics; Cabot Corporation; Birla Carbon; Coesfeld & Co; Tekna Automazione e Controllo; Xingda International; Balkrishna Industries; Synthos; Silpara Technologies; Solvay and Kumho Petrochemicals, among others, shared their perspectives on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the rubber and tyre industry.

Several topics had a niche focus for the tyre industry ranging from the need for skilled manpower for rubber tapping to recycle of tyre waste rubber and extraction of diesel like oil and pyrolytic carbon black to tyre emissions.

Some interesting presentations also focused on solid tyres, truck/bus tyre applications, to the industry’s commitment towards enabling sustainable mobility and the need to meet strict EU regulations.

Retreading truck tyre test – breakthrough for natural rubber silica/silane systems, green tyre technology, sustainable rubber processes, role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to advance sustainability in tyre industry, moving towards green supply chain strategies & technology were some of the presentations made by industry speakers.

The event also saw over 90 presentations and 18 poster sessions from experts across the rubber and tyre value chain from India, Germany, Sri Lanka, South Korea, China, Italy, France, UK and US, among others.

The conference concluded with a focus on collective action, emphasising the importance of collaboration across the value chain. From sourcing raw materials to recycling end-of-life tyres, stakeholders demonstrated their commitment to sustainable practices.

Rubbercon 2024 reaffirmed its position as a key forum for driving innovation, fostering collaboration and shaping a sustainable future for the global rubber and tyre industry.

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has been awarded the 'CEO of the Year' by the Top Rankers Management Club. The accolade was presented at the 25th National Management Summit, held in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.

The award recognises Singhania’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have been pivotal in steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Under his guidance, JK Tyre has reinforced its position as a leader in radial tyre technology, expanded its global presence and strengthened its dedication to sustainability and customer focus.

In his acceptance speech, Singhania expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Top Rankers Management Club. This award reflects the collective commitment of the entire JK Tyre team, whose efforts continue to drive our progress. I would like to thank my colleagues, industry partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in our journey of growth and transformation.”

He has been a key figure in modernising the company, leveraging new technologies and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The 'CEO of the Year' award, presented by the Top Rankers Management Club, celebrates leaders who demonstrate a clear vision for organisational excellence and industry transformation.

Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana RFID) has strengthened its leadership in the Asian market with the appointment of industry veteran Jason Chang as Sales Director for Asia. Based in Shanghai, he will be responsible for managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth throughout the region.

Chang brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, with over 15 years in the RFID sector following a successful career in IT. His proven track record includes significant tenures at leading firms like Xerafy, Stora Enso and Beontag. His accomplishments range from pioneering the development of innovative flexible anti-metal tags to launching groundbreaking RFID-based retail solutions that gained widespread adoption in China and Europe. He has also demonstrated a strong capacity for growth, most recently achieving remarkable business expansion in the APAC market.

This appointment is a strategic milestone for Hana RFID, underscoring its commitment to supporting global customers with high-performance technology and expert, on-the-ground leadership. This move highlights Hana RFID's focused strategy on deepening its regional support and providing partners with sophisticated RAIN RFID inlay and embeddable tag solutions, backed by local expertise.

Mike Hetric, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Hana RFID, said, “The appointment of Jason Chang is a significant step forward in improving local availability and supporting our key partners in Asia. Jason’s track record in driving innovation, his deep market knowledge and his commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in this dynamic region.”

Chang said, “I’m excited to be part of the Hana RFID team, which is recognised in the market as both a key player and a trusted partner for an ever-growing network of label converters, service bureaus and system integrators. I look forward to working alongside our partners in Asia to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service.”

Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of two seasoned tyre industry professionals.

As per the new development, Billy Dorsey Jr has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – South and Jamie McSwaney has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – North. Both the new appointments bring a combined 45 years of tyre industry experience to the company.

Brian Sheehey, President, RTNA, said, “These additions signal our unwavering commitment to accelerating Ralson’s growth in the US and Canada. We’re building a leadership team that knows how to compete, win and deliver results. Their deep industry relationships and ability to execute will be instrumental as we continue to grow our footprint in the North American trucking industry.”

Scandinavian tyre service provider Citira sees robust potential for premium tyres in the Nordic region, driven by seasonal demands and safety priorities. CEO David Boman highlights that premium tyres including Pirelli’s offerings hold a significant share in passenger car, light truck and truck tyre segments supported by harsh winter conditions that emphasise performance and reliability. Despite a slight recent decline amid broader economic pressures and rising price sensitivity, premium brands remain relevant. Citira’s new long-term partnership with Pirelli and acquisition of Dackia AB aims to consolidate and optimise premium tyre distribution across Sweden.

Scandinavian tyre service company Citira recently told Tyre Trends that Nordic countries have excellent potential for premium tyres during a discussion over its partnership with Italian tyre major Pirelli.

Speaking on the market potential, Chief Executive Officer David Boman said, “When it comes to the Nordic markets, Scandinavia in particular has a relatively high share of premium tyres across categories including passenger car, light truck and TBR segments. Compared to other global regions, the demand for premium tyres here is notably strong.

“One of the main reasons for this is the seasonal nature of our market. Winter tyres, in particular, drive a more premium-oriented approach because of the need for high performance and safety under harsh conditions. While we’ve observed a slight decline in the premium tyre share over the past few years, it still holds a significant portion of the market. This demand is closely tied to seasonal safety concerns, especially in winter, autumn and early spring. Drivers here prioritise safety and reliability, which naturally supports the continued relevance of premium brands like Pirelli.”

He noted that the decline is likely tied to broader financial challenges in the market, especially following the Covid period. Both consumers and companies have become more price-sensitive, making cost a bigger factor in purchase decisions.

As a result, there’s been a gradual increase in demand for lower-cost, imported non-European tyre brands, while the market share of European premium tyre brands has slightly decreased.

Pirelli and Citira have entered a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their market presence in Sweden. As part of the deal, Citira will acquire Dackia AB that has a network of 102 retail outlets from Pirelli.

In return, Pirelli and Dackia have signed a supply agreement extending to 2030, ensuring Pirelli remains the main tyre supplier. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by 2025. The partnership will boost Pirelli’s distribution and market coverage while supporting Citira’s goal of expanding a sustainable, flexible and high-quality customer service network.

THE PACT

Citira currently runs over 50 tyre shops and over five retreading units across Scandinavia and Poland. “Citira is actively working towards creating a more efficient and consolidated tyre market. While our current focus is primarily on the Scandinavian region, it’s not out of the question that we may consider expanding beyond this geographic perimeter in the future. This agreement is part of a broader industry trend where partnerships and acquisitions are used to enhance efficiency, strengthen distribution networks and provide end customers with better service coverage,” revealed Boman.

Nonetheless, the deal specifically pertains to the Swedish market, and as part of the regulatory process, Citira has conducted a market analysis to understand the potential implications on market share. However, the specifics of that study were said to be confidential and could not be disclosed prior to the official closing of the deal.

Explaining how this partnership will influence the supply chain of premium tyre in the Nordics, Boman said, “We do anticipate some changes, particularly within Citira. We operate a number of logistics centres, and this partnership presents an opportunity to optimise our overall supply chain setup. Enhancing logistics will be a key enabler of better service and responsiveness in premium tyre distribution.”

He added, “This particular deal is unlikely to have a direct or immediate impact on independent retailers or smaller distributors. More broadly, the Scandinavian tyre retail sector is undergoing consolidation. Several players are actively reshaping the competitive landscape and that trend could gradually influence the positioning of independents. But again, this specific acquisition is not a disruptive event in that context.”

Alluding to the current demand for replacement tyres, he said, “In general, the tyre market has proven to be quite non-cyclical. Even in challenging economic conditions, it tends to remain stable. That said, I believe we’re entering a phase where circularity and life-extension solutions will gain more momentum. We’re likely to see increased focus on services that extend tyre life, especially for larger fleets. This shift won’t just be driven by cost or fleet uptime concerns but increasingly by environmental responsibilities.”

THE BUSINESS

According to Boman, Pirelli represents a very minimal share of Citira’s overall sales, currently. However, the strategic partnership mainly revolves around Dackia and Pirelli, and the former is intended to become part of the Citira Group. “Moving forward, there is definitely an opportunity to deepen the collaboration with Pirelli and potentially grow their share within our overall brand mix,” added Boman.

Citira currently follows a multi-brand strategy and will continue with it even after closing of the deal. Besides, it is also involved in process and sales of retreaded TBR tyres and wheel rims.

“We operate a facility in Poland where we refurbish truck and bus rims. The process involves media blasting and repainting the rims to restore its appearance and functionality. The logic behind it is quite similar to retreading. In most cases, the structural integrity of the rim is still intact; it’s just the surface or aesthetics that degrade over time. By restoring these rims, we’re able to extend the life and reduce waste,” said Boman.

The company operates five retreading facilities collectively, located in Finland, Sweden and Poland. It uses both hot-cure and cold-cure retreading methods. Hot-cure is used in Poland and cold retreading in Finland and Sweden. Annually, it retreads around 160,000 tyres, averaging about 13,000 per month. While its current focus is on retreading, Citira is actively exploring expansion into tyre recycling as part of a broader push towards sustainability and circularity.

The company also manages tyre distribution for fleets across countries. Its circular tyre distribution approach involves not only delivering new tyres to customers but also collecting used tyre casings from them. These casings are then sent back to its retreading facilities, creating a closed-loop system. Besides, Citira has different suppliers across Europe for sourcing tyres for retreading.

MARKET WATCH

Citira sees a strong willingness in the market for consolidation and it has already engaged in several partnerships. Commenting on market challenges, Boman said, “One key challenge is the need for a player capable of driving consolidation at a larger scale. In the Scandinavian markets, this kind of brand-independent consolidation hasn’t really taken place over the last 10 to 15 years. Previously, consolidation efforts were primarily led by tyre manufacturers or affiliate networks players. However, consolidation has largely been on hold recently, leaving space for an independent actor to step in. We see that opportunity clearly and believe it is well received both by other market participants and customers. The challenge lies in successfully executing this consolidation while maintaining trust and delivering value across a diverse market.”

Commenting on the demand for retreading, he said, “The Scandinavian market has a long tradition of retreading heavy vehicle tyres. Currently, there is a growing shift towards pay-per-kilometre or tyre-as-a-service models, especially among large fleets like bus companies and hauliers. Notably, public tenders increasingly require a certain share of retreaded tyres, reflecting a strong environmental focus. Retreading extends the life of a tyre by reusing about 70 percent of its original material, making it a significant sustainability tool. The market share of retreaded tyres is gradually increasing with expectations that the retread market will grow faster than the new tyre market in the coming years.”

“The main challenges for the retreading industry lie in overcoming the longstanding perception that retreaded tyres are merely a low-cost option rather than an environmentally friendly and sustainable product. This is mostly prevalent is Scandinavia and it is crucial to shift this mindset by educating customers and the broader market about the true benefits of retreading. Moving away from a purely price-driven sales approach to one that highlights quality, durability and positive environmental impact remains a significant hurdle for the industry,” he added.