TyreXpo Asia 2025

The 14th edition of TyreXpo Asia, held from 12 to 14 March 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, took the event to a new high. Organised by Informa Markets, the top-tier event boasted more than 250 participants and more than 6,000 industry experts from over 90 countries and established itself firmly as one of the prominent events for the world’s tyre, automotive repair and maintenance businesses.

CENTRAL POINT OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION AND NETWORKING

TyreXpo Asia 2025 was a vast platform to showcase the most recent developments in tyres, car repair equipment, tools, parts and accessories. The exhibition grounds had innovative start-ups, established companies and industry leaders who unveiled ground-breaking technologies transforming the world tyre business. Visitors had the opportunity to experience these innovations firsthand, see the latest trends and stay ahead in a competitive business.

The significance of the event was driven by its host city’s prime position in Southeast Asia’s auto cluster leader Singapore. World-class infrastructure and access ensured that world-class international buyers, together with regional players, found the platform the ideal one-stop shop. The event was a resounding success at its last staging with near 5,000 executives from 91 countries represented, and it was addressing every aspect of the tyre, vehicle and related industries. This year, the organisers saw an even larger response, which shows how more and more important the Asia-Pacific region is to the global tyre market.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS AND PARTICIPATING BRANDS

The gigantic 15,000 square metre exhibition space hosted over 500 international tyre firms, including renowned entities such as Alves Bandeira, American Pacific Industries, Davanti, Deestone, Evergreen, Guizhou Tyre Co. Ltd., Hubei Aulice Tyre Co. Ltd., JGL Worldwide, LingLong Tire, Max Rubber, Momo Tires, Nexen Corp, Ozka, Petlas, Prinx Chengshan, Stamford Tyres, Tercelo, Transamerica, Roadone, Armour, Yongsheng, Wholesale Tire Distributors, ZC Rubber and Zodo Tire.

These exhibitors presented a great variety of products, ranging from passenger car radial tyres to truck, bus and off-the-road tyres, tyre accessories and maintenance tools. The event provided the participants with a complete overview of the latest products and services that supply the market, enabling business development and collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and inventors.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMES AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

In addition to the exhibition, TyreXpo Asia 2025 also featured a robust conference programme designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and industry information. The Tyre Technical Seminar delved into tyre technology advancements and industry innovations, closing the knowledge gap in downstream technicalities with dedicated tracks. The Tyre Business Forum also featured sessions on market trends, sustainability, digitalisation and mobility’s future.

These sessions provided attendees valuable information on the rapidly evolving tyre manufacturing and design developments. The experts discussed advances in artificial intelligence, 3D printing and new material sciences that were transforming tyre performance. The event was centred on enabling industry participants to gain the necessary knowledge to remain ahead of the change and take advantage of the new opportunities.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND BUSINESS MATCHING

TyreXpo Asia 2025 placed a major emphasis on forging genuine connections in the global tyre industry. Networking sessions were a part of the event that helped bring together distributors, manufacturers, retailers and innovators, allowing them to exchange knowledge and form strategic partnerships. A business matching platform powered by AI was available through web and mobile app, simplifying meetings and maximising business interaction before and during the show.

The Hosted Buyer Programme was also an element, welcoming 120 international hosted buyers, from fleet managers to purchasing directors, wholesalers and distributors, to meet with key decision-makers. The programme supported buyers by pre-paying travel expenses, ensuring a hassle-free and affordable experience that fostered business growth and collaboration.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

TyreXpo Asia 2025 demonstrated its dedication to corporate social responsibility with activities, such as the Flip Tyre Challenge, for the benefit of the Singapore Children’s Society. The activity was not only to highlight endurance and strength but also to build community. For every SGD10 collected per tyre flip, the people involved were supporting the Singapore Children’s Society directly, further making the event about doing good beyond the industry.

Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the event, with recycling, equipment and retreading being addressed. The recycling sector witnessed positive interest, with Eldan Recycling and Gradeall experiencing high interest in their products, reflecting the growing demand for recycling and waste management in the region. With the sector under pressure to be more sustainable, TyreXpo Asia 2025 aimed to provide a comprehensive platform for addressing these pressing issues.

IRI

The Indian Rubber Institute (IRI), a non-profit professional body focussing on the tyre and rubber industry, has officially announced its flagship biennial conference, ‘IRI-CON’26’. Scheduled to take place on 30th and 31st January 2026 at the Hotel Sayaji in Vadodara, Gujarat, the event serves as a critical junction for technocrats, researchers, and industry leaders to navigate the sector's rapidly evolving technological and sustainability priorities.

The choice of Vadodara as the host city underscores Gujarat’s status as a formidable powerhouse for elastomers and rubber manufacturing. The region serves as a strategic base for global and domestic tyre giants, including Apollo Tyres, CEAT, BKT, MRF and JK Tyre & Industries, while hosting a robust network of suppliers specialising in carbon black, silica, textiles and rubber chemicals.

Against this backdrop, the conference theme – ‘Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Developments in Rubber and Allied Industries’ – reflects an urgent industry-wide commitment to resource efficiency, circular economy principles and responsible manufacturing.

High-Profile Inauguration and Strategic Vision

The conference will commence with a high-powered inaugural session dedicated to global trends and strategic updates. This session features a line-up of some of the most influential figures in the Indian rubber ecosystem. Dr Sujith Nair, Chairman, IRI Gujarat and VP R&D, CEAT, will deliver the welcome speech.

V K Misra, Chairman of IRI and representative of JK Tyres & Industries, will open the proceedings with a vision for the institute’s role in future-proofing the industry. He will be joined by Vasantagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board and Dr R Mukhopadhyay, who will provide a comprehensive overview of global sustainability trends.

Further technical leadership will be provided by Renji Issac, Chairman of ITTAC and representative of CEAT and P K Mohamed, Emeritus Chairman of IRI. The academic foundation of the event is bolstered by the presence of Prof. Dr Kinshuk Naskar from IIT Kharagpur – the institute's long-term partner for technical certification – and Prof. Dr Sabu Thomas of MG University, ensuring a seamless bridge between cutting-edge research and industrial application.

Innovations in Green Chemistry and Circularity

The event will also dive deep into technical breakthroughs that are reshaping the tyre value chain. A significant focus will be placed on ‘Green Tyres’ and the reduction of environmental footprints. Key presentations will feature Bekaert Industries discussing advanced cord solutions for weight reduction, and CEAT showcasing the CIRCL90, a sustainable passenger car tyre.

The shift toward a circular economy is a recurring theme throughout the technical sessions. Epsilon Carbon and Rathi Group India (Capital Carbon) will present on the integration of recovered carbon black (rCB) and the importance of ASTM standards in ensuring market momentum for recycled materials. Meanwhile, Brisil Green Silica and Tata Chemicals are set to discuss the revolutionary transition of producing sustainable silica from agricultural waste, a move that highlights the industry's move away from traditional, energy-intensive sourcing.

A Collaborative Ecosystem

The conference serves as a global stage for a diverse array of companies, including Arlanxeo India, which will present eco-friendly elastomer solutions and Finorchem, focusing on enhancing compound performance through phenolic resin-silica coupling. Other notable participants include LANXESS, TUV Rheinland and TTRC, covering everything from bio-based additives to water-based vulcanising cements and rigorous certification standards.

As regulatory pressures and environmental expectations continue to intensify, IRI-CON’26 stands as a timely and vital forum. By aligning manufacturers, R&D specialists, and academia, the event is positioned to chart a sustainable growth pathway for India’s tyre and rubber ecosystem, ensuring it remains competitive on the global stage while meeting the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

The event will also celebrate the next generation of industry talent with a Best Student Presentation Award Ceremony on the final day.

All-in-all the event is a must-attend for industry professionals, R&D specialists and academics in the tyre and rubber industry. To register click here

From Vision To Action: Fornnax Sets Out Global Growth Strategy For 2026

From Vision To Action: Fornnax Sets Out Global Growth Strategy For 2026

As 2026 begins, Fornnax enters a decisive phase of its growth, seeking to scale its operations globally after years of investment in engineering, innovation and sustainable recycling.

“Our 2026 strategy is driven by four key priorities,” said Jignesh Kundaria, Director and Chief Executive of Fornnax.

The first priority is global expansion. The company plans to strengthen its presence in Europe, Australia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, while continuing to grow in existing markets. By aligning closely with local regulations and customer requirements, Fornnax aims to position itself as a long-term partner for advanced recycling solutions.

A central milestone will be export-led global installations. In 2026, the company plans to commission Europe’s highest-capacity shredding line, a project intended to reinforce its focus on high-capacity recycling systems.

The second priority is product innovation and technology leadership. Innovation, the company says, underpins its ambition to become a global leader in recycling technology by 2030. The focus remains on solutions that are efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible.

Building on more than a decade in tyre recycling, Fornnax has expanded into additional applications including municipal solid waste, e-waste, cable and aluminium recycling. Several large projects are scheduled to become operational this year, including the installation of India’s largest e-waste and cable recycling line and the commissioning of a high-capacity municipal solid waste RDF recycling line.

“Sustainable growth must be scalable and profitable,” Kundaria said. In 2026, Fornnax expects to complete phase one of its capacity expansion with the establishment of what it describes as the world’s largest shredding equipment manufacturing facility. The 23-acre site is scheduled for completion in July 2026 and is intended to expand production capacity and support global deliveries.

Alongside manufacturing expansion, the company plans further efficiency gains across its supply chain and service operations, while strengthening its service network in India, Australia and Europe to improve response times and customer support.

The final priority is people and culture. “People remain the foundation of Fornnax’s success. We will continue to invest in talent, leadership development, and a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” Kundaria said.

With sustainability positioned as a core principle, the company says its objective is to grow while supporting the circular economy and contributing to a cleaner future. Management describes 2026 as a defining year, shaped by global installations, diversified recycling applications and manufacturing expansion.

PCBL Chemical Appoints Sanjay Ghawghawe As Chief Manufacturing Operations

PCBL Chemical Appoints Sanjay Ghawghawe As Chief Manufacturing Operations

PCBL Chemical Limited said it has appointed Sanjay Prabhakar Ghawghawe as Chief Manufacturing Operations and Executive Director, with effect from 5 January 2026.

In its disclosure, PCBL said that Ghawghawe’s appointment is on a full-time basis and does not carry a fixed term.

Ghawghawe brings about 29 years of industry experience, including roles at Owens Brockway, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Petro Marketing, Asian Paints and Avery Dennison (India). His most recent position was Chief Manufacturing Operations at Pidilite Industries.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Nagpur University and a postgraduate diploma in business management from the Institute of Business Management and Research, Pune University. The company said there are no relationships between Ghawghawe and the directors of PCBL.

CarbonX Co-Founder Daniela Sordi Appointed Fellow of Netherlands Academy of Engineering

CarbonX Co-Founder Daniela Sordi Appointed Fellow of Netherlands Academy of Engineering

CarbonX has announced that Daniela Sordi, its Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, has been appointed a Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering, the country’s leading body representing excellence in engineering, technology and applied scientific innovation.

Sordi is one of 15 experts selected for the Fellowship, which recognises engineers who have demonstrated significant impact in their fields and who contribute to major societal transitions.

Sordi is internationally recognised for her work on advanced three-dimensional structured carbon materials designed to improve lithium-ion battery performance. She has more than 17 years of experience across research and industry, translating chemistry and materials science into manufacturing technologies.

At CarbonX, she has led the development of battery materials that the company says charge faster, last longer and are up to five times more sustainable than conventional synthetic graphite. Under her technical leadership, the company has secured funding from the European Innovation Council Accelerator and advanced efforts to strengthen Europe’s autonomy in energy-storage materials.

“Daniela’s appointment to the NAE is an outstanding recognition of her ability to bridge groundbreaking science with high-impact industrial innovation,” said Rutger van Raalten, chief executive of CarbonX. “Her work lies at the core of our mission to enable cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable energy technologies on a global scale.”

The appointment also highlights Ms Sordi’s role as a visible advocate for engineering careers, particularly for women entering deep technology and advanced materials. Her career is frequently cited as an example for students pursuing technical and innovation-led professions.

The Netherlands Academy of Engineering brings together senior engineers from academia, industry and applied research. Its members contribute to national and international innovation agendas and advise on technological responses to challenges such as climate, energy, health and digitalisation.