BKT Tires is leading the way in manufacturing sustainable OTR solutions

By OEM Update Editorial November 1, 2023 1:50 pm IST

In an evolving off-highway tire industry, BKT Tires stands out with its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Ashok Chhajer, Sr. General Manager at BKT, explores how BKT shapes the future and addresses industry challenges.

In the evolving and competitive off-highway tire industry, what strategies and values have ensured the enduring strength and relevance of BKT Tires?
Through strategic initiatives and ingrained core principles, BKT Tires maintains its enduring strength and relevance in the highly competitive off-highway tire market. Its prominence is primarily attributed to its steadfast dedication to quality. It is demonstrated through rigorous standards and an ongoing commitment to improving all aspects of the organisation.

Through strategic initiatives and deeply ingrained core principles, BKT Tires maintains its enduring strength and competitiveness in the off-highway tire market. A primary factor contributing to its prominence is its unwavering commitment to quality, evident in rigorous standards and an ongoing dedication to enhancing every aspect of the organisation.

Innovation plays a pivotal role in BKT’s success, with significant investments in research and development that sustain its position as an industry leader. This commitment results in cutting-edge tire solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

What sets BKT apart is its customer-centric approach, actively engaging with clients to create solutions that align with their specific requirements. These insights help generate genuine value for clients. BKT’s global presence is further solidified by a robust distribution network, ensuring its products are accessible worldwide and can be reliably delivered. Sustainability is an integral part of BKT’s operations, focusing on eco-friendly practices that reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact, aligning with industry trends and responsible corporate practices.

A long-term vision guides BKT, enabling the company to proactively adapt its strategies and products to anticipate changes in the market, ensuring continued relevance and success. Collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry stakeholders play a significant role in fine-tuning BKT’s tire solutions to meet the demands of modern equipment and applications, further bolstering its position in the market.

BKT’s enduring resilience and competitiveness result from unwavering quality commitment. Innovation, customer-centricity, global reach, sustainability, forward-thinking, and collaborative partnerships are other key elements. These values uphold BKT’s strength and relevance in a dynamic and competitive market.

Please discuss the unique features of rubber tracks and how they enhance the performance and durability of machinery in these sectors.
The rubber tracks designed for compact track loaders are essential for the construction and industrial sectors. Rubber tracks tailored for compact track loaders in the Indian market enhance machinery performance and durability. They provide superior traction for stability in diverse terrains, ensuring longevity through robust construction. Reducing rolling resistance boosts fuel efficiency and supports sustainability objectives. Likewise, minimising vibration and noise levels enhances operator comfort, improving productivity. These features are vital for various sectors, offering improved performance and cost savings.

What are the latest innovations in off-highway tires that BKT has introduced recently?
BKT Tires strongly emphasises research and development, striving for continuous innovation in off-highway tires. Recent innovations include environmentally friendly tires that reduce fuel consumption and minimise environmental impact.

How can the choice of tires reduce fuel consumption and overall operational costs on construction and infrastructure sites?
Fuel efficiency is a cost-saving concern. The choice of tires is pivotal in reducing fuel consumption and operational costs on construction and infrastructure sites. Choosing tires engineered for better fuel efficiency, featuring reduced rolling resistance and advanced tread designs, lowers the energy needed to operate equipment. This, in turn, cuts fuel consumption, decreases carbon emissions, and lowers operational costs. Additionally, durable tires with substantially longer lifespans minimise the frequency of replacements, further reducing maintenance expenses and downtime.

How can innovations such as emerging tire technologies benefit construction projects, and are there any challenges in adopting these technologies?
Emerging tire technologies, like smart and sensor-equipped tires, offer substantial benefits for construction projects. They provide real-time data on tire pressure, temperature, and tread wear, enhancing safety and efficiency. However, challenges include initial implementation costs and specific equipment and training requirements. Additionally, ensuring data security and dependability in harsh construction settings remains challenging. Despite these hurdles, the potential gains in safety, cost savings, and productivity make adopting these technologies worthwhile.

In the context of company’s sustainable practices, how are you working to develop eco-friendly tire solutions while maintaining high-performance standards?
As a global tire manufacturer, BKT is committed to sustainability, aligning with evolving industry demands. Our tire products prioritise eco-friendliness and high performance. We have made substantial progress by adopting sustainable materials and processes.

We work with Kultevat, Inc., a U.S. company that makes TKS rubber from Russian dandelions. This rubber is a sustainable alternative to rubber from traditional rubber tree farms, and it helps us keep our commitment to using eco-friendly materials in our tire production. BKT is committed to being eco-friendly, even when it comes to tire recycling. We recycle old tires to create useful materials like reclaimed rubber, Crumb Rubber, and recovered carbon black. Additionally, we use coarse friction fabric made from scrap calendered fabric in our tires.

Our efforts showcase a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed, minimising waste and environmental impact. At BKT, we are taking significant steps toward a more sustainable future and pioneering eco-friendly tire solutions. These meet the industry’s evolving needs.

What is your perspective on the future of the off-highway tire industry in India, and what aspirations does BKT have in shaping its growth and development?
The future of the off-highway tire industry in India holds promising opportunities. With rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and increasing mechanisation in agriculture, the demand for high-quality off-highway tires is expected to surge. BKT aims to be a key player in this growth by providing innovative, sustainable, and tailored tire solutions. We will continue to invest in research and development, local collaborations, and expanding our distribution network. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer-centricity allows us to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers. All these attributes contribute to advancing the off-highway tire industry in India.