The Tire Industry Project has welcomed the Thailand Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association as its ninth Affiliate Member, expanding the project’s network into Southeast Asia and adding representation from one of the world’s major tire manufacturing and export regions. TIP said affiliate members support its work on environmental, social and governance issues relevant to the tire industry and its value chain, including tire and road wear particles, end-of-life tire management and sustainable raw materials. The addition of TATMA is expected to provide regional insight from Thailand, where tire manufacturing, export activity and emerging circular economy initiatives create opportunities for knowledge exchange on tire recycling, sustainability and end-of-life tire circularity.

Affiliate membership expands TIP’s Southeast Asia presence

TIP said TATMA’s membership strengthens its ability to monitor and anticipate sustainability-related developments in Southeast Asia. Affiliate Members are tire trade associations that contribute regional perspectives to TIP’s global work, helping the organization understand ESG issues and trends across different markets. The partnership adds a local industry perspective from Thailand, a country described by TIP as the world’s second-largest tire exporter by volume.

Thailand identified as important for tire sustainability

According to TIP, Thailand is strategically important to tire industry sustainability because of its role in global tire manufacturing and trade. The country is also seeing the development of a circular economy ecosystem across the tire value chain. TIP said this creates opportunities for cooperation with TATMA on end-of-life tire management, recycling and circularity topics, including how used tires can be collected, processed and directed toward productive recovery routes.

TATMA to contribute industry and ESG perspective

TATMA represents tire manufacturers based in Thailand and works on trade promotion, industry coordination and ESG-related matters. These include quality standards, manufacturing practices and environmental compliance. Through its affiliate role, TATMA is expected to contribute local knowledge and support exchange with other tire industry associations on sustainability and circular economy priorities.

TIP highlights shared sustainability objectives

Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director of TIP, said the organization was pleased to welcome TATMA to its network. She said local insights from tire trade associations help inform TIP’s global sustainability-related activities and that a broader membership supports the shared objective of a sustainable tire value chain.

Keeratisuda Khakhong, Secretary General of TATMA, said the association recognizes TIP as a global platform for addressing ESG challenges facing the tire industry, particularly tire and road wear particles, end-of-life tires and sustainable raw materials. She said TATMA looks forward to knowledge exchange, sharing best practices and engaging with global affiliates.

TIP affiliate network includes major tire associations

TIP’s Affiliate Members are selected based on factors including the economic significance and ESG footprint of the tire industry in their regions. Existing affiliate members include the Australian Tyre Industry Council, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association of India, British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, Tyres Europe, Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association, Korea Tire Manufacturers Association, Tire and Rubber Association of Canada and United States Tire Manufacturers Association.

With TATMA joining the network, TIP said it is expanding the range of regional perspectives available for its work on sustainability, end-of-life tire management and responsible tire value chain development.