Indian manufacturer BKT is continuing the expansion of its operations both in tire and carbon black production.
Firstly, the company has expanded its range of V-Flexa tires with the addition of three new sizes, the VF 600/65 R 26.5, VF 650/55 R 26.5 and VF 560/60 R 22.5. It notes that the expansion of this specific range ties in with its sustainability values, specifically, engineering its products to reduce their environmental impact.
In the case of the V-Flexa range, an extra-large ‘tire print’ enables good load distribution but also minimizes damage to soil and crops when operated on agricultural land. By increasing the availability of the tires through an expanded size range, BKT feels it can further reduce agriculture’s impact on certain environments by preventing damage to soil, which in turn will help increase crop yields and make the industry more sustainable.
The benefits are realized thanks to the tires incorporating the company’s increased flexion (IF) and very high flexion (VF) technology. This ensures that vehicles and trailers fitted with V-Flexa tires with IF technology can transport up to 20% more weight than standard tires with the same air pressure, and 40% more weight with VF technology tires.
In the arena of raw materials production, BKT has been investing further in the R&D capabilities of its carbon black operation. Again, the company places a focus on sustainability, noting that it has introduced measures such as optimized transportation systems, the management and reduction of particulate emissions in loading, unloading and handling, along with the undertaking of all operations in a socially and ethically responsible way.
Since it became operational in 2018, BKT’s carbon black production plant in Bhuj, India, has ramped up to a production capacity of 140,000 metric tons per year, with 65% of the material produced going into its own products.
