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RUSSIAN RETREADING INDUSTRY FACES A WORSENING CASING SHORTAGE The Russian retreading industry is experiencing a significant shortage of casings suitable for retreading, according to reports from the Mosckovskaya Gazetta, which cites insights from industry analysts. Despite this challenge, new retreading operations are initiated, and existing facilities plan expansions. Sergey Podoinikov, the executive director of the Russian Association of Tyre Manufacturers and Importers EcoShinSoyuz, highlighted the prevailing trend in the truck tyre segment where tyres are used until their casings are unfit for retreading. Initially established to support tyre recycling efforts, this association has analysed the retreading sector’s current state. The retreading industry in Russia, which emerged from the recycling sector, has evolved into a mature industry, accord- ing to Podoinikov. However, the practice is less widespread than in some other countries with a stronger commitment to reusing truck tyres. The criteria for retreading tyres require a certain level of wear; beyond a specific threshold, retread- ing becomes unfeasible. Podoinikov pointed out that an in- creasing number of tyres are being worn down excessively, partly due to professional drivers’ practice of rotating tyres to extend their usage and a trend towards using tyres until P.26