Bekaert Accelerates Global Growth with Bridgestone Deal and ISCC PLUS Certification
Bekaert Strengthens Global Tire Reinforcement Leadership and Pioneers Certified Sustainable Steel
As a proud sponsor of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China, Bekaert continues to lead the global tire reinforcement industry while supporting international business collaboration. We are delighted with Bekaert’s recent achievements and proud to support their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth, which strengthens both industry standards and ties between the Benelux region and China.
In early 2026, Bekaert reinforced its position as a global leader in the tire reinforcement industry through strategic growth and sustainability milestones. The company finalized an agreement with Bridgestone to acquire its tire reinforcement business in China and Thailand. This transaction, which includes a long-term supply agreement and the transfer of two tire cord manufacturing facilities, expands Bekaert Rubber Reinforcement’s (RR) global footprint, strengthens partnerships with key accounts, and ensures the continued supply of high-quality tire reinforcement products. The acquisition is expected to add approximately €80 million annually to Bekaert’s consolidated sales and will be funded from available cash balances.
Bekaert Rubber Reinforcement, the largest division of the Bekaert Group, has been a leader in the global tire reinforcement market for over 70 years. The acquisition consolidates captive business from global tire manufacturers, reinforces the division’s manufacturing capabilities, and deepens the long-standing strategic collaboration with Bridgestone. Yves Kerstens, CEO of Bekaert, highlighted that the integration of Bridgestone’s plant teams will drive joint growth and innovation while signaling the company’s strengthened leadership in tire reinforcement.
Shortly after this strategic expansion, Bekaert achieved another industry-first milestone by receiving ISCC PLUS certification for its steel tire reinforcement products. This certification recognizes Bekaert’s pioneering efforts to provide high recycled content materials in the tire industry, enabling customers to make credible sustainability claims while simplifying compliance with evolving regulatory and market requirements. The certification process, conducted in collaboration with ISCC and TÜV NORD, audited Bekaert’s Burgos plant and established a globally recognized framework for traceability and transparency in steel-based tire reinforcement.
Annie Xu, President Rubber Reinforcement at Bekaert, stated that ISCC PLUS certification demonstrates leadership in certified steel tire reinforcement and supports customers in staying ahead of sustainability expectations. ISCC and TÜV NORD representatives emphasized that this milestone extends traceability and sustainability assurance to industrial materials beyond traditional categories.
Together, the acquisition of Bridgestone’s tire reinforcement business and the ISCC PLUS certification reflect Bekaert’s dual commitment to growth and sustainability. These developments position the company at the forefront of the tire reinforcement industry, delivering high-quality products, driving innovation, and advancing responsible sourcing across the global supply chain.