In the rubber and tyre retreading world, Henrique de Oliveira Brito is a notable figure, bringing nearly four decades of experience to the field. As the owner of Bristein Consultoria and co-founder of various sustainability-focused initiatives, he has played a significant role in driving innovation and sustainable practices in the rubber industry. In this exclusive interview, Brito discusses his career, the work of Bristein Consultoria, and the state of the tyre-retreading sector in Brazil.
A Career Rooted in Rubber
Henrique de Oliveira Brito’s introduction to the rubber industry was built on a solid academic foundation. “I have a degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, with further specialisations in Quality Engineering, Business Management, Innovation Management, and an MBA focused on ESG,” Brito explains. Over his 39-year career, he has held numerous leadership roles at vital Brazilian companies such as Borrachas Tipler (now Unique), Pneus Rinaldi, and Vipal Borrachas, eventually rising to the position of COO. Brito also led the Brazilian Rubber Technology Association (ABTB) from 2014 to 2016, further cementing his status as a key industry figure.
Today, Brito runs Bristein Consultoria, a firm dedicated to providing technical and commercial support for sustainable materials development. He also co-founded Greenway, which distributes sustainable raw materials, and Rede ESG Brasil, which promotes best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas.
The Birth of Bristein Consultoria
After many years in corporate roles, Brito transitioned to consulting in 2019 with the founding of Bristein Consultoria. “I felt the time was right to dedicate myself to consulting activities,” Brito says, reflecting on his career shift. Bristein specialises in advising on rubber technology and sustainable materials while also offering commercial representation and project execution services.
Brito isn’t alone in this venture. His team includes two permanent consultants with impressive credentials: Karin Stein Brito, an industrial chemist with a PhD in materials engineering, and Cristiane Mauss, a chemical and mechanical engineer pursuing a PhD. They bring expertise to each project and collaborate with additional specialists as required.
Innovative Projects and Achievements
Bristein Consultoria has been involved in numerous high-profile projects in the rubber and polymer industries. These projects include developing sustainable raw materials and rubber compounds for tyre retreading, mining, and automotive applications. Some standout achievements include collaborating with Suzano to create a sustainable antioxidant from eucalyptus lignin, developing plasticising oil from cashew biomass with Regenera, and working with Gerdau Grafeno on graphene masterbatch development.
“Our ability to work at different stages of product development is what sets us apart,” Brito notes. Bristein’s multidisciplinary team enables them to support research and development, product evaluation, and market launch phases—an advantage Brito believes differentiates his firm from others in the industry.
Brazil’s Role in the Global Retreading Industry
Brazil has long been recognised for its contributions to the tyre retreading industry, and Brito is enthusiastic about the country’s leadership in this field. “The tyre retreading industry plays a fundamental role in cargo and passenger transportation, agriculture, and mining, extending tyre life while offering excellent safety and performance,” he explains. This, in turn, reduces costs, cuts CO2 emissions, and supports the circular economy.
Brito has travelled extensively, visiting tyre retreaders and manufacturers worldwide. From his perspective, “Brazil has one of the best, if not the best, tyre retreading industries globally.” This success is mainly due to the nation’s emphasis on safety, performance, and sustainability.
Future Projects and Regional Focus
Looking ahead, Bristein Consultoria remains focused on sustainable development within the rubber industry. “We are involved in several projects, with a particular emphasis on developing and commercialising sustainable raw materials,” Brito says. These efforts are pursued in partnership with Greenway and Rede ESG Brasil. Bristein is also developing high-performance compounds for retreading giant off-the-road (OTR) tyres while conducting market research for ABR, the Brazilian Tyre Retreading Association.
The market research for ABR, which Brito mentions, represents a crucial aspect of the firm’s current efforts. “This research, led by ABR under Senator Margareth Buzetti, is focused on increasing the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability,” he notes. The study aims to gather data on retreaded tyres and provide insights into ESG practices, competitiveness, and challenges in the tyre retreading industry. Notably, the research has a broad geographical scope, covering Latin America, North America, and Europe, with the final report shared with all participants.
For Brito, the future of tyre retreading lies in continued innovation and adherence to sustainable practices. As society pushes for a more sustainable world, Brito is confident that the tyre-retreading industry will remain at the forefront of the circular economy, contributing to a greener, more efficient future.
Henrique de Oliveira Brito’s extensive experience and commitment to sustainability have placed him and Bristein Consultoria at the cutting edge of the rubber and tyre retreading industries. With a focus on innovation and ESG principles, Brito continues to lead efforts promoting sustainable development in Brazil and internationally. As the industry moves forward, it is clear that Bristein will remain a key player, driving positive change and ensuring that retreading remains a vital component of the global circular economy.
