The Tamil Nadu-based company’s greenfield expansion will propel its rCB capacity from 5,000-20,000 metric tonnes. Director Ravi Rathi explained that there has been a change in attitude towards rCB within tyre companies, leading to heightened demand.

Tamil Nadu-based Capital Carbon is expanding its recovered carbon black (rCB) capacity by 15,000 metric tonnes with a new greenfield project at Gummidipoondi. The plant is slated to become operational by January 2025 and boost the capacity from 5,000 metric tonnes to 20,000 metric tonnes, annually.

Speaking to Tyre Trends, Director Ravi Rathi explained, “The decision to pursue a greenfield expansion in the rCB sector stemmed from the rapid development of this innovative product over the past four to five years. Given our background in the pyrolysis business, expanding into rCB felt like a natural progression. rCB is still a relatively new product and both manufacturers and users are in the process of learning about its applications. When we first began exploring this market, around four years ago, it was challenging. Many tyre manufacturers would dismiss our proposals even before we could present our case as they were hesitant to incorporate recycled materials into their mainstream formulations.”

“However, in recent years, attitudes have shifted significantly due to increasing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles. The industry is now more open to integrating green products. We started with a modest capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes per annum, which allowed us to gain insights into customer needs. Gradually, we scaled our operations from small quantities to commercial sales. The key driver for our recent expansion is customer demand. We have obtained product approval, and customers are eager to purchase rCB,” he added.

He also noted that companies wanted assurance that the demands could be met consistently, which was also a factor behind the expansion. Furthermore, having multiple units also allows the company to manage any potential supply chain issues, effectively. “If a minor problem arises in one unit, we can still supply material from another, minimising disruptions for our customers,” said Rathi.

The entire CAPEX for the greenfield plant is set at INR 20 crore.

Pyrolysis to rCB

Capital Carbon commenced operations in 2012 with a modest pyrolysis capacity of 10 tonnes per day. Over the years, it has consistently expanded its capacity, increasing to 150 metric tonnes per day. The company has also bolstered its backend operations, enhancing sourcing capabilities and adding substantial shredding and crumbing capacity.

Additionally, Capital Carbon has focused on value-added products including pyrolysis oil distillation and rCB. As of now, it operates a shredding capacity of 120,000 metric tonnes per annum for captive consumption. This capacity is supplemented by sourcing contaminated tyre bales, which typically have 20-30 percent rubber contamination. This material is cleaned to yield 98 percent pure steel, with the remaining rubber used for pyrolysis, creating a separate business vertical.

Currently, the company processes approximately 50,000 to 52,000 metric tonnes of tyres per annum through its pyrolysis operations. In terms of value addition, Capital Carbon produces between 20,000 to 24,000 tonnes of pyrolysis oil, annually.

When asked about the motivation behind establishing a pyrolysis plant, Rathi noted, “My father worked at Birla Carbon and retired in 2019. Although we lacked prior business experience, we were inspired by the industrial upbringing and the promising potential of the pyrolysis sector. Following the completion of my chartered accountancy studies, I decided to pursue this opportunity.”

He acknowledged that pyrolysis often has a negative reputation in India, where it is sometimes viewed as a ‘dirty business’. To combat this perception, Capital Carbon prioritises quality management and environmental responsibility in its operations. IT employs fuel-based heating methods in its pyrolysis process as electric heating is generally not feasible due to the high volumes involved in tyre pyrolysis. The initial heating requires some fuel, which can include biomass or pyrolysis oil, but the system becomes self-sufficient once it reaches a certain temperature.

The primary outputs from the pyrolysis process include fuel oil, carbon char (used as raw material for rCB or as an alternative energy source for cement plants), steel wires and pyrolysis gases, which are utilised for heating purposes.

He highlighted that the pyrolysis oil produced is of high quality with low sulfur and carbon content, making it cleaner than many conventional heating fuels used in India.

Quality control

The company’s sourcing strategy primarily focuses on domestic suppliers. It procures rejected tyres and dealer returns from various companies, which constitute a substantial portion of the feedstock. This local sourcing approach ensures that it maintains a steady supply of raw materials

Following sourcing, the production of recovered carbon black involves several critical steps. Initially, tyres are shredded to extract carbon black, steel and other components. The distinction in product application necessitates tailored processing methods.

For instance, producing carbon char for energy requires less stringent technical specifications compared to producing carbon black intended for high-performance applications, such as tyre manufacturing or footwear.

“The quality of the final product begins with meticulous sorting of tyres to determine suitability for pyrolysis. This initial step is vital for ensuring consistent output quality. Following sorting, the tyres are shredded into steel-free rubber chips of 15-20 millimetres. During pyrolysis, we focus on maintaining specific quality parameters for the pyrochar produced. This includes stringent controls to limit ash content, which must remain below 20-22 percent to ensure product consistency. The handling of impurities such as wires and stones in the pyrochar is essential. Post-processing, the pyrochar is milled to fine particle sizes (10-15 microns), enhancing its surface area for better compatibility with rubber compounds,” explained Rathi.

Once the recovered carbon black is processed, palletisation becomes the next step. This method streamlines handling and ensures that the product meets industry standards. While the equipment resembles that used for traditional carbon black, adaptations are necessary to accommodate the unique characteristics of recovered carbon black.

“To facilitate customer adoption, we offer tailored packaging solutions including 25kg paper bags, EVA / LDPE bags and FIBC bags, allowing clients to integrate our products seamlessly into their existing production processes,” he added. 

As the industry evolves, the need for standardised quality benchmarks for recovered carbon black has become increasingly clear. Major corporations have driven this change, leading ASTM to establish a dedicated committee (D36) focused on developing specific standards for recovered carbon black. Unlike conventional carbon black, which adheres to existing standards, recovered carbon black requires new metrics to account for its varied origins and compositions.

The committee is currently validating a series of standards including moisture content, pallet hardness and particle size analysis, specifically for rCB. This ongoing development is slated to enhance product credibility and facilitate broader market acceptance.

Commenting on the same lines, Rathi mentioned, “We maintain a dedicated quality lab to refine our production processes continually. Our focus on evolving our offerings has resulted in the introduction of two new grades of recovered carbon black, aimed at meeting diverse market needs. Our commitment to leveraging advanced machinery and improved grinding techniques reflects our proactive approach to quality enhancement and capacity expansion.”

Optimistic market outlook

The demand for recovered carbon black in India is poised for significant growth, driven by a strong shift toward sustainability. Customers are increasingly seeking high-quality suppliers, indicating a burgeoning market for rCB.

“Globally, rCB production currently accounts for less than one percent of total carbon black production, underscoring a substantial opportunity for expansion. As customer awareness and demand for sustainable products increase, we anticipate a corresponding rise in rCB consumption,” informed Rathi.

He added, “Many major corporations have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, necessitating immediate action to integrate green and circular products into their supply chains. As these companies strive to meet their net-zero targets, they are turning to recovered materials such as rCB to fulfil sustainability mandates. Our role is crucial in assisting these customers to achieve their goals through the production of eco-friendly and circular products derived from end-of-life tyres.”

Speaking on market opportunities, he said, “India remains our largest market, but we are also making significant inroads into Sri Lanka. The European market is particularly promising, though it presents challenges related to certifications and distribution. We are currently working on obtaining the necessary certifications, including ISCC Plus, to unlock this market potential.”

“Our immediate focus is on completing our current expansion project, after which we will enhance our pyrolysis capacity to align with the growing demand from our customers. As the volumes of recovered carbon black usage increase, we aim to be ready with sufficient supply,” he added.

He expects to penetrate the European market by the first half of FY26, following the completion of the current plant expansion.

Challenges in scaling production

“One of the primary challenges in scaling rCB production is the scarcity of raw materials. The supply of suitable feedstock is diverse and scattered, making it difficult to source consistently. In the past, customers struggled to understand the differences between recovered carbon black and virgin carbon black grades, often asking if we could produce specific grades like L550 or L660. However, as knowledge in the market has matured, customers are increasingly recognising that rCB is a distinct material requiring tailored processing approaches,” informed Rathi.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Birla Carbon, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality carbon materials, is set to take part in PaintIndia 2026, scheduled from 19 to 21 February 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The company will be located at Booth L3 in Hall 4. At the exhibition, Birla Carbon will highlight its dedication to innovation tailored to specific applications, alongside its strengths in localised production and dependable supply chains, all aimed at supporting the paints and coatings sector with an extensive lineup of advanced carbon-based products.

A key focus will be the Raven line of speciality carbon blacks, engineered to address the shifting needs of modern coatings and inks in terms of performance, appearance and manufacturing efficiency. Visitors will encounter a variety of Raven grades designed to deliver exceptional blackness, precise tonal qualities and consistent results across multiple formulation types. Among these are solutions optimised for waterborne, solvent-based and powder coatings, such as the Raven 5000 Ultra, Raven 5100 Ultra and Raven 3500, which are known for their deep blue shades and reliable colour output.

The company will also present specialised grades developed for powder coatings and inks, including the Raven 1035 Powder, Raven 1185 Ultra Powder and Raven 1255 Powder. These products are part of a globally recognised portfolio of treated blacks now manufactured in India, offering reduced delivery times and greater supply stability along with superior performance characteristics. In addition, Birla Carbon will feature its broader range of advanced materials, which includes Nanocyl carbon nanotubes like the NC7000, Aquacyl and Epocyl, prized for their high electrical conductivity in various coating applications.

Conductex carbon blacks, noted for their ease of dispersion and strong conductive properties, will be presented as ideal for flooring coatings and primers. The Continua SCM line, a sustainable carbonaceous material, will also be on display, distinguished by its uniform quality, lower carbon footprint and elevated purity that meets food-contact standards and other rigorous requirements. Overall, Birla Carbon’s presence at PaintIndia 2026 will underscore its ongoing commitment to developing high-performance materials and solutions shaped by customer needs.

John Davidson, Chief Sales, Marketing & Sustainability Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “PaintIndia 2026 provides an important platform to exchange ideas, showcase innovation and collaborate on the next phase of coatings development in India and globally. Birla Carbon formulations are being improved in multiple dimensions today. The focus is on helping formulators with new materials science solutions that deliver both performance and predictability, with higher purity levels suitable for food-contact compliance. We continue to advance responsible innovation through solutions such as Continua SCM, our sustainable carbonaceous material designed to support mitigated CO₂ emissions with consistent quality and supply security. And of course, we are delighted to offer a range of ‘Made in India’ high-performance grades fresh from our new facility in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Liberty Tire Recycling, a prominent player in North America's tyre recycling sector, has received a Bronze sustainability medal from EcoVadis. This recognition places the company within the top 35 percent of over 150,000 businesses evaluated globally by the rating agency. The achievement underscores Liberty's ongoing dedication to fostering a resilient and transparent operational model, which in turn supports its clients in mitigating environmental and supply chain vulnerabilities.

As a dedicated partner in sustainability, Liberty manages nationwide collections of end-of-life tyres and employs advanced processing techniques. These processes convert scrap tyres into valuable raw materials, including recycled rubber and steel. Through its family of companies, Liberty transforms these materials into a diverse array of high-value products. These range from landscaping mulch and moulded rubber goods to specialised surfaces for sports and recreation, as well as advanced materials for construction and industrial use, all designed to assist customers in reaching their own sustainability targets.

In its second year of assessment, Liberty significantly enhanced its overall EcoVadis score to 66 out of 100, securing a position in the 73rd percentile. The company surpassed the average scores for the Waste Recovery industry across all four evaluation categories. Specifically, Liberty achieved scores of 76 in Environment, 65 in Labor and Human Rights, 62 in Ethics and 50 in Sustainable Procurement, compared to industry averages of 56, 54, 46, and 39, respectively. EcoVadis, a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, bases its evaluations on documented policies, concrete actions and performance data, with regular reassessments to encourage continuous improvement.

This latest rating acknowledges Liberty's extensive efforts to sustainably manage more than 215 million scrap tyres each year. Looking ahead, the company has established an ambitious target of achieving zero-waste operations by 2030. Concurrently, it is expanding its range of sustainable product solutions, effectively channelling recycled materials back into both consumer and industrial markets.

Amy Brackin, Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Liberty Tire Recycling, said, “This recognition affirms that our sustainability strategy is ambitious, measurable and credible. Earning a Bronze medal in our second year demonstrates that Liberty is a partner our customers can rely on to help meet their own circularity and responsible sourcing goals.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Zeon Corporation and Visolis Inc. have formalised their partnership by signing a binding term sheet, marking a pivotal advancement in the commercialisation of bio-based isoprene monomer and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

This collaboration, which now moves from technology verification towards project implementation, is built upon the progress made since their initial memorandum of understanding in March 2024 and the subsequent joint feasibility study announced in April 2025. Bio-based isoprene monomer serves as an essential component in the production of synthetic rubbers and various other materials, while SAF is increasingly recognised as a critical next-generation fuel for reducing carbon emissions within the aviation industry.

The newly established term sheet outlines a foundational agreement on the key elements required for a final investment decision. These include defining the business structure and the respective roles of each company, establishing technology and development strategies and advancing detailed engineering for the proposed production facility. Furthermore, the agreement covers the evaluation of potential sites, the process for engaging with suppliers, securing necessary regulatory approvals and planning the financing pathway.

The envisioned facility is set to commence commercial-scale output after successfully demonstrating mass production capabilities for biomass-based isoprene and SAF, utilising Visolis’ proprietary technology. Both companies are now committed to expediting the path to full-scale production and ensuring a steady supply of these sustainable products to the global market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Zeon Corporation has deepened its commitment to digital chemistry through a strategic investment and partnership with Chemify Limited, secured via its corporate venture arm Zeon Ventures Inc. Chemify, a growth-stage UK enterprise, is reshaping molecular research by integrating digital tools with automated laboratory systems. Its proprietary Chemputation technology translates molecular targets into executable chemical code, which operates directly on robotic platforms to complete integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze cycles without manual intervention. This closed-loop automation allows Chemify to explore previously inaccessible areas of chemical space while reducing the timeline from concept to synthesized compound by up to tenfold.

A cornerstone of Chemify’s capability is its recently inaugurated Chemifarm in Glasgow – one of the most sophisticated automated facilities in the world for molecular design and construction. The facility enables accelerated iteration and autonomous synthesis of novel small molecules, converting chemical code into tangible compounds with unprecedented efficiency. These advances are critical for developing functional, synthesisable molecules that can contribute solutions to urgent global issues spanning public health, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Zeon has been at the forefront of adopting digital methodologies in chemical R&D, recognising their transformative potential from an early stage. This investment is positioned to strengthen Zeon’s internal digital chemistry efforts and catalyse the invention of novel materials capable of addressing complex societal needs. The move aligns with Zeon’s STAGE30 corporate strategy, which targets a rise in revenue contribution from four key growth sectors – Mobility, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Telecommunications and Green Transformation – to 48 percent by fiscal 2028. By backing pioneering enterprises and cultivating advanced materials, Zeon continues to advance its dual vision of a sustainable planet and a secure, progressive society.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!