Saint-Gobain plays a pivotal role in the carbon black industry by supplying high-performance refractories that enhance energy efficiency and thereby reduce pollution in the production process. The innovative solutions contribute to more sustainable carbon black manufacturing by improving yield and extending the lifespan of reactors while the company’s efforts to use cleaner energy sources as a consequence of its commitment to carbon neutrality strengthens its sustainability efforts.

Refractories play a crucial role in the production of carbon black, particularly in the reactors where the carbon black is produced. Carbon black is typically made by thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons called cracking in a high-temperature, oxygen-limited environment.

Refractories are heat-resistant materials used to line the reactors and other high-temperature vessels to withstand the extreme conditions involved in the carbon black production process. Their main functions include withstanding high-temperature erosion and chemical attack, thermal insulation, protecting equipment, controlling gas flow and distribution etc.

While there are many players that supply refractories to India’s carbon black industry, Saint-Gobain has been an innovative player that enhances energy efficiency. Speaking to Tyre Trends on the sidelines of the 15th Asia-Pacific Carbon Black Conference, Business Development Manager Shailesh Doshi mentioned, “The production process in the carbon black industry is inherently polluting. However, refractories play a crucial role in mitigating this impact by enhancing both yield and energy efficiency. By providing thermally efficient refractories, Saint-Gobain helps increase the yield of the process, thereby boosting overall energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.”

For instance, if a reactor operates at 1,850 degrees Celsius, raising the temperature to 2,200 degrees Celsius can improve the yield by 4-5 percent. This not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable process with a reduced carbon footprint.

Saint-Gobain supplies specialised refractories to the carbon black industry. “Refractories are essentially high-temperature, ceramic materials that line furnaces and other thermal vessels, designed to withstand extreme conditions inside these reactors. In the carbon black industry, there are two types of reactors, namely tread reactors and carcass reactors. As the names suggest, the carbon black produced in tread reactors is used for tyre treads, providing wear resistance, while the carbon black from carcass reactors is used in the tyres inner structure called carcass, contributing to strength,” informed Doshi.

“The refractories used in the reactors must endure not only high heat but also erosion, turbulence and chemical and thermal attacks. We provide high-purity refractories specifically designed for these aggressive conditions. Our refractories are critical for the key zones of the combustor, choke, venturi, post choke and other areas within the reactor. We work with leading players in the carbon black industry, having collaborated on the development of many products over the past four to five decades. Our close association with these industry leaders has helped evolve refractories for the carbon black manufacturing process ensuring our refractories meet the ever-evolving demands of this high-temperature, high-performance environment,” added the executive.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY

The executive mentioned that Saint-Gobain manufactures refractories from high-performance materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures. “For alumina refractories, we primarily use aluminium oxide, which is sintered to form a dense, durable structure. For zirconia refractories, we use fused zirconia grains, which has exceptional thermal stability. These materials are chosen for their inherent ability to withstand temperatures as high as 1,850 degrees Celsius, with zirconia refractories capable of handling even higher temperatures,” explained the executive.

He noted that the key to the effectiveness of these materials at such high temperatures lies in their unique properties. Aluminium oxide and zirconia both have excellent resistance to thermal shock, erosion and chemical attack, making them ideal for the harsh conditions inside carbon black reactors.

Alluding to how these refractories help in energy efficiency within the reactors, he said, “In terms of energy savings, we see improvements in yield when operating at higher temperatures. This increase in yield is directly linked to better energy efficiency. Additionally, by using high-quality refractories with longer lifespans, we reduce the need for reactor shutdowns. The energy loss during shutdowns and restarts can be significant, so a longer refractory life translates to less downtime and more consistent energy use. This, in turn, not only boosts energy efficiency but also helps reduce overall pollution from the carbon black production process.”

Alluding to how the company holds a competitive edge, he said, “Our focus remains on purity and quality control. As the temperature and chemical demands of the process increase, impurities in refractory materials can significantly affect performance. We rigorously control the purity of our raw materials to ensure that our refractories deliver superior performance, longevity and energy efficiency.”

ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY

Saint-Gobain is advancing sustainability in the carbon black production process through two primary channels, including enhancing customer processes and improving the environmental footprint of our own operations.

“For our customers, we focus on increasing yield and energy efficiency, which directly reduces carbon emissions. We also contribute to sustainability through our own manufacturing processes. Energy consumption is a significant factor in refractory production and we are transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Our plants no longer rely on oil-based fuels or polluting energy sources like petcoke; instead, we use natural gas and are increasingly shifting toward electricity,” said the official.

He added, “However, given the high temperatures required for refractory production, we continue to rely on the cleanest available fuels such as natural gas and LPG. Furthermore, as a group, we are actively working on improving our scope 3 carbon emissions by sourcing cleaner energy including renewable sources.”

In terms of innovation, Saint-Gobain has been leading efforts to enhance refractory performance for the carbon black industry. “Six to seven years ago, we introduced refractories capable of withstanding higher temperatures, helping customers boost reactor temperatures. Another key innovation is the development of large, single-piece refractories for complex zones like choke and venturi, which simplify installation and significantly reduce downtime. Traditional refractory bricks require more complex installation, but our solution streamlines this process enabling faster and more efficient reactor restarts,” added Doshi.

Saint-Gobain operates across a wide range of markets with a strong presence in carbon black, Petrochemical, metallurgy, ceramics, glass, plasterboard (Gyproc), construction chemicals, ceramics, refractories and abrasives.

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Tana Oy has appointed Panu Ärölä as its new Territory Business Manager, a role he will assume on 2 November. In this capacity, he will focus on strengthening customer and distributor relationships across designated markets while contributing to the company’s ongoing expansion within the waste management and recycling sector.

Ärölä returns to Tana after previously serving as Sales Manager, where he developed expertise in distributor network growth. His background includes extensive international experience in sales, marketing, business development and strategic leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Head of Sales and Marketing at Jet-Tekno Oy, overseeing customer relationship development and business growth initiatives.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, said, “We are delighted to welcome Panu back to Tana. His industry knowledge, customer focus and experience in international sales make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our business and create value for our customers and partners.”

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Stephan Sielaff took over as chief executive of the Schill+Seilacher Group on 1^st October , as the chemicals group seeks to strengthen links between its businesses and focus more closely on customer needs.

Sielaff brings about 30 years of experience in developing international businesses and organisations. His previous roles include positions at Unilever, Symrise, Archroma, Lenzing AG and SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

His priorities at Schill+Seilacher include getting closer to customers, encouraging greater knowledge-sharing across the group and making better use of capabilities across its businesses and locations.

“A good product alone is no longer enough. What matters is the value we create for our customers,” says Stephan Sielaff.

The group said it would seek to share knowledge, pursue opportunities jointly and strengthen connections between its locations and business areas.

Sielaff's appointment is intended to support a more integrated approach across the group as it develops its businesses in the years ahead.

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Toyo Tire Corporation of Japan (Toyo Tire) has announced executive appointments at Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU), effective 1 October 2026. Keiko Brockel has become President and Chief Executive Officer at TTHA, while Angelo Naval has beeen promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer at NTU.

Brockel, the first woman and first American to hold the TTHA role, will oversee daily North American business operations. She joined NTU in 2008 and previously served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer. Over 18 years at NTU, she has held various executive leadership positions, providing strategic oversight in sales, finance, supply chain and operations, contributing significantly to the company's growth and evolution.

Angelo Naval

Naval, formerly Vice President of Sales and Business Strategy at NTU, will now oversee its business operations. He joined NTU in 2000 and also served as Vice President of Product and Business Strategy. During his 24 years with the company, he has been instrumental in shaping the business, gaining deep understanding and a unique perspective on the Nitto brand, its customers and the markets it serves.

Takashi Shimizu, President & CEO, Toyo Tire Corporation, said, “On behalf of Toyo Tire, I would like to congratulate both Keiko Brockel and Angelo Naval on their well-earned new appointments and thank them for their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of Nitto Tire in the American market.”

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ContiTech, the group sector of Continental, has named Amanda Lacerda as its new Head of Communications, with effect from 15 September 2026. In this capacity, she will report directly to Diana Hoppe, who serves as Head of Human Relations and Communications at ContiTech. The appointment places Lacerda at the helm of the organisation’s global communications operations.

In her new position, Lacerda will act as a strategic partner focused on advancing business performance, transformation and brand value. Her responsibilities encompass corporate, executive and brand communications, alongside media and public relations, public affairs, employee communications and reputation management. She is tasked with maintaining a consistent narrative that bolsters ContiTech’s global reputation and aligns with its business priorities and strategic ambitions. Lacerda takes over from Claudia Lademann-Fleger, who has chosen to depart the company for external opportunities.

Lacerda arrives with over two decades of experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs. Her global leadership background includes roles across Brazil, Middle East, Sweden and Germany. Over her career, she has engaged with diverse international markets and industries, assisting organisations in strengthening their brands, managing change and cultivating meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

Diana Hoppe, Head of Human Relations and Communications, ContiTech, said, “Effective communication plays a key role as ContiTech continues its transformation and prepares for its future as a standalone company. Amanda brings extensive international experience, strategic insight and domain expertise in communications that will help strengthen our brand, enhance our reputation and deepen engagement with employees, customers, partners and communities around the world. As we continue to build a strong and distinctive brand, her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic ambitions and long-term success. I also want to thank Claudia for her many years of dedicated leadership and service to ContiTech, and I wish her every success in the future.”

Lacerda said, “I am excited to join ContiTech at such an important moment in its journey. ContiTech has a strong heritage, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to tell our story, support the company’s transformation and help create value through clear, authentic and engaging communications.”

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