The Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference 2024 – Perspectives in Asia Pacific, one of the largest and most acknowledged global carbon black industry events, unfolded in Kolkata, India, marking a historic moment for the city. The 15th edition welcomed a record-breaking 252 delegates and featured compelling discussions on the future of the carbon black market, which is projected to reach USD 30.15 billion by 2029. Over three days, industry leaders explored key trends, sustainability efforts and technological innovations, underscoring the sector’s dynamic evolution and the growing importance of India in shaping its future.

The sprawling banquet of a renowned hotel in the City of Joy was attuned to the murmuring of delegates from across the globe when the speaker on the dais invited the International Advisory Committee Chairman Amit Choudhary to address the crowd. With utter excitement, the chairman ascended the stage and opened the 15th Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference doors to the curious assembly. Over the next three days, the event featured – workshops, intriguing sessions and panel discussions on the global carbon black market, which is slated to reach USD 30.15 Billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.

From sessions on the latest trends within the space to the use of recovered carbon black and sustainability issues, the conference was a boiling cauldron of information, coupled with an exhibition spanning different makers and associated suppliers to the industry.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively, Choudhary said, “Key takeaways from the conference were impactful for both participants and delegates, with a record-breaking 252 attendees from around the globe. The exhibition, featuring 36 stalls, marked the largest in the Asia-Pacific region in the event’s 31-year history. The conference kicked off with two workshops on day one, focusing on the technical aspects of carbon black and its applications across the tyre and other industries. About 70 attendees engaged in a robust discussion, addressing numerous technical queries from leading players in the carbon black industry, including Birla Carbon, Tokai Carbon, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, Epsilon, PCBL, and so on.”

He added, “For the first time in its history, the conference featured panel discussions on different topics of the carbon black industry covering marketing, raw materials, application, technology and the future of carbon black, which fostered intense engagement from participants. These sessions provided valuable insights and sparked in-depth discussions, impacting all those who attended.”

Many companies attending the conference were not direct carbon black producers but played key roles in the carbon value chain, either as suppliers to the carbon black industry or as technological collaborators or customers. This diverse representation highlighted the industry’s interconnected nature, with attendees gaining exposure to the latest technologies and processes shaping the sector.

“The conference brought together a global audience, fostering collaboration and providing significant opportunities for local suppliers to engage with emerging technologies. Carbon black production in this region, particularly in India, is experiencing rapid growth.

Companies across the country, from Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west to the east and south, are expanding their operations to meet increasing demand. This growth presents ample opportunities for suppliers of essential equipment and consumables to the carbon black industry, such as refractory manufacturers, bag suppliers and packing material providers. Ultimately, the entire supply chain stands to benefit from the increased collaboration and knowledge exchange fostered at the conference,” averred Choudhary.

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George Haines, Global Product Director and Avijit Sasmal, Chief Sustainability Officer at Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited, highlighted the carbon black industry’s progress in sustainability and circularity. They emphasised advancements such as the use of recycled pyrolysis oil and reclaimed carbon black and achievements like EcoVadis and ISCC+ certifications. Himadri already achieved the milestones and is maintaining Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) across plants. Innovations like LFP Cathode Active Material for EV batteries and renewable energy showcased Himadri’s future readiness. This session set a benchmark for aligning industry practices with global climate goals.

Senior Manager - Technology, K. Arun Kumar, and Manager, Technology and Business Development, Dr. P.M. Sivaram, at CUMI Super Refractories, discussed enhancing reactor life in the carbon black industry through condition monitoring and refractory solutions. They emphasised the need for failure analysis, material characterisation, and data-driven strategies to predict failures, improve productivity, and reduce downtime, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable operations in the industry.

The workshop by Himadri Speciality Chemicals Limited Plant Head Kingshuk Bose, on ‘Recent Advancements in Carbon Black Technologies’ provided an overview of carbon black, its applications, and recent technological innovations in its manufacturing processes. He discussed new technologies such as plasma and nanotechnology, which enhance production efficiency and product characteristics. Additionally, AI and machine learning were highlighted to optimise processes, improve quality and predict maintenance needs, ultimately advancing carbon black manufacturing and packaging strategies.

The former Chief Advisor of Research and Development at Apollo Tyres, P K Mohamed, an industry stalwart, addressed the future of the tyre industry, focusing on advancements in carbon black technology in his key note address. He noted that pneumatic tyres, essential for load support, require optimal structures to endure operational pressures. The industry faced megatrends such as mobility, digitisation, electrification, and the shift toward renewable materials. Key customer expectations centre on rolling resistance, traction, durability, and sustainability improvements. Enhancements in carbon black properties, including particle size and surface chemistry, are vital for achieving these goals. The industry’s evolution towards higher sigma levels indicated a commitment to quality and performance, necessitating collaborative efforts in research and development to meet future demands.

Notch Consulting Inc. Founder and President Paul Ita spoke on the outlook for 2024 and highlighted significant developments in the global carbon black and tyre industries. He noted a projected total investment of INR 27.3 billion in new tyre capacity from 2023 to 2028, with Asia, especially China and India, leading in new projects. He also discussed the impacts of EU sanctions on Russian carbon black imports. These sanctions are shifting trade flows, with India emerging as a key supplier to replace Russian volumes. The analysis included production capacity and utilisation trends with a forecast for growth in carbon black production despite current disruptions.

The AGM Strategy at Epsilon Carbon, Sagar Mathur, noted that geopolitical shifts, rapid urbanisation, climate change, sustainability, and technological advancements are shaping the future of the carbon black industry. Key trends included the growing demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) tyres, increased focus on circularity and recycling technologies, and the need for advanced speciality products. He highlighted that urbanisation is expected to strain resources while geopolitical conflicts are reshaping supply chains. The industry must adapt to these changes while addressing environmental concerns, leading to new product development, particularly in sustainable materials.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing (CBD), Kane Hanneke and Vice President of Business Development and Sales (CBD), Surge Klunder, at Himadri Specialty Chemical Ltd, focused on the current demand and supply dynamics of carbon black in North America and the European Union as of October 2024. In their presentations, they highlighted key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), while discussing challenges faced by domestic producers, including import duties, geopolitical tensions, and rising oil costs. Kane also mentioned a notable production increase among leading carbon black producers, particularly in China and India, and addressed the impact of new tariffs on Mexican imports.

Executive Vice-President and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Birla Carbon, Shashank Awasthi, discussed the dynamics of the carbon black market in Asia and Europe with a focus on growth plans and regional capacities. He highlighted that China dominates the market with a capacity share of 47 percent and a demand share of 37 percent. He also covered competition in India, where local producers faced challenges from imports, particularly from China, Korea, and Russia. His analysis indicated a projected CAGR of 5 percent for the Southeast Asia carbon black market from 2022 to 2027, driven by rising disposable incomes. It increased automotive production, with Asia accounting for approximately 60 percent of global automobile manufacturing.

The presentation by Zircoa Managing Director Thomas Bohm focused on the role of zirconia refractories in enhancing reactor performance during carbon black production. Zirconia, a unique ceramic material, offers exceptional properties such as high thermal resistance, lower thermal conductivity, and erosion resistance, making it suitable for high-temperature applications in reactors. The advantages of zirconia include increased reactor efficiency, improved product yields, and the ability to withstand aggressive process gases. However, challenges such as degradation from thermal shock and alkali attacks were noted, emphasising the importance of proper alignment and operational practices to maximise the lifespan of zirconia linings.

In his virtual keynote session, Zhu Zilong, deputy director of design at Doright, discussed the emerging supply trends in equipment manufacturing, particularly focusing on the shift from individual equipment supply to comprehensive equipment packages.

The landmark event saw the attendance of dignitaries and industry stalwarts, including the Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, Dr Manoj Pant, Himadri Speciality Managing Director Anurag Choudhary, Tokai Carbon President Hagime Hagasaka, Group Country Head, Aditya Birla Group Thailand, and Chief Expansion Officer Birla Carbon Asia, Sanjeev Sood, among others.

Key Speakers included Aditya Birla Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer Deeksha Vats, Former President at ALSTOM Power Energy Recovery CP Natarajan, Vidhitech Solutions Founder Vinod Taneja, ABG Trading President John Kennelly, Senior Manager Research and Development of Compound Development at CEAT Limited Dr Pranab Dey, Head - Projects Business at Thermax Limited Naveen Sadhu and Rathi Group Director Ravi Rathi among others.

The event was attended by delegates from leading carbon black producers, such as Thai Tokai Carbon Product Company Limited, Hyundai OCI, Aegean First Company, Zircoa Inc., Phillips Carbon Black Limited, CITGO Corp and others.

Curtain Call

Amit Choudhary commented about the conference, “Conferences like this serve as crucial platforms for advancing technological progress in the industry. They provide insights into global trends, revealing which players are exploring new technologies and how different governments are approaching industry expectations. These events create an opportunity for stakeholders to understand evolving needs as well as the requirements of end customers.”

He added, “For instance, during our recent conference, several customers presented compelling insights, with both in-person and online interactions offering a deeper understanding of the tyre industry’s future. The rise of EVs is a key development demanding a shift in tyre technology and manufacturing processes. Current tyres are general-purpose, but as EV adoption accelerates, specialised tyres will become necessary. In the near future, we will see the emergence of EV-specific tyres alongside innovations in related non-tyre markets.”

He also noted that India, with its significant market share, is poised for substantial growth. Established markets in the US and Europe are facing challenges with plant closures and shifting demands. The ongoing geopolitical landscape, including tensions in China and Russia, is influencing market dynamics. However, India remains in a favourable position for investment and is set to experience impressive growth in the sector.

Looking ahead, the next conference is set to take place in 2026.

Michelin North America and HAAS Alert are rolling out a new safety initiative that uses digital alerts to protect stranded truckers and roadside technicians across the United States and Canada.

The system integrates HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud technology with Michelin's ONCall emergency roadside service. When truck drivers request roadside assistance through ONCall, the system automatically sends alerts to nearby motorists through navigation apps like Apple Maps and Waze, as well as built-in vehicle systems in several auto brands.

These alerts warn approaching drivers to slow down and move over, providing up to 30 seconds of advance notice before reaching the breakdown site.

"Since 2009, Michelin ONCall has responded to almost 3 million roadside emergency service calls in the U.S. and Canada," said Ed Quigley, Director of Sales & Operations, Connected Solutions at Michelin North America, Inc. "That's why this partnership with HAAS Alert is so important. We want to help improve the safety of everyone on the highway, including commercial truck drivers and service providers, as well as consumer vehicle drivers like you and me."

The partnership comes as research demonstrates the effectiveness of digital alert systems. A 2021 Purdue University study found that such alerts can reduce hard braking incidents by up to 80 percent.

"This new product is designed to help protect commercial vehicle operators by alerting approaching drivers who are using pertinent navigation apps, through Safety Cloud until help arrives," said Tom Parbs, VP of Sales at HAAS Alert.

Michelin ONCall, launched in 2009, aims to respond to service requests within two hours and has handled nearly 3 million tyre and mechanical emergency roadside service events.

Satish Sharma recently joined BKT as Senior President for Strategy and Business Development.

Sharma brings a rich experience of over three decades in the tyre industry.

Prior to this appointment, Sharma was the President spearheading Apollo Tyres’ operations across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions. Sharma oversaw key functions, including manufacturing, sales and marketing, customer relations, and regional profitability.

Sharma holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, and a post-graduate diploma in Business Management from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad.

A veteran of India’s automotive sector, Sharma previously served as Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA).

Hans Beckhoff, Founder and Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation, was honoured for his entrepreneurial achievements on 29 January 2025 by German business newspaper Handelsblatt, KPMG and the Stiftung Familienunternehmen (the Foundation for Family Business) and inducted into the Hall of Fame for Family Businesses.

Beckhoff, 70, was honoured in front of more than 170 family business owners during a ceremony in Munich, Germany. For 45 years, he has maintained a high rate of innovation at his technological business, which is no small feat. Instead of being driven by the digital transition, he is driving it. He has also not lost sight of today's global issues, including climate change. According to Beckhoff's slogan, ‘Engineers must save the world’, sophisticated automation technology is crucial in this context since it establishes the groundwork for enhancing sustainability as well as energy and resource efficiency.

The company's technological inventions, many of which have established worldwide market standards in automation, have proven groundbreaking, substantiating its claim to be a pioneer in the field. The core Beckhoff philosophy of PC-based control technology, which leverages the vast development potential of the IT industry for industrial applications, is a perfect illustration of this. PC-based control, which Beckhoff introduced to the market in 1986 and is today essential in a variety of sectors, including the semiconductor, automotive and packaging industries, is where automation and IT meet. It is especially used for high-performance applications.

Another milestone is the bus terminal, fieldbus technology in terminal block format, which was introduced in 1995. This fundamental automation building block allowed for the implementation of strong, small, modular and finely granular control systems that were customised to meet specific needs. The ultra-fast EtherCAT communication technology, introduced by Beckhoff in 2003, has grown to become a crucial global standard for high-performance automation. Today, more than 8,000 businesses from all around the world support this intriguing technology as members of the EtherCAT Technology Group. Despite its reputation for inventions and revolutions, Beckhoff's system idea is still widely used. Today, Beckhoff technology handles all aspects of control tasks: from machine vision and control cabinet-free automation with a comprehensive hardware and software suite to modular I/O components, flexible drive technology, intelligent product transport and TwinCAT control software with artificial intelligence (AI) features, powerful industrial PCs, and EtherCAT.

The next generation has also benefited from Beckhoff's passion for automation and innovation, as seen by the fact that his children, Frederike and Johannes Beckhoff, have long held prominent roles within the business. As a result, Beckhoff Automation is still a family business 45 years after it was founded.

Kenda Tires has appointed Rebecca Karbon as its new Bicycle Sales Director for North America, the company announced.

Karbon, an industry veteran with extensive experience in the bicycle sector, will lead Kenda’s bicycle sales division, focusing on expanding market engagement and strengthening distributor and retail partnerships.

“We are confident that Rebecca’s expertise will further enhance our partnerships with long-lasting customers while maintaining our exceptional service you’ve come to expect from Kenda,” said Eric Yang, Vice President of Development at Kenda.

Karbon, who will be based in Minneapolis, said she looks forward to increasing brand engagement.

“I’m excited to join the Kenda team and look forward to increasing brand engagement with our distributor and retail partners,” Karbon said.