PCBL Chemical is positioning itself for significant growth through strategic expansions and capacity additions across multiple business segments, capitalising on emerging global chemical market opportunities. 

The company is making substantial investments in its manufacturing capabilities, with a notable recent development being the allocation of 116 acres of land in Andhra Pradesh’s Naidupeta region.
This new site represents the company’s sixth manufacturing location, which can house roughly 400,000-450,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of carbon black capacity. It is strategically positioned near major ports like Kattupalli and Krishnapatnam, enabling efficient logistics and cost-effective goods movement. 
“The first phase of this expansion will involve establishing a 150,000  MTPA carbon black plant, with an estimated investment of approximately INR 9.5-9.6 billion and a projected timeline of 2-2.5 years,” said Raj Gupta – Chief Financial Officer – PCBL Chemical Limited.

Current manufacturing capacity has already been expanded, with the company recently commissioning a specialty line of 20,000 MTPA in Mundra, bringing its total capacity to 790,000 MTPA. The company is simultaneously pursuing multiple expansion tracks, including a brownfield expansion of 30,000 tonnes in Tamil Nadu and a second phase expansion of 60,000 tonnes, accompanied by a 12 MW green power project.

In the speciality chemicals domain, PCBL is making significant strides. The company has launched ECOZENTM6000, a new product grade based on recycled materials, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. 
The company has also been certified with International Sustainability and Carbon Plus (ISCC) certification, underscoring its dedication to responsible production and circular economy principles.

The company is particularly bullish about its export markets, especially in Europe and North America. Despite current geopolitical challenges stemming from restrictions on Russian Carbon Black exports, PCBL sees this as an opportunity to expand its market presence. The company has increased its international sales volumes, with western market contributions rising from 7-8 percent historically to approximately 35 percent currently.

The specialty Carbon Black segment shows promising growth, with projected full-year sales volume expected to reach 63,000-64,000 tonnes, compared to 57,000 tonnes last year. “Management anticipates gradual margin improvements in this segment over the next 2-4 years as they move up the value chain,” said Gupta.

A particularly exciting development is the company’s nano-silica project. PCBL is currently establishing a pilot plant for sampling, with plans to develop a 2,000-tonne commercial facility. “Now, this 2,000 tons, based on our back of the envelope calculation, should give us somewhere around INR1,700-1,800 crores kind of a top line and roughly about INR800-900 crores kind of EBITDA,” said Gupta.

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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.

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The Rubber Board of India has announced the opening of an application window for financial aid for sulphur dusting to combat powdery mildew disease in rubber plantations for the year 2026. The scheme is open to all Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPS) operating in both traditional and non-traditional growing regions.

From 10 to 20 February 2026, eligible societies must submit their applications online through the 'ServicePlus' portal on the official Rubber Board website. Societies requiring help with the submission process are advised to contact their nearest Rubber Board regional office or field station, or to consult the board's website for further guidance.

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Pyrum Innovations AG has welcomed the official recognition by French authorities on 17 January 2026, which classifies tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) as a legitimate raw material for the chemical sector. This pivotal regulatory milestone for pyrolysis oil derived from end-of-life tyres substantially enhances the product’s integration into established chemical value chains. It also provides greater predictability for future purchase and partnership frameworks, thereby accelerating the development of industrial material cycles.

For Pyrum, which processes scrap tyres through pyrolysis to recover pyrolysis oil, industrial carbon black and steel, this decision underscores the critical need for standardised and reliable regulatory conditions. Such clarity is fundamental for scaling investments, production volumes and supply chains, particularly as the chemical industry and circular economy converge. The establishment of clear product categories is essential to ramp up the market for high-quality recycled raw materials.

The company remains committed to tracking further developments in France and the wider European dialogue regarding the classification and application of recycled feedstocks. Pyrum’s overarching objective is to expand industrial-scale recycling solutions for scrap tyres. This regulatory progress directly supports the company’s mission to secure long-term, quality-assured supply agreements with partners across the chemical industry, thereby advancing a more sustainable and circular economic model.

Pascal Klein, CEO, Pyrum Innovations AG, said, “The decision in France is an important step for the industrial use of pyrolysis oil from waste tyres. It supports a trend that we are seeing in many markets, where the chemical industry is seeking reliable, technologically robust and clearly classified alternative raw materials.”

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In pursuit of its strategic vision, ‘Michelin in Motion 2030’, Michelin is expanding into high-value adjacent markets, including the development of its Polymer Composite Solutions. A key step in this growth is the acquisition of Flexitallic, a global leader in sealing solutions based in Houston, Texas. This move is set to substantially enhance Michelin’s sealing portfolio and extend its market access, particularly within the aftermarket sector.

Flexitallic serves critical industries such as energy and chemicals, providing high-performance gaskets, sheet products and specialty filler materials known for exceptional reliability and resistance in extreme, safety-critical environments. The company, which operates 17 facilities worldwide and employs about 1,200 people, reported sales of approximately USD 220 million in 2025.

The acquisition is a strong strategic fit, uniting two global organisations with a shared commitment to innovation and quality, thereby creating significant synergies for future growth. The transaction, for an undisclosed amount, will be fully financed from Michelin’s available cash. Subject to standard regulatory approvals and closing adjustments, it is anticipated to be finalised in the first half of 2026.

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