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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Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has been awarded the 'CEO of the Year' by the Top Rankers Management Club. The accolade was presented at the 25th National Management Summit, held in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.

The award recognises Singhania’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have been pivotal in steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Under his guidance, JK Tyre has reinforced its position as a leader in radial tyre technology, expanded its global presence and strengthened its dedication to sustainability and customer focus.

In his acceptance speech, Singhania expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Top Rankers Management Club. This award reflects the collective commitment of the entire JK Tyre team, whose efforts continue to drive our progress. I would like to thank my colleagues, industry partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in our journey of growth and transformation.”

He has been a key figure in modernising the company, leveraging new technologies and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The 'CEO of the Year' award, presented by the Top Rankers Management Club, celebrates leaders who demonstrate a clear vision for organisational excellence and industry transformation.

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Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana RFID) has strengthened its leadership in the Asian market with the appointment of industry veteran Jason Chang as Sales Director for Asia. Based in Shanghai, he will be responsible for managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth throughout the region.

Chang brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, with over 15 years in the RFID sector following a successful career in IT. His proven track record includes significant tenures at leading firms like Xerafy, Stora Enso and Beontag. His accomplishments range from pioneering the development of innovative flexible anti-metal tags to launching groundbreaking RFID-based retail solutions that gained widespread adoption in China and Europe. He has also demonstrated a strong capacity for growth, most recently achieving remarkable business expansion in the APAC market.

This appointment is a strategic milestone for Hana RFID, underscoring its commitment to supporting global customers with high-performance technology and expert, on-the-ground leadership. This move highlights Hana RFID's focused strategy on deepening its regional support and providing partners with sophisticated RAIN RFID inlay and embeddable tag solutions, backed by local expertise.

Mike Hetric, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Hana RFID, said, “The appointment of Jason Chang is a significant step forward in improving local availability and supporting our key partners in Asia. Jason’s track record in driving innovation, his deep market knowledge and his commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in this dynamic region.”

Chang said, “I’m excited to be part of the Hana RFID team, which is recognised in the market as both a key player and a trusted partner for an ever-growing network of label converters, service bureaus and system integrators. I look forward to working alongside our partners in Asia to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service.”

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Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of two seasoned tyre industry professionals.

As per the new development, Billy Dorsey Jr has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – South and Jamie McSwaney has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – North. Both the new appointments bring a combined 45 years of tyre industry experience to the company.

Brian Sheehey, President, RTNA, said, “These additions signal our unwavering commitment to accelerating Ralson’s growth in the US and Canada. We’re building a leadership team that knows how to compete, win and deliver results. Their deep industry relationships and ability to execute will be instrumental as we continue to grow our footprint in the North American trucking industry.”

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Scandinavian tyre service provider Citira sees robust potential for premium tyres in the Nordic region, driven by seasonal demands and safety priorities. CEO David Boman highlights that premium tyres including Pirelli’s offerings hold a significant share in passenger car, light truck and truck tyre segments supported by harsh winter conditions that emphasise performance and reliability. Despite a slight recent decline amid broader economic pressures and rising price sensitivity, premium brands remain relevant. Citira’s new long-term partnership with Pirelli and acquisition of Dackia AB aims to consolidate and optimise premium tyre distribution across Sweden.

Scandinavian tyre service company Citira recently told Tyre Trends that Nordic countries have excellent potential for premium tyres during a discussion over its partnership with Italian tyre major Pirelli.

Speaking on the market potential, Chief Executive Officer David Boman said, “When it comes to the Nordic markets, Scandinavia in particular has a relatively high share of premium tyres across categories including passenger car, light truck and TBR segments. Compared to other global regions, the demand for premium tyres here is notably strong.

“One of the main reasons for this is the seasonal nature of our market. Winter tyres, in particular, drive a more premium-oriented approach because of the need for high performance and safety under harsh conditions. While we’ve observed a slight decline in the premium tyre share over the past few years, it still holds a significant portion of the market. This demand is closely tied to seasonal safety concerns, especially in winter, autumn and early spring. Drivers here prioritise safety and reliability, which naturally supports the continued relevance of premium brands like Pirelli.”

He noted that the decline is likely tied to broader financial challenges in the market, especially following the Covid period. Both consumers and companies have become more price-sensitive, making cost a bigger factor in purchase decisions.

As a result, there’s been a gradual increase in demand for lower-cost, imported non-European tyre brands, while the market share of European premium tyre brands has slightly decreased.

Pirelli and Citira have entered a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their market presence in Sweden. As part of the deal, Citira will acquire Dackia AB that has a network of 102 retail outlets from Pirelli.

In return, Pirelli and Dackia have signed a supply agreement extending to 2030, ensuring Pirelli remains the main tyre supplier. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by 2025. The partnership will boost Pirelli’s distribution and market coverage while supporting Citira’s goal of expanding a sustainable, flexible and high-quality customer service network.

THE PACT

Citira currently runs over 50 tyre shops and over five retreading units across Scandinavia and Poland. “Citira is actively working towards creating a more efficient and consolidated tyre market. While our current focus is primarily on the Scandinavian region, it’s not out of the question that we may consider expanding beyond this geographic perimeter in the future. This agreement is part of a broader industry trend where partnerships and acquisitions are used to enhance efficiency, strengthen distribution networks and provide end customers with better service coverage,” revealed Boman.

Nonetheless, the deal specifically pertains to the Swedish market, and as part of the regulatory process, Citira has conducted a market analysis to understand the potential implications on market share. However, the specifics of that study were said to be confidential and could not be disclosed prior to the official closing of the deal.

Explaining how this partnership will influence the supply chain of premium tyre in the Nordics, Boman said, “We do anticipate some changes, particularly within Citira. We operate a number of logistics centres, and this partnership presents an opportunity to optimise our overall supply chain setup. Enhancing logistics will be a key enabler of better service and responsiveness in premium tyre distribution.”

He added, “This particular deal is unlikely to have a direct or immediate impact on independent retailers or smaller distributors. More broadly, the Scandinavian tyre retail sector is undergoing consolidation. Several players are actively reshaping the competitive landscape and that trend could gradually influence the positioning of independents. But again, this specific acquisition is not a disruptive event in that context.”

Alluding to the current demand for replacement tyres, he said, “In general, the tyre market has proven to be quite non-cyclical. Even in challenging economic conditions, it tends to remain stable. That said, I believe we’re entering a phase where circularity and life-extension solutions will gain more momentum. We’re likely to see increased focus on services that extend tyre life, especially for larger fleets. This shift won’t just be driven by cost or fleet uptime concerns but increasingly by environmental responsibilities.”

THE BUSINESS

According to Boman, Pirelli represents a very minimal share of Citira’s overall sales, currently. However, the strategic partnership mainly revolves around Dackia and Pirelli, and the former is intended to become part of the Citira Group. “Moving forward, there is definitely an opportunity to deepen the collaboration with Pirelli and potentially grow their share within our overall brand mix,” added Boman.

Citira currently follows a multi-brand strategy and will continue with it even after closing of the deal. Besides, it is also involved in process and sales of retreaded TBR tyres and wheel rims.

“We operate a facility in Poland where we refurbish truck and bus rims. The process involves media blasting and repainting the rims to restore its appearance and functionality. The logic behind it is quite similar to retreading. In most cases, the structural integrity of the rim is still intact; it’s just the surface or aesthetics that degrade over time. By restoring these rims, we’re able to extend the life and reduce waste,” said Boman.

The company operates five retreading facilities collectively, located in Finland, Sweden and Poland. It uses both hot-cure and cold-cure retreading methods. Hot-cure is used in Poland and cold retreading in Finland and Sweden. Annually, it retreads around 160,000 tyres, averaging about 13,000 per month. While its current focus is on retreading, Citira is actively exploring expansion into tyre recycling as part of a broader push towards sustainability and circularity.

The company also manages tyre distribution for fleets across countries. Its circular tyre distribution approach involves not only delivering new tyres to customers but also collecting used tyre casings from them. These casings are then sent back to its retreading facilities, creating a closed-loop system. Besides, Citira has different suppliers across Europe for sourcing tyres for retreading.

MARKET WATCH

Citira sees a strong willingness in the market for consolidation and it has already engaged in several partnerships. Commenting on market challenges, Boman said, “One key challenge is the need for a player capable of driving consolidation at a larger scale. In the Scandinavian markets, this kind of brand-independent consolidation hasn’t really taken place over the last 10 to 15 years. Previously, consolidation efforts were primarily led by tyre manufacturers or affiliate networks players. However, consolidation has largely been on hold recently, leaving space for an independent actor to step in. We see that opportunity clearly and believe it is well received both by other market participants and customers. The challenge lies in successfully executing this consolidation while maintaining trust and delivering value across a diverse market.”

Commenting on the demand for retreading, he said, “The Scandinavian market has a long tradition of retreading heavy vehicle tyres. Currently, there is a growing shift towards pay-per-kilometre or tyre-as-a-service models, especially among large fleets like bus companies and hauliers. Notably, public tenders increasingly require a certain share of retreaded tyres, reflecting a strong environmental focus. Retreading extends the life of a tyre by reusing about 70 percent of its original material, making it a significant sustainability tool. The market share of retreaded tyres is gradually increasing with expectations that the retread market will grow faster than the new tyre market in the coming years.”

“The main challenges for the retreading industry lie in overcoming the longstanding perception that retreaded tyres are merely a low-cost option rather than an environmentally friendly and sustainable product. This is mostly prevalent is Scandinavia and it is crucial to shift this mindset by educating customers and the broader market about the true benefits of retreading. Moving away from a purely price-driven sales approach to one that highlights quality, durability and positive environmental impact remains a significant hurdle for the industry,” he added.

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