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.

Quick view

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.

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In 2026, Cabot Corporation reported improved environmental performance in its latest disclosure to CDP, reinforcing a multi-year trend of progress across climate and water stewardship.

The company received an A- rating for Water Security and a B rating for Climate Change in CDP’s 2025 assessment. The Water Security score marks an improvement from a B in 2024, exceeding both global and industry averages, while the Climate Change rating was maintained year on year, alongside improvements in subcategories such as climate risk disclosure, value chain engagement and industry collaboration.

CDP evaluated more than 24,800 companies globally in 2025, covering roughly two-thirds of global market capitalisation, using a scoring scale ranging from D (Disclosure) to A (Leadership).

Cabot positions the results as validation of a long-term sustainability strategy anchored in transparency, operational discipline and continuous improvement. As Jaimee Farrin, Senior Director, Global Sustainability at Cabot Corporation, explains: “Through our commitment to operate responsibly, conserve resources and develop innovative performance materials, we will be relentless in our pursuit of solving sustainability challenges and achieving our net zero ambition.”

Transparent reporting remains a central pillar of this approach. Farrin notes that CDP is one of the environmental and governance disclosure platforms Cabot prioritises, both for reporting and for evaluating performance. She adds, “As part of our ongoing efforts, we are dedicated to transparent reporting, including our climate actions, opportunities and progress.”

CLIMATE CHANGE

On climate change, Cabot has set a 2030 goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 15 percent through process innovation. To progress towards this target, the company is pursuing a comprehensive strategy encompassing renewable energy transition over time, efficiency improvements, investment in breakthrough decarbonisation technologies and the use of alternative feedstocks and advanced energy recovery solutions.

One of the company’s most prominent climate-related innovations is its regenerated carbon technology, developed under the EVOLVE Sustainable Solutions platform. Farrin highlights the role this technology plays in advancing circularity in the tyre industry. She says, “Cabot’s regenerated carbon technology is one of the innovative strategies the company is leveraging to reduce its environmental impact.”

Reclaimed carbon, produced through the pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres, has historically been limited to very low loadings (<10%) in rubber applications due to poor reinforcing properties. Farrin explains that Cabot’s patented regeneration technology addresses this limitation by improving surface characteristics, enabling tyre manufacturers to use higher levels of reclaimed carbon with performance comparable to virgin carbon black.

“Today, we have demonstrated that the technology enables the use of reclaimed carbon content up to 30 percent; however, as we look forward, we are continuously evaluating ways to increase sustainable content while delivering in-rubber performance,” explains Farrin.

Energy efficiency and recovery also form a critical part of Cabot’s climate strategy. The company has implemented energy recovery systems at many facilities worldwide, including 13 reinforcing carbon plants, capturing and reusing heat generated during production to offset electricity and steam typically supplied by the grid and natural gas combustion.

Farrin underlines the strategic significance of these systems, noting, “This opportunity has influenced Cabot’s strategy as we have recently unveiled a new 2030 energy goal – to export 250 percent of the energy Cabot imports, reconfirming the importance of driving even further improvements in the years ahead.”

Beyond direct operations, Cabot continues to strengthen collaboration across its value chain. The company uses Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to substantiate

sustainability benefit claims and is actively working with the International Carbon Black Association to support the standardisation of PCFs across the industry. In parallel, Cabot is engaging with tyre customers to explore joint approaches to improving product life-cycle impacts.

WATER SECURITY

Water stewardship has emerged as a defining area of progress. All Cabot sites globally are expected to identify and pursue water conservation opportunities aligned with local risk conditions. These measures include reducing water consumption in production processes, reusing and recycling water, harvesting rainwater and sourcing grey water from external providers where feasible.

The company-wide focus on annual water balance and risk assessments, enhanced data collection and targeted investment has delivered measurable results. As Farrin notes, these efforts contributed directly to the improvement in Cabot’s CDP Water Security score from B in 2024 to A- in 2025.

At the operational level, Cabot’s reinforcing carbons facility in Altamira, Mexico, has implemented improvements to the recovery and reuse of treated water and identified opportunities to optimise scrubber water discharge, reducing future water consumption in production.

Looking ahead, Cabot has set a 2030 water goal to reduce freshwater withdrawal intensity by 10 percent at sites located in water-stressed areas. Farrin emphasises the broader implications of this focus. She says, “Focusing on freshwater withdrawal in water-stressed areas is crucial to sustaining ecosystems, minimising business risks from operational disruptions and allowing sustainable development for communities.”

Further water conservation and wastewater recycling projects are currently under evaluation across Cabot’s global network to support this target.

Summarising the company’s progress, Farrin concludes: “We are proud of the progress we have made in advancing our sustainability strategy and remain steadfast to our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship, transparency and continuous improvement.”

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Indag Rubber Limited reported a sharp rise in quarterly profit, with improved margins offsetting modest revenue growth.

The Indian retreading materials manufacturer said revenue for the three months to 31 December 2025 rose five percent year on year to INR 587 million, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) more than doubled to INR 60 million. Net profit increased to INR 34 million from INR 8 million a year earlier.

For the first nine months of the financial year, revenue declined 10 percent to INR 1.62 billion, reflecting lower volumes in the state transport undertaking (STU) segment in the June quarter. However, EBITDA rose 24 per cent to INR 161 million and net profit increased 30 percent to INR 88 million.

Vijay Shrinivas, Chief Executive of Indag Rubber Limited, said: “I am happy to share that we have continued to maintain our margin improvement trajectory and also delivered revenue growth during Q3FY26. The revenue growth was primarily driven by both aftermarket and STU business, which witnessed a rebound in volumes. On the profitability front, EBITDA margins improved by ~550 bps YoY to 10.1 percent. This improvement was driven by a better product mix, cost optimisation, and gradual easing of raw material costs.”

“The macro environment continues to improve with Union Budget FY27 raising public capex to INR 12,200 billion, including INR3,100 billion for Roads & Highways, directly supporting freight movement and retreading demand. The recent India-US and India-EU trade agreements have further eased global uncertainty, strengthening the outlook for domestic logistics activity. We remain confident in our ability to sustain the positive momentum in the business. With improving demand fundamentals, a strengthening margin profile, and supportive industry tailwinds, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver consistent and profitable growth while maintaining a close watch on raw material prices and global developments,” says Shrinivas.

Indag Rubber Limited manufactures precured tread rubber and retreading materials from its plant in Himachal Pradesh, with annual capacity of 20,000 tonnes.

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Alliance has launched Agri Nova, a next-generation R-1 bias agricultural tyre designed for light-to-medium duty tractors.

The tyre is intended to meet varied farming requirements, including traction, driving comfort and durability, and is offered in 60 sizes and 111 SKUs spanning rim diameters from 12 to 42 inches. It is compatible with both two-wheel drive and mechanical front-wheel assist tractors and is available in tubeless and tube-type configurations.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer at Yokohama-ATG, said: “At Alliance, we are deeply invested in building innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers. The launch of Agri Nova is a testament to our commitment to deliver state-of-the-art tractor tyres that unlock high-performance in the field and on road alike.”

The Agri Nova features a three-angle lug design with a higher lug count than its predecessor, angular tie bars and integrated mud breakers intended to support self-cleaning and stability. A square lug profile and wider tread aim to improve contact pressure distribution and reduce soil compaction, according to the company.

Trent Wallin, Vice-President of Sales for North America at Yokohama-ATG, said: “As a next-generation R-1 bias tyre, Agri Nova is built to withstand demanding conditions, reduce downtime, and deliver dependable performance over time. The product development and design engineering behind this tyre are truly exciting; pushing boundaries in a segment where such focused innovation is rare for a bias tyre. We believe our customers deserve the best-performing product in every segment and design category. This launch reflects our deep commitment to customer-centricity and to helping American farmers maximize every season and every investment.”

The tyre carries a seven-year warranty.

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Sailun Tyre Europe has announced its entry into the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) as of January 2026, marking a strategic expansion of its footprint in the global logistics and maritime sectors. The membership will be channelled through its speciality brand, Maxam Tyre Europe, underscoring the company’s focus on heavy-duty applications.

The move reflects a broader commitment to deepening engagement with the port industry’s leading innovators. By aligning more closely with equipment manufacturers, Sailun aims to ensure its tyre development keeps pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape of modern port operations, where performance and durability are paramount.

As part of the Sailun Group, recognised as the tenth-largest tyre manufacturer worldwide, the company brings substantial heft to the table. The group supports an extensive range of port and material handling applications with an impressive annual production capacity of 447,000 tonnes of speciality tyres.

Through its PEMA membership, Sailun intends to foster closer collaboration and knowledge exchange with industry peers, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner in the sector.

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