Ahead of this year's Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2025, we spoke with Biswajit Paul, Technical Director at Shine Carbon and Chemicals, to get a sneak peek of what we can expect from his presentation on 'Study of Three Types (N330, N550 & N660) of rCBs in various Rubber Compounds (e.g., Tread Cap, Tread Base, Sidewall & Inner Ply) of Tire' Here's what he had to say…



Q1. Why do you think it's important for others in the industry to hear this message?

My speech on Recovered Carbon Black Asia 2025 is "To Study the Effects of Three most common Types of rCBs (N330, N550 & N660) in various Rubber Compounds" because these three ASTM furnace blacks among a total of seventeen  (i.e., N115, N121, N134, N220, N234, N326, N339, N47, N375, N539, N550, N650, N660, N683, N762, N772 and N774) ASTM commercially available ones, are the most/widely used ones.
It is important to hear this presentation and to know because, rCBs are different from the virgin furnace ASTM carbon blacks and mixed with a typical NR based formulation and NR/BR based formulation to find out the differences. This is due to the mix-up of different ASTM blacks in organic components. Plus, additives of the tyre compounds change the morphology of the rCBs. owing to the high percentage in ash content values of different sources and it’s variation.
It is crucial for the tire and rubber  industry to grasp the opportunities and challenges involved in sustainable blacks made by blending from the available sources India.

Q2. Can you give us an update on what's happening in your local market? What are the latest trends over there?

The Indian market for rCB is seeing increased demand, driven by increasing environmental awareness and the expanding automotive and tire industries, particularly in the tire and non-tire rubber segments. Plus, India's cost-effective labour and raw material availability, combined with technological advancements, are going to make rCB production more viable. 
Latest trends are :

• The tire segment is a major consumer of rCB and Rubber grade rCB currently holds the largest market share.
• Pyrolysis is the dominant technology for producing rCB, accounting for a significant revenue share. 

Q3. Which challenges and opportunities do you see for the recovered carbon black industry in your local market?

Opportunities

• Sustainability and Circular Economy: rCB aligns with the principles of the circular economy, offering a sustainable alternative to virgin carbon black and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 
• Government Initiatives: Supportive government policies and regulations related to waste management and sustainability are encouraging the growth of the rCB industry. 
• Technological Advancements: Continuous advancements in pyrolysis technology are leading to more efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality rCB. 
• Consumer Awareness: Increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products is driving the adoption of rCB in various applications. 
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Strategic collaborations between manufacturers, recyclers, and research institutions are fostering innovation and market development in the rCB sector. 

Challenges
In India, while the opportunities are substantial, the rCB industry also faces challenges, including: 

• Quality Consistency: Ensuring consistent quality and performance of rCB compared to virgin carbon black is crucial for wider adoption.
• Cost Competitiveness: The cost of rCB production needs to be competitive with virgin carbon black to incentivize greater uptake.
• Public Awareness and Acceptance: Further awareness and education campaigns are needed to promote the use of rCB and address any misconceptions about its quality and performance.

Q4. Looking ahead, what do you think will be some exciting developments in recovered carbon black or tire pyrolysis soon?

• Capacity Expansion: Companies like Capital Carbon are investing in new greenfield projects to significantly increase their rCB production capacity, with a new plant in Gummidipoondi slated to be operational by 2025. 
• Commercialization of Specification-Grade rCB: The industry has successfully demonstrated the production of specification-grade rCB meeting ASTM D8474 standards, which is crucial for its adoption in tire manufacturing and other industries. 
• Technological Advancements: Advanced purification technologies and strategic partnerships are enabling the production of high-quality rCB, making it a viable alternative to virgin carbon black. 

Q5. What hurdles does the tire pyrolysis value chain need to tackle in the next few years?

In India, the tire pyrolysis value chain faces several hurdles, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of stringent policies, unregulated pyrolysis units, and the need for improved product quality. These challenges hinder the development of a robust and sustainable tire recycling industry. 
Specific Hurdles:

• Inadequate Recycling Infrastructure: - High manufacturing costs and limited infrastructure impede the effective recycling of waste tires. 
• Lack of Stringent Policies: - While environmental regulations exist, enforcement and a comprehensive framework for managing end-of-life tires (ELTs) are lacking. 
• Unregulated Pyrolysis Units:- Many pyrolysis plants operate without proper compliance, leading to environmental degradation and harmful emissions. 
• Feedstock Availability and Quality:- Ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of waste tires is crucial for efficient pyrolysis, but this can be a challenge. 
• Product Quality:- Improving the quality of pyrolysis products (like oil and carbon black) is essential for their marketability and commercial success. For example, high sulfur content in pyrolysis oil can limit its use in automotive applications. 
• Economic Viability:- High initial investment costs, the need for specialized equipment, and variable market prices for pyrolysis products can impact the profitability of pyrolysis plants. 
• Environmental Concerns:- Pyrolysis processes, if not managed properly, can release pollutants into the air, water, and soil. 
• Integration with Existing Systems:- Integrating pyrolysis gas into existing energy systems requires careful consideration of grid compatibility, technology, and policy support. 
• Public Perception and Acceptance:- Addressing public concerns about potential environmental impacts and ensuring community acceptance is vital for the successful deployment of pyrolysis technologies. 
• Research and Development:- Further research is needed to optimize pyrolysis processes, improve product quality, and explore new applications for pyrolysis products. 
• Illegal Imports:- Despite regulations, the import of waste tires for pyrolysis continues, potentially undermining the domestic market and raising environmental concerns. 

Q6. Are there any specific collaborations within or with the value chain that you're looking for?

Klean Industries is expanding its rCB production in India, utilizing its globally proven technology for upgrading pyrolysis char into rCB. This includes new facilities designed to process pyrolysis char from end-of-life tires. 
Finster Black is one of the first rCB producers in India and boasts a large operational capacity of 20,000 tonnes, according to their website. They are ISCC and REACH certified and export to over 35 countries. 
Rathi Group is involved in converting pyrolysis char into high-quality recovered carbon black, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional carbon black.