In its recent semi-annual report, the China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA) announced updated guidelines for the development of rubber industry for the next five years. The guidelines, among others, set goals for rubber recycling and material recovery from end-of-life rubber and tires.

Some of the goals related to end-of-life tire rubber and carbon black are described below.

Carbon black

Annual production by 2025:

  • 6.08 million tons of carbon black
  • 1.75 million tons white carbon black

Other goals:

  • Energy consumption standards met by 80% companies; exhaust cogeneration employed at 90% companies
  • Popularize smart manufacturing in the sector with 2 to 3 commercialized projects for green tire carbon black
  • Lower the investment and operating costs for exhaust denitration and devulcanization
  • Upgrade key equipment and technology such as reaction furnace and refractories; obtain 2 to 3 patents in self-developed key carbon black technology
  • Establish 10 prestigious brands for white carbon black, including 2 to 3 internationally well-known brands
  • Develop at least 5 smart machines, energy saving products or advanced processes that to be promoted and replicated in the sector

End-of-life rubber

Annual production by 2025:

  • 5 million tons reclaimed rubber
  • 5.5 million tons rubber pellet

Other goals:

  • At least 90% reclaimed rubber is can meet industry standards; at least 80% companies can meet energy saving standards
  • Establish 5 to 10 exemplary manufacturing sites and green factories
  • Technological breakthrough and wide usage for cold crushing machines and atmospheric continuous devulcanization machines
  • Encourage water milling and water cutting for rubber powder production; establish exemplary factories for such processes
  • Advance automation in the sector with linkage crusher employed for at least 70% facilities, continuous devulcanization equipment for at least 80% and linkage calendar for at least 80%

To read the full report, please navigate to the website of the China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA).