KOBE – Jan. 22, 2026 – DUNLOP (Corporate name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., President and CEO, Representative Director Satoru Yamamoto), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) to evaluate the commercial adoption of circular reinforcing carbons made with Cabot’s patented regenerated carbon technology. This innovative circular reinforcing carbon powered by Cabot’s EVOLVE Sustainable Solutions incorporates reclaimed carbon derived from the pyrolysis of end-of-life tires and is being considered as a sustainable raw material for Sumitomo Rubber’s tire production.

Cabot’s circular reinforcing carbon leveraging regenerated carbon technology is a new material that Sumitomo Rubber has not previously utilized in tire production. Recognized as a key enabler for reducing carbon emissions for both companies, this material will undergo evaluation for use in mass-produced tires by Sumitomo Rubber. Concurrently, Cabot will focus on scaling regenerated carbon technology to meet anticipated market demand.

"As a brand committed to continuous innovation, DUNLOP will accelerate its efforts toward the commercialization of circular reinforcing carbon through our collaboration with Cabot," said Takuya Horiguchi, general manager, Material Research & Development Headquarters, Material Department IV, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. "By harnessing and integrating the full breadth of technologies and expertise of both companies, DUNLOP will expedite the path toward mass production and actively contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society."

"As a leading producer of reinforcing carbons, enabling sustainability through innovation and collaboration is core to our work. We are committed to investing in technologies that advance the sustainability and performance of our products and their use," said Aatif Misbah, vice president and general manager, Sustainable Solutions, Reinforcement Materials segment, Cabot Corporation. "We are proud to collaborate with Sumitomo to test our regenerated reinforcing carbon material in tire applications. This MOU aligns with our sustainability commitment and contributes to the transition to a lower carbon future for the tire industry."

The adoption of sustainable raw materials is part of Sumitomo Rubber’s effort to realize the circular economy concept for its tire business, known as "TOWANOWA". This concept consists of two interconnected rings: the "Sustainable Ring," which covers five processes across the value chain, and the "Data Ring," which integrates big data collected from each process. By sharing and utilizing data between these rings, Sumitomo Rubber aims to deliver new value. Based on this concept, Sumitomo Rubber has been actively promoting the use of sustainable materials and other initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Sumitomo Rubber will continue working towards the realization of "TOWANOWA" by reducing its environmental impact, enhancing tire performance and safety, and expanding solution services. Through these activities, Sumitomo Rubber aims to deliver new value to its end customers to contribute to a sustainable future.

About Cabot Corporation

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is a leading provider of reinforcing carbons, specialty carbons, battery materials, engineered elastomer composites, inkjet colorants, masterbatches and conductive compounds, fumed metal oxides and aerogel. For more information on Cabot, please visit the company’s website at cabotcorp.com.

Original press release by Cabot Corporation.