Longxing Technology Group has started supplying nearly 10,000 tons of sustainable carbon black to a European tire manufacturer after receiving customer approval for the product. The China-based carbon black producer said the deliveries mark an important step in expanding its role in Europe’s sustainable tire supply chain, where tire manufacturers are increasingly evaluating lower-carbon and circular raw materials. Longxing Tech’s sustainable carbon black is produced using cracking oil derived from waste tires as the main feedstock, supporting links between tire recycling, pyrolysis and carbon black production. The company said the product is designed to offer performance characteristics comparable to conventional virgin carbon black while reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials such as coal tar.

European tire supply agreement follows product approval

Longxing Tech said the initial supply agreement follows successful customer approval of its sustainable carbon black. The company did not disclose the name of the European tire manufacturer but said it is also working with several other major European tire producers on green carbon black development. These activities include product development, sample testing, validation and certification work intended to meet performance and sustainability requirements in the tire industry.

Waste tire-derived oil used as feedstock

For its sustainable carbon black production, Longxing Tech uses cracking oil derived from waste tires as the primary feedstock. This approach connects tire pyrolysis and tire-derived oil markets with carbon black manufacturing, creating a route for materials recovered from end-of-life tires to re-enter industrial supply chains. The company said its processing technology enables the production of sustainable carbon black with reinforcement properties suitable for tire applications.

Company differentiates product from conventional recovered carbon black

Longxing Tech said its sustainable carbon black differs from traditional recovered carbon black, which is recovered directly from waste tires and may face challenges related to purity and reinforcing performance. By using waste tire-derived oil as feedstock for carbon black production, the company aims to combine recycled raw material input with product characteristics closer to conventional virgin carbon black.

Carbon black remains key tire reinforcing material

Carbon black is one of the main reinforcing materials used in tire manufacturing. It helps improve tire durability, abrasion resistance, tear resistance, fatigue strength and overall performance. Conventional carbon black is usually produced from fossil-based feedstocks, including coal tar-derived materials. As tire manufacturers increase their focus on sustainability and carbon reduction, alternative carbon black grades based on circular or renewable inputs are gaining attention.

Sustainable carbon black linked to circular economy goals

According to Longxing Tech, sustainable carbon black is one of the promising growth areas in the carbon black sector because it combines environmental benefits with commercial potential. The company said using waste tire-derived feedstocks can support resource recycling, reduce dependence on fossil raw materials and align with broader sustainability objectives. The approach may also create additional demand for tire recycling and pyrolysis operations capable of supplying suitable tire-derived oil.

Capacity expansion planned according to customer demand

Longxing Tech said leading global tire manufacturers have accelerated programs to substitute renewable and sustainable materials in recent years. In response, the company plans to gradually expand annual production capacity for sustainable carbon black based on customer requirements. The company said its ongoing cooperation with European tire manufacturers could support further growth in sustainable raw material supply for tire production.

Longxing Tech remains major carbon black producer

Longxing Tech is one of China’s largest carbon black manufacturers, ranking among the country’s top three producers and within the global top ten, according to the company. Its latest annual report said the company produced approximately 668,700 tons of carbon black in the previous year and recorded sales exceeding 652,800 tons.

Market impact expected to remain limited in short term

The immediate impact on global carbon black prices is expected to remain limited because the initial 10,000-ton supply represents a small share of overall market volume. However, wider adoption of sustainable carbon black could gradually influence feedstock demand, particularly if tire manufacturers increase procurement of certified circular or lower-carbon materials.

Greater use of waste tire-derived pyrolysis oil could support demand for tire recycling and pyrolysis operations while modestly reducing long-term dependence on coal tar-based feedstocks. Sustainability-focused carbon black grades may also gain pricing support over time, especially in European markets where regulatory and ESG requirements are influencing procurement strategies.

Article source: Chemanalyst.