Recovered carbon black boosts local production in Indian tire manufacturing

Recovered carbon black (rCB) is emerging as a key factor in localizing India's tyre manufacturing supply chain. While discussions often focus on natural rubber, the role of carbon black is equally critical. India has substantial domestic production capacity for furnace-black and is a net exporter, yet it still imports certain hard and specialty grades. Furnace-black production relies on carbon black feedstock, a byproduct of crude oil refining. To achieve a resilient and sustainable supply chain, India must localize both the manufacturing of carbon black and the supply of its feedstock.

Currently, most carbon char is used as a substitute for pet coke, but this overlooks the potential of upgrading char into rCB. Producing rCB requires a specialized pyrolysis process to create char with specific properties, as well as a dedicated facility for milling, classification, and pelletization. Simply adding milling capacity to a plant focused on fuel oil production does not suffice. The characteristics of char depend on its production process, which is why suppliers for tyre applications control both stages of manufacturing. In India, the primary challenge is the limited availability of purpose-built rCB production facilities.

This article is featured in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2027 Newsletter, Volume 3, alongside insights from ACMA and updates from India's mobility supply chain. Reproduced with permission from the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2027 Newsletter, Volume 3, September 2026, published by EEPC India.