Orion Engineered Carbons launches plant-derived carbon black aimed at tyre treads

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. launched its Ecorax Nature family of plant-based carbon black products. According to the company, Ecorax Nature 100, which was launched on 17 June 2021, is “the first highly reinforcing carbon black grade made from renewable feedstocks which can be used in critical tyre tread construction”. The product is currently being tested by customers and will go into high volume manufacturing in the second half of 2022. Orion further reports that Ecorax Nature is the first “renewable carbon black” to be produced for the tyre industry.

“This launch is an important milestone in our strategy to develop commercially viable, carbon black products that drive sustainability across the value chain,” said Corning Painter, chief executive officer, Orion Engineered Carbons, adding: “This strategy, combined with our footprint, ability to innovate, and deep customer relationships makes Orion the right partner for a sustainable future.”