Leading Companies in the Global Carbon Black Market, Driven by Its Expanding Applications in Various Industries

Birla Carbon, Cabot Corporation, Continental Carbon Company, Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., PCBL Limited, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Co., Ltd., Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd., Longxing Chemical Stock Co., Ltd, Omsk Carbon Group, and Imerys S.A., among others, are the major players in the global carbon black market. 

The global carbon black market reached a value of about USD 16.86 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach around USD 27.83 billion by 2032. As per the analysis by Expert Market Research, the market is expected to be driven by the expanding applications in the tyre industry.

Carbon black, derived from the incomplete combustion of petroleum-based materials like natural gas or petroleum, is a finely divided form of black amorphous carbon. Categorised into types such as acetylene black, furnace black, and thermal black, it is widely used in various sectors as ink pigment, rubber reinforcement, and electric conductive agent. Vital for applications in consumer goods, automobiles, electronics, and more, manufacturers prioritise sourcing raw materials at competitive prices without supply disruptions, focusing on quality, pricing, portfolio, and market access.

Table: Leading Vehicle Producers 2022

The global carbon black market growth is propelled by its increasing utilisation in the tire industry. Europe's carbon black market is forecasted to experience consistent growth, driven by the expanding tire market in the region. Furthermore, the steady uptick in car ownership is contributing to heightened demand for tires, further fuelling market growth.

The global carbon black market is further witnessing growth driven by the expansion of industrial and construction sectors. Industrial rubber products such as air springs, belts, hoses, gaskets, and conveyor wheels extensively utilise carbon black in their extrusion and moulding processes.

In June 2022, ADNOC Distribution inked three agreements with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), including a base oil supply deal until December 31, 2026, replacing the previous arrangement. Another agreement covered white spirit supply until the same date, offering potential market share growth for ADNOC Distribution. These strategic moves aligned with ADNOC Distribution's goal of smart business expansion, including horizontal diversification, according to statements made in the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange.

Top 10 Carbon Black Companies in the World:

Birla Carbon

Birla Carbon, a leading carbon black manufacturer, operates globally with 16 facilities across 12 countries, producing 2 million tonnes annually. Serving various industries, including rubber, plastics, coatings, and inks, Birla Carbon ensures consistent, high-quality products through its extensive supply network. With technology centres in the USA and India and a focus on sustainability, Birla Carbon emphasises employee safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical operations while prioritising R&D for tailored solutions.

Cabot Corporation

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT), headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a leading global provider of speciality chemicals and performance materials. With a presence in key industries like transportation and infrastructure, Cabot delivers innovative solutions to address current challenges and anticipate future needs. Leveraging over 140 years of industry leadership, Cabot combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise to partner with customers worldwide. With approximately 4,300 employees, Cabot's commitment to research and development ensures ongoing innovation in products ranging from reinforcing carbons to battery materials, catering to diverse global markets.

Continental Carbon Company

Continental Carbon, established in 1936, has been a pioneering force in the carbon black industry, utilising waste streams from coal, refinery, and petrochemical industries to produce high-value carbon black for rubber and renewable power generation. With a global presence across Belgium, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and the United States, Continental Carbon ensures reliable service through three operation offices, four technologies centres, and eight manufacturing sites. As a leading supplier of carbon black, they cater not only to tire manufacturers but also to speciality markets in pigment, plastics, and synthetic fibre, maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation from their headquarters in Houston, Texas.

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC) is a prominent global provider of carbon black, a versatile solid carbon material utilised in various applications such as tires, coatings, batteries, and plastics. With a rich corporate history spanning over 160 years, the company operates the world's oldest carbon black plant in Germany. Orion has 14 manufacturing facilities across the globe, offering diverse production processes to meet customer specifications. Additionally, its innovation centres on three continents drive advancements in carbon black technology, ensuring quality and performance across a wide range of industries.

PCBL Limited

Established in 1960 by Mr. K. P. Goenka, PCBL, a part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, commenced operations in Durgapur with a modest production capacity of 14,000 MT per annum. Celebrating its diamond jubilee in 2020, PCBL has been a trailblazer in the carbon black industry for over six decades. With a current production capacity of 770,000 MT per annum and 110 MW per hour of green power generation, PCBL stands as India's largest carbon black manufacturer, serving a diverse global clientele across 50+ countries. The company operates four state-of-the-art plants strategically located in Durgapur, Palej, Mundra, and Kochi, supplemented by R&D centres in Palej and Ghislenghien. In 2023, PCBL expanded its operations with the commissioning of its fifth plant in Chennai.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Mitsubishi Chemical is a diversified chemical company that supplies a wide array of products, from advanced polymers to pharmaceuticals, catering to various industries worldwide. With a focus on innovation, it addresses societal challenges through its solutions. Formerly known as Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, the company offers advanced materials and functional products across sectors such as mobility, healthcare, and information technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Mitsubishi Chemical operates globally, serving clients in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Latin America, providing essential solutions to meet diverse societal needs.

Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Co., Ltd.

Established in July 2001 by Jingdezhen Black Cat Group, Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Inc., Ltd. is a joint stock limited company focused on the comprehensive utilisation of carbon black. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in September 2006, it was the first Chinese company controlled by state-owned assets to be listed solely on carbon black products. With a registered capital of 727 million yuan and total assets of 7.186 billion yuan by the end of 2019, the company has dominated China's carbon black industry for 17 consecutive years, ranking among the top four globally.

Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.

Tokai Carbon, a carbon industry pioneer, has been at the forefront in Japan and globally for over a century. Specialising in high-quality carbon and graphite products, the company serves diverse sectors such as iron and steel, automotive, and electronics. The company is renowned for the top-class products and are committed to meeting future demands. The company’s global presence ensures solutions for evolving market needs. With a century-long dedication to carbon innovation, Tokai Carbon continues to shape the trajectory of industries worldwide.

Longxing Chemical Stock Co., Ltd

Longxing Chemical Stock Co., Ltd., established in 1994, is a leading producer of high-quality carbon black for rubber products, headquartered in Shahe, Hebei. With over two decades of commitment to research, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility, it serves international tire giants and regional manufacturers. Longxing's advanced facilities produce an array of carbon black variants and high-dispersing silica, meeting stringent quality standards. Recognised for its eco-friendly practices and product excellence, Longxing continues to innovate while prioritizing sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.

Omsk Carbon Group

Omsk Carbon Group, a prominent carbon black manufacturer in Russia and Belarus, plays a vital role in both domestic and international markets, contributing significantly to the Russian economy's competitiveness. Since its establishment in 1944, the Omsk Carbon Black Plant has been focused on intensive growth strategies, including product line expansion and foreign market penetration. The plant's rapid construction in a remote steppe area underscores its commitment to efficiency and innovation. Initially producing 695 tons of lamp black, the plant's annual capacity has since grown substantially.