Birla set to start up greenfield carbon black plants in Asia

Jining, China – Birla Carbon is set to start production at two new carbon black manufacturing plants in Asia by the end of the year to support growing demand in the region.

Birla broke ground on the two facilities in in Niadupet, Andhra Pradesh, India, and Rayong, Thailand in early 2024 with commissioning initially set for 2025.

At the time, the Indian supplier said the units will each have an initial capacity to produce 120 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of carbon black with potential to double output to 240ktpa each "in the future". (ERJ report)

In an 8 Sept statement, Birla said the two plants were coming online “this year,” with the additional capacity increasing volume availability across key Asian markets.

“Birla Carbon’s expanding manufacturing capacity and footprint are strengthening its ability to serve customers across China and Asia with greater supply reliability, responsiveness, and consistency,” said the group.

According to the carbon black maker, China and the broader Asian tire and MRG (mechanical rubber goods) industries are currently on a growth trajectory to serve expanding mobility and infrastructure.

“The Asia region is increasingly viewed as a manufacturing hub for the world, with China playing a central role in the growth of high-value MRG and tire markets,” said Amit Kumar, president, Asia, Birla Carbon.

Birla, said Kumar, is strengthening its regional material capacity and footprint “to be closer to our customers and respond more effectively to their evolving needs.”

The new capacity and solutions cover “MRG; tires, including Euro 7-inspired and EV-designed performance materials; low PAH applications; and sustainable offerings,” Kumar concluded.