CSRC partners with SHEICO to establish largest eco-friendly carbon black plant in North America
Taipei City, Taiwan – The board of directors of CSRC group approved a plan to partner with Eco Infinic Co., Ltd., a Thailand subsidiary of SHEICO group. The partnership aims to invest in the recovered carbon black (rCB) business at the original site of Continental Carbon Company (CCC) Phenix plant, jointly developing the North American market for recovered carbon black. This new plant is scheduled to commence production in 2026, and expected to become one of the largest recovered carbon black plants in North America.
The joint venture company to be established is planned to be 65% owned by Eco Infinic, with CSRC and CCC jointly holding 35%. It is expected to commence production in 2026, with an annual capacity planned for 30,000 tons of recovered carbon black, 35,000 tons of tire pyrolysis oil (TPO), and 2,300 tons of steel wire.
To achieve the net-zero carbon emission target by 2050, international tire giants Michelin and Bridgestone have declared within their carbon neutrality frameworks that 40% of the materials used in tires will be sustainable by 2030, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2050. They have also initiated actions calling for the expanded use of recovered carbon black. In the foreseeable future, major manufacturers will actively increase the proportion of recovered carbon black used in tires. However, the current market capacity for producing recovered carbon black that meets specifications of tire producers is too limited. Of the carbon black materials used in global new tire production, less than 1% comes from recycled tires. As technology continues to improve, the demand for recovered carbon black is expected to surge rapidly. According to the research company “Research & Markets,” the global market size for recovered carbon black is projected to be $492 million in 2023, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 34.8% from now until 2030. Particularly, the United States, being one of the major producers and consumers of recovered carbon black, has already made significant investments in recycling facilities and advanced pyrolysis technology, marking it as an important market that cannot be overlooked.
CSRC stated that SHEICO is a Taiwan enterprise based in Yilan, and stands as a leading global manufacturer of wetsuits and water sports apparel. The company ventured into the field of waste tire pyrolysis due to its commitment to developing eco-friendly materials for wetsuits. It has been significantly involved in the rubber and recovered carbon black production processes through its subsidiary in Thailand for many years. The Thai government recognizes this initiative as a model project for the circular economy, with an annual processing capacity of 35,000 tons of waste tires that is still expanding. SHEICO is among the few companies internationally that possess the capability for mass production of recovered carbon black at a high quality. Its exceptional production efficiency, deep commitment to the circular economy, and dedication to a green and sustainable environment resonate well with people’s values. This aligns perfectly with CSRC’s philosophy of sustainable management. The establishment of this joint venture not only aims to jointly enter the US recovered carbon black market, but also helps clients reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption, achieving the goal of carbon neutrality across the industrial chain.
CSRC group has always placed a high emphasis on the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions, dedicating long-term efforts to research and develop low-carbon technologies in pursuit of transformation. It has also actively developed new grades of eco-circular carbon black with the sustainable regenerative solution – “Ouroboros” which is introduced recently. Its eco-circular carbon black utilizes recovered carbon black and pyrolysis oil produced from the pyrolysis of waste tires, reincorporating them into the production process. The performance of eco-circular carbon black is close to virgin carbon black, and it has already been adopted by major tire manufacturer Cheng Shin for use in bicycle tires. Additionally, through CSRC’s specialized modification technology, the company has launched eco-circular carbon black for use in the printing and coatings, including some major electronics manufacturers.
Under the threat of global climate change, continuing to produce within a linear economic model will inevitably place a greater burden on the environment as the population grows. CSRC is pleased to see countries and various industry chains investing in the circular economy, enabling the efficient use of resources, reducing dependence on natural resources, and decreasing carbon emissions. CSRC hopes that its various eco-circular carbon black solutions can contribute to sustainability efforts for customers, supply chains, and industry partners. Furthermore, it aims to exert international influence across different industry chains and strengthen its capabilities in green sustainability.