#Italy #Birla Carbon #Continua SCM #Circtec #Trecate

Introduction

Birla Carbon, a prominent player in the carbon black industry, has recently announced the launch of a new production line for Continua™ Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM) at its facility in Trecate, Italy. This significant development marks a pivotal moment for the company as it aims to enhance supply security and product consistency across global markets.

The New Production Line

The new dedicated production line is specifically designed for finishing and packaging Continua™ SCM, a cutting-edge circular material derived from end-of-life tires. This high-quality, consistent product will be available in large volumes, thereby reinforcing Birla Carbon's commitment to ensuring long-term supply security for its customers worldwide.

John Loudermilk, CEO of Birla Carbon, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is a landmark moment for Birla Carbon. Continua SCM represents the industry's most consistent high-quality circular material, replacing some carbon black in various rubber and non-rubber applications.” He noted that this development reflects inter-industry collaboration in sustainability, utilizing raw materials sourced from the recently inaugurated tire pyrolysis facility by their partner, Circtec, in the Netherlands. The finished products will be processed in Trecate’s sophisticated treatment line.

Sustainability Goals

Loudermilk shared Birla Carbon's ambitious goal to reintroduce 300,000 tons of end-of-life tires into the industry by 2030, ultimately contributing towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This commitment places the company at the forefront of circular economy practices within the carbon black sector.

In alignment with sustainability goals, John Davidson, the Director of Sales, Marketing, and Sustainability, highlighted how the new production line enhances customer value and sustainability efforts. He stated, “The launch of the Continua SCM treatment line in Trecate increases our circular product portfolio's availability to clients worldwide, allowing them to increase sustainable material usage in their products without compromising on performance standards.”

Key Features of Continua SCM

Continua SCM is not just a material but a range of sustainable solutions developed with technical expertise, superior quality, and a global reach. It aims to improve the sustainability and circularity of products across various industries. Birla Carbon offers the Continua 8000 SCM and its variants for various applications, including tire manufacturing, rubber products, and plastics.

By leveraging Continua SCM, Birla Carbon offers several advantages, including:

• - Supply Security: Access to large volumes and additional functional benefits.
• - Mixing Capabilities: Providing optimal solutions tailored to various product needs.
• - Increased Recycled Content: Enhancing the sustainability profile of end products.
• - Reduced On-Site Approval Costs: Streamlining processes for customers.
• - Consistent Quality and Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining high standards across the board.

Strategic Partnership

A key part of this initiative is the strategic partnership with Circtec, which recently launched its tire pyrolysis plant in the Netherlands in January 2026. This collaboration underscores Birla Carbon's ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in the carbon black industry.

Conclusion

In summary, the introduction of the new Continua SCM production line at Birla Carbon’s Trecate facility signifies not only an advancement in the company's operational capabilities but also a strong commitment to sustainability. As businesses increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices, Birla Carbon is uniquely positioned to lead the way by providing innovative solutions that support circularity and reduce environmental impact, ensuring a robust future for the carbon black industry and its stakeholders.