The carbon black market plays a crucial role in various industries, from automotive to construction and electronics. Carbon black, a fine black powder composed of elemental carbon, is primarily used as a reinforcing agent in tires, rubber products, and coatings. It also enhances the durability and conductivity of plastics, inks, and batteries. With growing demand for high-performance materials and sustainable production methods, manufacturers are investing in advanced technologies and eco-friendly alternatives. Extrapolate estimates, the global carbon black market will cross USD 31.62 billion by 2031. This blog highlights the 10 leading companies in the carbon black market, their product offerings, and their contributions to different sectors.
Major Companies in the Carbon Black Market
1. Aditya Birla Group
Aditya Birla Group is a global leader in the carbon black market, operating through its subsidiary, Birla Carbon. The company provides a wide range of high-performance carbon black solutions for tires, mechanical rubber goods, coatings, plastics, and inks. Its product portfolio includes specialty carbon blacks designed for enhanced conductivity, UV protection, and superior dispersion. Aditya Birla Group focuses on sustainability by incorporating circular economy principles and reducing its carbon footprint in production processes.
In October 2024, Birla Carbon, subsidiary of Aditya Birla Group inaugurated its first Asia Post Treatment (APT) plant in Patalganga, India. This state-of-the-art facility aims to supply specialty carbon black products tailored for the coatings and inks markets, enhancing Birla Carbon's capabilities in the specialty carbon black market.
2. BASF SE
BASF SE is known for its innovative chemical solutions, including carbon black used in industrial applications. The company offers specialty carbon black for coatings, plastics, and battery materials, improving mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. BASF’s research-driven approach enables the development of high-quality, low-environmental-impact carbon black formulations. Advanced production techniques ensure better dispersion, enhanced color stability, and optimal reinforcement properties for rubber and polymer applications.
3. Cabot Corporation
Cabot Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, including high-performance carbon black. Its diverse product range serves industries such as tires, rubber, coatings, and electronics. Cabot’s specialty carbon blacks enhance jetness in coatings, provide UV protection in plastics, and improve energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries. The company also focuses on sustainable solutions, including low-VOC and low-emission carbon blacks, supporting the shift towards greener industrial processes.
4. International CSRC Investment Holdings Co., Ltd
International CSRC Investment Holdings is a key player in the global carbon black market, supplying high-quality grades for various applications. The company specializes in carbon blacks designed for reinforced rubber compounds, thermoplastics, and conductive applications. It continually invests in R&D to optimize particle structure, surface area, and dispersion characteristics, ensuring superior performance in demanding industrial applications.
5. Kemipex
Kemipex is an established supplier of chemical solutions, including carbon black for multiple industries. Its product offerings cater to the needs of tire manufacturing, rubber reinforcement, and specialty coatings. Kemipex focuses on delivering consistent quality with tailored carbon black formulations that improve mechanical strength, UV resistance, and color stability. The company emphasizes technical expertise and innovation to meet evolving market demands.
6. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is a major player in advanced materials, offering high-performance carbon black for industrial and automotive applications. The company provides specialty carbon blacks that enhance the durability of rubber compounds, improve electrical conductivity in batteries, and optimize color properties in coatings and inks. Mitsubishi Chemical integrates sustainability initiatives into its operations, focusing on energy-efficient manufacturing and environmentally friendly alternatives.
In August 2024, the Mitsubishi Chemical initiated studies on chemically recycling end-of-life tires (ELTs) using coke ovens at its Kagawa Plant in Sakaide City, Japan. This innovative approach aims to produce sustainable carbon black from ELTs, with plans to commence marketing by March 2026. This initiative addresses the tire industry's growing demand for sustainable raw materials, offering a recycled alternative to conventional carbon black used as a rubber-reinforcing agent in tires. These developments position Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation as a leading player in the global carbon black market.
7. Omsk Carbon Group
Omsk Carbon Group is one of the leading players in the global carbon black market. The company supplies tire, rubber, and plastics industries. Their diverse product portfolio includes conductive, pigment, and reinforcing carbon blacks, weather resistance, enhancing material strength, and overall performance. The company prioritizes technological innovation to ensure high-purity production and consistent product quality.
8. Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH
Orion Engineered Carbons is a global leader in the development of specialty and high-performance carbon blacks. The company supplies innovative solutions for automotive tires, industrial rubber, coatings, and electronics. Orion’s product lineup includes conductive carbon blacks for battery applications, UV-stable carbon blacks for plastics, and highly dispersible grades for enhanced material processing. Its commitment to sustainability is evident through energy recovery initiatives and environmentally friendly production techniques.
9. PCBL (Phillips Carbon Black Limited)
PCBL is a leading manufacturer of carbon black, offering a comprehensive range of reinforcing and specialty grades. The company serves diverse industries, including automotive, paints, and advanced materials. Its product innovations include low-environmental-impact carbon blacks designed for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in tires. PCBL continuously invests in research and technology to improve the performance and sustainability of its carbon black offerings.
In February 2025, PCBL Chemical strengthened its portfolio by establishing its first Acetylene Black plant in India. The company signed a technology transfer agreement with Ningxia Jinhua, a leading Chinese producer of Acetylene Black. This initiative aims to enhance PCBL’s capabilities in high-performance carbon black solutions, catering to industries like lithium-ion batteries, telecommunications, and high-end conductive applications.
10. SABIC
SABIC, a global leader in chemical manufacturing produces high-quality carbon black for use in plastics, coatings, and electronic components. Its specialty carbon blacks enhance mechanical strength, UV resistance, and conductivity in various applications. SABIC integrates advanced material science and sustainable manufacturing processes, focusing on circular economy solutions and carbon footprint reduction.
Conclusion
The carbon black market is evolving as companies prioritize performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Key players like Aditya Birla Group, Cabot Corporation, and BASF SE continue to innovate, delivering cutting-edge solutions for industries ranging from automotive to electronics. Advanced formulations, environmentally friendly processes, and high-performance materials are shaping the future of carbon black production.
As industries demand stronger, more durable, and sustainable materials, these leading manufacturers will play a crucial role in meeting market needs. The push for lower emissions, enhanced conductivity, and better mechanical properties will drive further advancements in the carbon black market, ensuring continued growth and innovation in the years ahead.
