Bridgestone, Michelin see potential for recovered carbon black

BERLIN—Bridgestone and Michelin say demand for recovered carbon black (rBC) could reach 1 million metric tons by 2030—if recycling technologies continue to develop over the coming years.

Existing capacity to produce rCB that meets tire makers' specifications was small compared to the total carbon black market, they said a joint presentation at the Smithers Recovered Carbon Black Conference, held Nov. 16-17 in Berlin.

The two tire majors, which have been pushing for a global alliance to promote the use of rCB since last year, added that existing rCB specifications do not allow for "total substitution" of all grades of virgin carbon black.

To address these issues, Bridgestone and Michelin aim to establish, with the rCB "community" an initial proposal for a grades definition and associated specifications.

Furthermore, the tire makers aim to coordinate with regulatory bodies to harmonize standards and help the global recycling "ecosystem" better understand the needs of rubber industry.

The alliance also will partner with key stakeholders on future technologies to "better recycle end-of-life tires," and to improve the link between suppliers and users through "a common language and understanding."

Both Bridgestone and Michelin have set themselves a target to manufacture 100-percent sustainable tires by 2050.

The two companies have been working together since November 2021 to establish a broad coalition of stakeholders "to accelerate progress and increase supply of rCB."

However, they have been responsive to requests for information about support for their "call-for-action" on rCB from other tire manufacturers and recyclers.