HOUSTON—Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. has launched a range of carbon blacks for rubber applications derived from industrial-grade, plant-based feedstock.
The product, Ecorax Nature 100, is "the first highly reinforcing carbon black grade made from renewable feedstocks which can be used in critical tire tread construction," Orion said.
The carbon black is being tested by customers and will go into high-volume manufacturing in the second half of 2022, according to the company's June 17 statement.
Orion did not identify which of its 14 global production sites will manufacture the product or comment on expected production volumes.
"This launch is an important milestone in our strategy to develop commercially viable, carbon black products that drive sustainability across the value chain," Orion CEO Corning Painter said. "This strategy, combined with our footprint, ability to innovate, and deep customer relationships makes Orion the right partner for a sustainable future."
