Global economic dictates and fluctuating raw material prices led to moderate growth in the carbon black industry in 2024. The key aspects included policies related to carbon emission regulations, which resulted in the manufacturers investing in environmentally friendly production processes. Major industry players expanded their centers of production in countries with favorable trade agreements, lessening their reliance on single-source suppliers.
As tire production surged, the automotive industry was still a driving factor behind demand, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. In other regions-in Europe, for instance-regulatory pressures were nudging producers towards low-carbon and bio-based carbon black. Usage also grew in electronics and coating applications, particularly for conductive and specialty applications.
In 2025 and beyond, the demand for high-end carbon black, specifically for EV batteries and tires, will drive the industry, and it is estimated that the industry will grow steadily at a CAGR of 4.8% and will reach USD 23.17 billion during the forecast period. In addition, advancements in recovered carbon black (rCB) technology will disrupt the industry by offering sustainable and economical substitutes.
Asia-Pacific has led production and consumption and will continue its dominance, with China and India being key players. North America and Europe are expected to experience steady growth from strong environmental policies and the development of carbon capture technology.
Industry Forecast Table
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 14.50 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 23.17 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.8% |
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Future Market Insights conducted a survey of almost all the key stakeholders of the carbon black industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users. The survey highlights that supply chain resilience is a top priority, with 68% of respondents emphasizing the need to diversify raw material sources to reduce disruptions. The majority of stakeholders highlighted the importance of local production in reducing dependence on vulnerable global supply chains.
Sustainability also ranked very high, as over 72% of participants named the rising demand for low-carbon and recycled carbon black. Manufacturers are being forced to invest in sustainable practices due to regulatory compliance as well as corporate sustainability initiatives, and several rCB-based projects are being trialed by companies. Respondents in the automotive sector also expressed a desire for sustainable alternatives to tire production.
Technological advances should also steer the industry's future; for example, 78% of respondents chose innovation in the uses of specialty carbon black as one of the main growth drivers. The electric vehicle and advancements in conductive topcoats are driving the industry towards high-performance products. Digitalization and AI-based quality control processes are being more frequently adopted to drive efficiency and consistency in product output.
| Countries | Regulatory Impact & Mandatory Certifications |
|---|---|
| United States | Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposes air quality standards that carbon black producers must comply with, as they have strict emissions standards. Under TSCA, manufacturers must report the use of chemicals. Certifications: ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), REACH (in case of EU export). |
| United Kingdom | The UK REACH system is similar to EU norms but has its own compliance structure. More stringent carbon footprint regulation and sustainable production incentives. Accreditations: UKCA (product safety), ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001. |
| France | The French Environmental Code enforces strict controls on emissions during industrial production. Additional regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) ensure sustainable waste management practices. Certifications: REACH, ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), NF Certificate for industrial products |
| Germany | The Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz (BImSchG) regulates air pollution, representing limits for industrial emissions. The government also promotes circular economy measures, for example, recycling obligations. The government has obtained certifications such as REACH, Eco-Label Blue Angel for eco-friendly products, and ISO 50001 for Energy Management. |
| Italy | The Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition enforces EU environmental laws and provides specific incentives for the adoption of low-carbon production techniques. Certifications: REACH, Ecolabel EU (for eco-friendly products), ISO 14064 (GHG Emissions Reporting) |
| South Korea | It is subject to the Korean Chemicals Control Act and the Clean Air Conservation Act and includes reporting and emission reduction. The country has tax incentives for companies that make the switch to sustainable production processes. Certifications: K-REACH, ISO 14001, Korean Eco-Label. |
| Japan | Both the Air Pollution Control Act and the Chemical Substances Control Law impose strict regulations on industrial emissions and chemicals in general. Green Procurement Policies in Japan—Japan encourages environmentally sustainable manufacturing as well. Certifications: JIS, ISO 14001, Eco Mark (eco-friendly). |
| China | The new Environmental Protection Law establishes emissions cuts and carbon-trading regimes for heavy polluters. Manufacturers of black carbon need increased licensing. Certification: CCC (China Compulsory Certificate), ISO 14001, China Green Label. |
| Australia & New Zealand | Manufacturers are required under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Act to report carbon emissions. Both countries advocate the principles of the circular economy through waste reduction policies. ISO 14001, GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia), and Environmental Choice NZ certifications. |
| India | The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regulates and enforces emission standards for industrial units. The government incentivizes a carbon credit program for companies that adopt environmentally friendly practices. ISO 9001, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), GreenPro Certification. |
The sector in the USA is growing steadily at a CAGR of 4.5%. The strict EPA emissions regulations in the country have been a driving force for manufacturers to move towards cleaner and greener production methods, an expanding focus on recovered carbon black (rCB). Additionally, the growth of electric vehicle (EV) outputs is driving the demand for specialty carbon black for batteries and conductive applications.
Government incentives for sustainable manufacturing and upward integration in advanced material science also help enable innovation across the country and provide a steady growth trajectory through 2035. The product demand in the United States accounted for a share of 76% of the industry in North America.
Strict carbon neutrality goals and adherence to UK REACH regulations governing imports and domestic production significantly impact the UK carbon black industry. The automotive industry, particularly the tire industry, is still the main driver of demand. But high energy prices and the country’s adoption of circular economy measures are driving manufacturers to transition to recovered and bio-based carbon black.
Government policies supporting low-emission production are encouraging companies to adopt greener methods. In addition, the growing use of specialty carbon black in coatings and polymers is driving the industry's growth. The Carbon Black Industry in the UK is growing steadily at a CAGR of 4.2%.
Similarly, the French carbon black industry has been oriented toward sustainability due to the French Environmental Code and the EU Green Deal. It is growing steadily at a CAGR of 4.0%. The main consumers are the automotive and aerospace industries, primarily for manufacturing high-performance tires and rubber components.
As emission regulations mount, countries have invested heavily in carbon capture and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) initiatives, while recovered carbon black (rCB) is gaining broader adoption in the manufacturing sector. Moreover, the government’s focus on supply chain localization is boosting domestic production and limiting import dependency, ensuring steady growth until 2035.
As Europe’s largest automotive base, Germany is also a lucrative opportunity for the carbon black industry. The country's automotive sector, high-performance tire production, industrial rubber, and specialty applications are driving steady demand. The Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz (BImSchG) Act has strict limits on emissions, which has made companies invest in environmentally friendly ways to make things, like using renewable materials and low-carbon processing methods.
Investment in EV production and battery technology is increasing, which is accelerating growth even more. Germany is investing in industrial automation for specialty carbon black applications (coatings, polymers, 3D printing materials), for innovation in material science and to drive long-term growth. The Carbon Black Industry in Germany is growing rapidly at a CAGR of 4.6%.
Italy’s carbon black industry is witnessing increased demand from the automotive, construction, and footwear sectors. Manufacturers are incentivized to adopt greener alternatives under the Italian government’s National Ecological Transition Plan, which emphasizes sustainable manufacturing.
Investment in low-carbon production technologies is being catalyzed by the Eco-label EU certification and other sustainability mandates. The demand for conductive carbon black in electronics and coatings is also growing, and in this case, Italy’s growing share of high-tech industries will work to an advantage. The carbon black industry in Italy is growing significantly at a CAGR of 4.1%.
South Korea’s leading role in automobile and semiconductor production determines its carbon black industry. Strict regulations on emissions and processes imposed by the Korean Chemicals Control Act and the Clean Air Conservation Act are pressuring producers to move toward eco-friendly manufacturing solutions. Specifically, the country is investing heavily in recovered carbon black (rCB) technologies and in high-performance specialty carbon black for batteries and electronic components.
Government incentives in South Korea target sustainable supply chain development, encouraging investment in recovered carbon black (rCB) and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. This enhance production efficiency and drive long-term industry expansion.
Government incentives in South Korea target sustainable supply chain development, which additionally underpins long-term industry prospects. The Carbon Black Industry in South Korea is expected to grow significantly at a CAGR of 4.8%.
The carbon black industry is growing at a steady pace in Japan at a CAGR of 4.3%, led by its automotive, electronics, and high-performance coatings sectors. Based on the Chemical Substances Control Law and Air Pollution Control Act, companies are encouraged to reduce carbon emissions and invest in sustainable alternatives. Similarly, Japan’s Green Procurement policies are further promoting a transition from conventional to bio-based and recovered carbon black by manufacturers.
The industry continues to see strong growth due to the latest in semiconductor manufacturing and battery technology, which require high-purity specialty carbon black. The growing usage of lightweight materials in automotive production is fueling the demand for advanced black carbon formulations.
China is the largest producer and consumer of carbon black, driven by strong demand from automotive, tire, and industrial rubber sectors. The new Environmental Protection Law and targets for carbon neutrality by 2060 are changing the makeup of the industry, driving investment in clean production technologies and circular economy programs.
It is also a leading producer of electric vehicles, creating demand for high-performance carbon black in batteries and conductive applications. The industry will likely continue to expand at the fastest pace in the world, spurred by the Chinese government’s insistence on lowering carbon emissions and funding green technology. The carbon black industry is growing rapidly in China at a CAGR of 5.2%.
The carbon black industry size in Australia and New Zealand is expected to grow but is relatively small as per industries such as construction, mining, and automotive. The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Act mandates the reporting of emissions, prompting manufacturers to transition to low-carbon production technologies.
The adoption of recovered carbon black (rCB) and bio-based alternatives is increasing, with government grants and sustainability programs supporting the development of such materials. Although imports still dominate the industry, the domestic production capacity is expected to increase, fostering self-sufficiency in the region. EV adoption and infrastructure development projects will also help drive industry growth through 2035 with a CAGR of 4.0%.
Strong demand for carbon black in tire manufacturing, automotive, and construction sectors is driving growth in India’s industry at a CAGR of 5.0%. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued some very strict emission norms that made the manufacturers invest in cleaner ways of producing goods. The rCB and sustainable alternatives industries are getting more and more attention as a result of the constant demand for recovered carbon black, waste reduction, and energy-efficient technologies.
The Make in India initiative is also pushing for growth in domestic production so that reliance on imports can be reduced. India’s EV adoption and infrastructure boom are also a growth driver for specialty carbon black, making India a high-growth industry until 2035.
Furnace black is the largest segment of the global carbon black industry due to its low cost and high production efficiency. Tires and industrial applications in rubber contribute to economies of scale and elaborate processes in this segment.
However, the higher conductivity properties of acetylene black, which enable its use in lithium-ion batteries and high-end coatings, propel this fast-growing segment. Additionally, demand for thermal black has also been increasing, particularly in performance-oriented segments like insulation and plastics.
Channel black, once a staple segment, has declined due to environmental pressures; however, niche applications in specialty coatings and printing inks sustain its demand. Due to the increasing focus on sustainability, producers are investing in recovered carbon black, enhancing its competitiveness across various industries. In the coming decade, the new energy-efficient and green carbon black production technology is expected to gain increasing adoption over traditional carbon black.
Standard-grade carbon black still leads the industry due to its wide usage in tires and industrial rubber products. Standard-grade carbon black is the preferred choice for mass production due to its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with various manufacturing processes.
While the global carbon black industry for plastics is highly commoditized and price-sensitive, the growing demand for specialty-grade carbon black in high-tech applications-such as conductive polymers, coatings, and lithium-ion batteries-is strong. The demand for lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries has resulted in specialty-grade black carbon becoming a vital ingredient of composite materials.
The types that can qualify as specialty-grade are highly demanded for use in electronics applications, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where they improve conductivity and durability for semiconductors and circuit boards.
Regulation changes around sustainable and high-performance materials are also encouraging manufacturers to choose more specialty-grade products as well. Further, industries require a high-value solution based on performance in the coming decade, which is expected to grow at a greater rate than standard-grade carbon black in the specialty-grade segment.
Over 70% of global carbon black production is used in tire applications, making it the largest application segment. The increasing use of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, particularly in China, India, and the USA, continues to drive demand.
But the ink and coatings industry is the fastest-growing due to the increasing demand for high-quality specialty pigments within packaging, automotive coatings, and conductive coatings. The carbon black's usefulness in UV protection and the coloration of various plastic items, like pipes, films, and interiors of vehicles, has also made the plastic industry grow at a fast rate.
Overall, the demand for non-tire applications of rubber, such as seals, hoses, belts, etc., is increasing steadily due to industrialization and rising infrastructure activities. Given the rising EV sales and the need for high-performance tires and coatings, it is anticipated that those factors will all contribute to strong growth in the consumption of both conductive and reinforcing carbon black grades, supporting long-term growth in these sectors.
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| The industry experienced volatility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuations in raw material prices. | The industry is anticipated to stabilize with effective supply chain diversification and growth in investments into sustainable production technologies. |
| Regulatory restrictions on carbon emissions caused early headaches for manufacturers, encouraging them to move toward green substitutes. | Stricter global regulations will drive the adoption of recovered and bio-based carbon black, supporting sustainability initiatives. |
| Sustained demand in the automotive sector, particularly tire manufacturing, gave impetus to industry recovery post-pandemic. | The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous mobility will drive demand for high-performance carbon black in batteries and lightweight materials. |
| Specialty black carbon developments for coatings, inks, and plastics were observed to have a consistent uptake. | Specialty-grade carbon black will see strong growth, led by demand for conductive materials in electronics and high-performance coatings. |
| China, India, and the USA have historically dominated the industry due to high tire and industrial rubber production. | While Asia-Pacific will remain dominant, Europe and North America are expected to adopt sustainable and specialty carbon black at a faster pace. |
| The focus was on recovered carbon black (rCB), but its large-scale implementation faced challenges. | Regulatory pushes and technological developments will hasten the commercialization and widespread adoption of RCB. |
The carbon black industry relies heavily on macroeconomic elements like industrial growth, automotive production patterns, government policies, and environmental objectives. Economic growth in emerging economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asia has led to increasing demand for industrial rubber, tires, and high-performance products, supporting steady industry growth. Manufacturing operations are expected to recover during the Post-Pandemic Recovery Phase (2021 to 2024) and sustain growth within the 2025 to 2035 period.
There has been an increase in inflation and volatility in the prices of oil and raw materials; however, the advancements in recovered and bio-based carbon black are offsetting any price volatility. Supply chain diversification and smart regional investments are also mitigating geographically specific dependencies for production. The sustainability momentum and carbon-neutral manufacturing are reshaping the industry, and governments are imposing stricter emissions regulations.
The expanding use of electric vehicles, battery technologies, and conductive materials is broadening new avenues for growth, particularly for specialty carbon black. Despite the economic uncertainty, strong industrial demand and sustainability-driven innovations will drive long-term growth in the industry.
This report provides a detailed overview of leading companies operating in the global carbon black industry, including their company background, earnings, revenue, product applications, specifications, and more. Top 2 players, like Cabot Corporation and Birla Carbon, focus on better grades, higher-cost specialty grades, and sustainability, whereas the remainder of the players, like Orion Engineered Carbons and PCBL, focus on low-cost manufacturers and local industry penetration.
Companies are investing in rCB technology, specialty conductive grades for EV batteries, and green manufacturing processes. Moreover, expansion across high-growth industries such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, as well as joint ventures and acquisitions, are major strategies to increase industry presence and strengthen the supply chain.
Cabot Corporation
Industry Share: ~20-25%
As a global leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, Cabot Corporation stays ahead with a focus on sustainable and high-performance materials. Using its highly integrated R&D resources, the company works in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Orion Engineered Carbons
Industry Share: ~15-20%
Orion Engineered Carbons is expanding its presence in emerging economies, particularly in Asia and South America, through progressive product offerings and strategic collaborations.
Birla Carbon
Industry Share: ~15-18%
One of the key players in the carbon black industry, Birla Carbon, is part of the Aditya Birla Group. The company has been focused on sustainability, with investments in environmentally friendly production technologies and circular economy projects.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Industry Share: ~10-12%
Major players like Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation consolidate the Asia carbon black industry. Its investment in technology upgrades and advanced materials is growing to diversify its portfolio and tap into strong demand for high-performance carbon black.
Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.
Industry Share: ~8-10%
Tokai Carbon (Japan) is one of the major manufacturers in the black carbon segment, specializing in specialty carbon blacks for promoted applications. The firm has been expanding its production capacity to cater to the demand from automotive and industrial end industries.
Phillips Carbon Black Limited (PCBL)
Industry Share: ~5-7%
PCBL, one of the largest carbon black producers in India, has been focusing on capacity expansion and sustainability initiatives. PCBL has been investing in greener technologies to help reduce its carbon footprint and meet regulatory requirements.
China Synthetic Rubber Corporation (CSRC)
Industry Share: ~5-7%
CSRC is one of the industry leaders in China's carbon black industry and focuses mainly on the domestic industry. Thus, the research and development of high-performance black carbon products for various industrial applications has been a major investment for the company.
Specialty carbon black presents a significant growth opportunity, particularly in battery technology and conductive materials. Investors would do well to invest first in high-purity conductive carbon black used in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, as the two types of electrical devices grow in tandem with electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage devices that are exploding in growth.
This strategy will facilitate rapid industry penetration and long-term contracts with EV manufacturers and battery producers through joint ventures. In addition, R&D progress in nanostructured carbon black would allow companies to become core suppliers to next-gen energy storage tech.
Regulatory pressure, especially in Europe and North America, is driving tire makers to incorporate sustainable carbon black. In particular, stakeholders must focus on increasing the capacity for rCB production, adopting the rCB material, and incorporating rCB into product lines. Investing in pyrolysis and closed-loop recycling technologies is key to gaining a competitive advantage and meeting sustainability demands.
Geographically, rapidly growing industries like India and Southeast Asia can unlock significant potential revenue. These economies are industrializing quickly and producing more tires. To enhance industry presence, businesses should establish country-specific plants or joint ventures and leverage government incentives for sustainable manufacturing.
Segment-wise, in the segments of coatings and plastics, increasing regulatory scrutiny on carbon footprints is creating demand for high-performance, low-emission carbon black. Innovating low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and high-dispersion black carbon variants will help the industry share increments in packaging, automotive coatings, and conductive polymers.
Collaborating strategically with coating formulators and polymer manufacturers can render tailored product solutions and long-term supply contracts.
Carbon black is applied to tires, industrial rubber, plastics, coatings, inks, and battery electrodes.
Firms are investing in recovered and bio-sourced materials to respond to stricter environmental regulations.
The carbon black industry is developing most in the automotive, electronics, and construction sectors.
It increases battery conductivity, improves tire life, and is applicable in light polymer parts.
Tighter emissions rules are encouraging manufacturers to implement cleaner production and circular economy (CE) processes.
The industry is segmented into furnace black, channel black, thermal black, acetylene black, and others.
It is bifurcated into standard grade and specialty grade.
It is fragmented into tire, non-tire rubber, inks & coatings, plastics and others.
The market is studied across North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, the Middle East & Africa (MEA).
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