Nexen Tire has signed a long-term supply agreement with LD Carbon, a resource circulation and material recycling firm, for recovered carbon black (rCB) to boost the adoption of sustainable materials. LD Carbon’s recovered carbon black is generated by pyrolyzing end-of-life tires in an oxygen-free environment, which it says lowers carbon emissions and promotes resource cycling.
Carbon black is a key component of a tire’s raw materials, playing a critical role in tire strength and durability. Replacing petroleum-based carbon black with recycled alternatives is a strategic step that maintains product performance while advancing environmental sustainability. Nexen has gradually increased its use of recovered carbon black, and with this deal, hopes to further transition to environmentally friendly raw materials.
Nexen plans to use recovered carbon black from production facilities around the world, including China, the Czech Republic and factories in Korea, to develop a circular resource structure for a consistent supply of recycled materials, incorporating them into its global manufacturing chain.
The European Union’s planned Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will mandate the use of sustainable materials in tire manufacture.
“Expanding the usage of recovered carbon black is a strategic step that demonstrates our commitment to ESG management and proactive response to global environmental concerns,” said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of Nexen Tire. “We will continue to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly materials and establish a tire manufacturing system that has a low environmental effect from production to disposal.”
In related news, Continental’s project to enhance sustainability in smallholder natural rubber cultivation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has been extended by three years. Click here to read the full story.
