Mitsubishi Chemical link-up to advance ‘carbon-negative’ tire materials

West Sacramento, California – Japan’s chemicals major Mitsubishi Chemical and California-based Origin Materials have joined hands to develop sustainable high performance carbon black materials for the tire industry from wood biomass. 

The partnership will employ Origin’s patented technology platform which turns the carbon found in wood residue into polymeric materials, said a joint statement 28 April.

As part of the collaboration, Mitsubishi Chemical will convert hydrothermal carbon produced by Origin into high-performance “analogues of speciality carbon black materials.”

The materials will then be tested and further developed with “one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers,” the statement added.

The partnership also includes a joint development agreement between Origin, and the carbon materials business unit of Mitsubishi Chemical for the development of ‘carbon-negative’ materials.

The partners expect Mitsubishi Chemical’s manufacturing capabilities, technical expertise, and customer network to help a broader adoption of Origin’s technology within the automotive industry.

Citing Grand View Research, the statement said the global market for carbon black is projected to reach $26 billion (€24.6 billion) by 2025, expanding at 6% CAGR.

Approximately 70% of the world’s carbon black production is used as a reinforcing filler in tires.