Birla announces 200ktpa carbon black expansion

Mumbai, India – Carbon black manufacturer Birla Carbon has announced plans to add 200 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of capacity globally in response to growing demand.

In a statement 31 May, the Mumbai-based manufacturer said it would add capacity for both rubber and speciality carbon blacks across key markets.

The investment will include 80 ktpa of added capacity in India, 40 ktpa in Hungary, and 80 ktpa in China, said Birla noting that the expansions were “aligned with customer growth plans.”

The company will also be adding capacity for surface treatment of high-value speciality materials in India, serving customers in critical applications like water-based coatings.

Birla expects the expansions to be completed in 2024.

“Birla Carbon will continue to focus on building new capabilities and enhancing the availability of carbon black across key regions, further consolidating its global leadership,” said Dr Santrupt Misra, group director, Birla Carbon.

Also commenting, Birla Carbon CEO John Loudermilk said the company had been “listening to our customers expressing their desire to grow around the world.”

The move, he said, will provide customers with easier access to Birla’s products and will secure supply chain.

“The new capacity will enable us to sustainably serve growth in a range of segments including tire, rubber goods, plastics, coatings, and other speciality markets,” he added.