Practicing new circular economy model

CSRC strives for excellence in the journey toward a "circular economy," optimizing and upgrading its original circular economy pathway. Through sustainable industrial and biological cycles, renewable raw materials, and technological R&D and process optimization to promote recycling and carbon reduction, we adopt a multi-pronged approach to enhance the circular economy pathway to achieve carbon reduction targets.

At the raw material stage, we introduce bio and industrial circular materials, and at the manufacturing stage, we use renewable energy. Through our decarbonization processes, we produce Eco-circular carbon black for downstream customers.

CSRC's Circular Economy Pathway Upgrade: Ouroboros – A Sustainable and Regenerative Circular Solution

Waste tire pyrolysis oil returned to manufacturing process

Leading multinational automobile and parts manufacturers have identified sustainability and the use of regenerative materials as core development strategies. As carbon black is essential in tire manufacturing, it is a key part of the circular value chain and crucial for achieving supply chain net-zero emissions. CSRC aims to be a pioneer in circular economy and net-zero transformation by integrating circularity into our operations. Through partnerships with pyrolysis recyclers of end-of-life tires, we reuse recycled carbon black and recycled pyrolysis oil in production. Using proprietary technologies, we refine carbon black formulations to create Eco-circular carbon black. This closed-loop system supports sustainability and meets customer demands for greener materials. In 2024, our Ponca city and Sunray plants in the U.S. received ISCC PLUS certification under this model.

New circular economy ecosystem

Based on internal testing and evaluation, the incorporation of recycled materials into carbon black production has demonstrated a reduction in carbon emissions by at least 5–25% compared to standard-grade carbon black (e.g., ASTM N660). At the same time, the physical properties of the recycled-content carbon black remain highly comparable to traditional carbon black, ensuring both performance and safety while advancing circular economy objectives. This approach supports the tire industry in achieving resource circularity and collaborative carbon reduction across the supply chain. In 2024, the Linyuan Advanced Plant and Maanshan Plant in the Greater China region utilized 3,424 metric tons of recycled pyrolysis oil from end-of-life tires as an alternative raw material. For historical procurement data, please refer to Chapter 9.3.2 "Green Procurement" in the Supply Chain section.

Eco-circular carbon black

CSRC collaborates with end-of-life tire pyrolysis recyclers to utilize recycled carbon black (rCB) and recycled pyrolysis oil. Through advanced R&D and technical refinement of carbon black formulations and manufacturing processes, we produce environmentally circular products under the CONTINEX CC series, contributing to our carbon reduction goals. In addition, the recycled carbon black is professionally modified and developed into the EREBOS R series for ink and coating applications. This series features low volatility, high resin compatibility, and excellent dispersion, making it suitable for a wide range of coating applications, including high jetness pigment pastes.

CSRC's Eco-circular carbon black offers significant benefits to tire manufacturers:

Carbon Reduction Achievement:

The product is manufactured using recycled raw materials. When combined with other carbon-reducing measures in the production process, it can further lower overall carbon emissions.

Stable Product Quality:

Eco-circular carbon black does not affect the original product quality and safety due to material changes.

Minimal Formula Adjustment Required:

Due to advanced manufacturing technology, the improved Eco-circular carbon black has physical properties very close to virgin carbon black, requiring almost no formula adjustments during production. If needed, CSRC’s technical service team can provide professional consultation and technical support.