Contec and Orion advance circular carbon black production with initial ConPyro® shipments, marking a key milestone in sustainable innovation.
Contec S.A. has successfully completed the initial deliveries of its proprietary tire pyrolysis oil, branded as ConPyro®, to Orion S.A., marking a significant milestone in their recently initiated long-term strategic collaboration. This accomplishment represents a vital step in both companies’ shared ambition to scale up sustainable and circular solutions within the carbon black industry. Contec utilized its innovative Molten® technology to convert substantial volumes of end-of-life tires into valuable raw materials, facilitating these early shipments and reinforcing the technological readiness of its recycling process.
The milestone stems from the strategic supply agreement announced in February 2025 between Contec and Orion. Orion, a global leader in the specialty and high-performance carbon black sector, has partnered with Contec to receive steady volumes of ConPyro® TPO (tire pyrolysis oil) over the long term. This partnership is designed to significantly boost the industrial production of circular carbon black—a more sustainable alternative to traditional carbon black derived from fossil resources. The circular product will serve as a feedstock for manufacturers in the tire and rubber goods sectors across the globe.
Contec’s process converts discarded tires into a high-grade oil through pyrolysis, which is then utilized by Orion to produce carbon black. Notably, carbon black derived from TPO is the only circular solution that has achieved commercial-scale viability in the industry so far. Orion stands out in the market as the only carbon black producer to have successfully created products using 100% tire pyrolysis oil. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of replacing virgin carbon black with a circular alternative without compromising performance—an essential breakthrough for industrial applications seeking greener material sources.
Commenting on the milestone, Patryk Cichon, Sales Director at Contec S.A., expressed satisfaction with the smooth collaboration between the two companies. “We’re pleased to see how smoothly the cooperation with Orion has started,” Cichon stated. “These first deliveries confirm that both teams are aligned not only on vision but also on execution. With such a strong beginning, we’re confident the path ahead will be even more efficient and impactful,” he added.
According to the joint statement, this initial success lays a strong foundation for continued collaboration focused on sustainability, technological innovation, and defossilization. Both companies aim to lead the transition toward a more circular economy by reducing reliance on fossil feedstocks and integrating recycled materials into mainstream industrial production. This milestone not only reinforces their joint commitment but also signals a transformative shift in the global carbon black supply chain. It paves the way for broader adoption of circular materials and promotes resilience within the global manufacturing ecosystem.
