DUNLOP and Cabot partner to evaluate circular reinforcing carbon from recycled tires, advancing sustainable, low-carbon materials for future tire production.
DUNLOP has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cabot Corporation to jointly assess the commercial feasibility of using circular reinforcing carbon produced with Cabot’s proprietary regenerated carbon technology. This collaboration represents a significant step toward advancing sustainability within the tire manufacturing industry by exploring innovative raw materials that support circular economy principles and carbon reduction goals.
At the center of this partnership is Cabot’s circular reinforcing carbon, developed under its EVOLVE® Sustainable Solutions portfolio. The material incorporates reclaimed carbon that is recovered through the pyrolysis of end-of-life tires, transforming waste into a valuable input for new tire production. For Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the parent company of the DUNLOP brand, this regenerated carbon-based reinforcing material is entirely new and has not previously been applied in its tire manufacturing processes. As such, the MOU focuses on comprehensive evaluation and testing to determine its suitability for use in mass-produced tires without compromising performance, safety, or quality.
Both companies view circular reinforcing carbon as a critical lever for lowering greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain. For Sumitomo Rubber, adopting this material could significantly reduce reliance on virgin carbon black, a traditionally carbon-intensive input. For Cabot, the agreement provides an opportunity to further scale its regenerated carbon technology in anticipation of future market demand, ensuring the availability and consistency required for commercial deployment. The evaluation phase will therefore run in parallel with Cabot’s efforts to expand production capacity and optimize its technology for broader industrial use.
Commenting on the collaboration, Takuya Horiguchi, General Manager at Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ Material Research & Development Headquarters, emphasized DUNLOP’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. He noted that by combining the technical strengths and expertise of both organizations, the partnership aims to accelerate the path from development to mass production. This initiative, he added, aligns with DUNLOP’s broader ambition to actively support the transition toward a decarbonized society through practical, scalable solutions.
From Cabot’s perspective, the MOU reinforces its long-standing focus on sustainability-driven innovation. Aatif Misbah, Vice President and General Manager for Sustainable Solutions within Cabot’s Reinforcement Materials segment, highlighted that collaboration is essential to advancing lower-carbon technologies in real-world applications. He expressed pride in working with Sumitomo Rubber to test regenerated reinforcing carbon in tires, describing the agreement as a meaningful contribution to the tire industry’s transition toward a lower-carbon future.
The exploration of sustainable raw materials also supports Sumitomo Rubber’s overarching circular economy framework for its tire business, known as “TOWANOWA.” This concept is built around two interconnected systems: the “Sustainable Ring,” which spans five stages of the product value chain, and the “Data Ring,” which integrates and analyzes data collected from each of those stages. By linking material innovation, production, usage, and recycling through data-driven insights, Sumitomo Rubber seeks to create new value while reducing environmental impact.
Looking ahead, Sumitomo Rubber plans to continue advancing the TOWANOWA concept by further lowering its environmental footprint, improving tire performance and safety, and expanding solution-oriented services. Through collaborations such as the one with Cabot, the company aims not only to strengthen its sustainability credentials but also to deliver tangible benefits to end customers, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for the global tire industry.
