Epsilon Carbon, a leading global manufacturer in the carbon black sector, has announced the launch of its high-performance N134 grade hard carbon black. This product is specifically engineered for applications requiring superior abrasion resistance and durability—key attributes for tire manufacturing in both heavy commercial vehicles and high-performance passenger cars.
Epsilon Carbon, a leading global manufacturer in the carbon black sector, has announced the launch of its high-performance N134 grade hard carbon black. This product is specifically engineered for applications requiring superior abrasion resistance and durability—key attributes for tire manufacturing in both heavy commercial vehicles and high-performance passenger cars. With this launch, Epsilon Carbon becomes the first Indian company to establish a dedicated facility for manufacturing this specialized grade, addressing a critical gap in the domestic market.
Historically, the Indian tire industry has relied heavily on imports to meet the demand for N134 grade carbon black. This reliance stems from the lack of consistent local supply and quality standards. Inconsistent availability has led many tire manufacturers to modify their formulations by using other grades of carbon black, which often results in compromised tire performance, particularly in terms of wear resistance and fuel efficiency. With growing demand for premium tires in India and globally, the availability of a reliable, high-quality N134 supply has become a pressing need.
The launch of Epsilon Carbon’s N134 grade addresses this issue directly. The product will be manufactured at the company’s recently expanded facility at the Vijayanagar carbon complex in Karnataka, India. The expansion has increased the plant’s total carbon black production capacity to 215,000 metric tons annually. The new unit is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced processing techniques that ensure high batch-to-batch consistency—a critical requirement for manufacturers targeting performance and safety standards.
“This is a proud moment for us and for India’s carbon black manufacturing sector,” said Vikram Handa, managing director of Epsilon Carbon. “The high-quality N134 black will significantly reduce import dependency and provide tire manufacturers in India and abroad with a reliable, high-performance product. Our goal is to match global standards while strengthening India’s capability to serve premium markets.”
Epsilon Carbon’s foray into the N134 segment is also in line with the Indian government’s 'Make in India' and import substitution initiatives, aiming to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce foreign dependence in strategic sectors. In addition to serving the Indian market, the company also plans to export the product to global markets, particularly to the United States and Europe, where demand for performance tires is steadily growing.
The N134 hard carbon black is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of tires manufactured in India. By providing a dependable local source of this high-grade material, Epsilon Carbon is poised to support innovation and performance in tire design, ultimately benefiting both domestic manufacturers and international customers. This launch not only strengthens India's carbon black industry but also elevates the country’s position in the global automotive materials landscape.
