Orion launched circular carbon black production in China, expanding sustainable ECORAX® grades and strengthening its global circular economy strategy.
Orion S.A., a leading global producer of specialty chemicals and carbon black solutions, has announced the commencement of circular carbon black production at its ISCC PLUS-certified manufacturing facility located in Qingdao, a major coastal city in eastern China. This development represents another important milestone in the company’s global sustainability strategy and strengthens its ability to meet increasing demand for circular and environmentally responsible materials across the rubber and tire industries.
The Qingdao plant is now producing three circular carbon black grades under Orion’s ECORAX® product family: ECORAX® Circular 200, ECORAX® Circular 210, and ECORAX® Circular 215. These products are manufactured using tire pyrolysis oil (TPO), a recycled feedstock derived from end-of-life tires. ECORAX® Circular 200 is classified as a hard black grade specifically designed for tire applications, while ECORAX® Circular 210 and 215 offer broader versatility and can be used in both tire production and mechanical rubber goods (MRG).
According to Orion Chief Executive Officer Corning Painter, the introduction of circular carbon black production in China marks a significant advancement in the company’s effort to provide sustainable carbon black solutions on a global scale. He noted that expanding the ECORAX® product line increases Orion’s flexibility in serving customers seeking circular materials while maintaining the high standards of performance, reliability, and product consistency expected by the market.
Orion has long been recognized as a pioneer in circular carbon black technology. The company was the first carbon black manufacturer to successfully produce carbon black using 100% tire pyrolysis oil and has commercialized several ISCC PLUS-certified carbon black grades produced from different sustainable feedstocks at facilities worldwide. This experience has enabled Orion to establish itself as a key player in the transition toward more circular and resource-efficient supply chains.
The company’s latest achievement in China builds upon significant progress made in Europe. In 2025, Orion expanded its circular production capabilities at its facility in Jaslo, Poland, where it launched large-scale commercial production of ECORAX® Circular 200 and 210 grades using TPO as the primary feedstock. The ISCC PLUS certification associated with these products provides customers with assurance regarding the transparent sourcing, traceability, and sustainability credentials of the raw materials used in production.
ECORAX® Circular 200 and 210 have been engineered as direct replacements for conventional ASTM carbon black grades N326 and N330. This drop-in compatibility allows tire manufacturers to integrate sustainable materials into their production processes without requiring significant formulation changes or sacrificing product performance. As a result, manufacturers can advance their sustainability objectives while maintaining the quality and durability expected in tire applications.
To support circular production, Orion has invested in specialized infrastructure at both its Qingdao and Jaslo facilities. Dedicated storage and handling systems have been designed to keep tire pyrolysis oil and conventional carbon black oil separated throughout the manufacturing process. These feedstocks are then introduced into the reactor through independent streams, ensuring precise control over production conditions and enabling the manufacture of high-quality circular carbon black grades.
Pedro Riveros, Senior Vice President of Global Rubber Carbon Black at Orion, highlighted the importance of this infrastructure investment. He explained that the company now possesses comprehensive systems for receiving, storing, and dosing TPO in a fully controlled manner. Orion’s proprietary technology allows operators to carefully adjust the ratio of TPO and conventional carbon black oil, providing accurate measurement of recycled content while ensuring product consistency. This capability is particularly valuable for customers implementing circular economy initiatives and sustainability-focused commercial strategies.
Riveros also emphasized Orion’s ongoing commitment to securing circular feedstocks. In Europe, the company has invested directly in TPO production and plans to serve as an off-taker of recycled feedstocks across multiple locations. Looking ahead, Orion intends to continue exploring opportunities that strengthen its global circular economy strategy and support the growing demand for sustainable carbon black solutions worldwide.
