Asia Pacific Carbon Black conference focuses on India’s growing role in global exports

The 15th edition of the Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference, Asia’s largest carbon-related gathering, concluded in Kolkata. Themed “Carbon Black: Perspectives in Asia Pacific,” the event took place from October 21 to 23, 2024, and addressed various aspects of the carbon black value chain, including sectors like tyres and auto components, plastics, conductive carbon black, lab equipment, recycled black, and packaging.

The conference featured keynote sessions, roundtable discussions, and technical presentations. Around 500 delegates from over 20 countries attended, with over 30 kiosks and stalls on display. Industry leaders and key companies participated, including Aditya Birla Group, Thermax, Epsilon Carbon, PCBL, Birla Carbon, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd., Saint Gobain, Doright Company Ltd, Thai Tokai Carbon, and Morgan Advanced Materials.

On the second day, Dr. Manoj Pant, Chief Secretary of West Bengal, participated as the Chief Guest. He emphasised the sector’s projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% and encouraged industrialists to invest in West Bengal’s industrial sector. Pant also highlighted the importance of the reclaim, recycle, and reuse principles in supporting the circular economy. He noted that the discussions on sustainability and innovation were critical, particularly with the increasing demand for electric vehicle tyres and battery components.

Amit Choudhary, Chairman of the International Advisory Committee and Executive Director of Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited, remarked that the global tire industry is expected to invest $27.3 billion between 2023 and 2028, with India contributing $1 billion through new projects. India is increasing exports to the European Union and North America to meet the gap left by reduced Russian carbon black supplies. He added that the Asia Pacific region, especially in the carbon black sector, is strengthening its role as a global manufacturing hub. The correlation between the growth of the automobile sector and GDP in Asia over the past decade has been around 88%. Choudhary also noted the significance of hosting this post-pandemic conference after years of effort by the International Advisory Committee.

The global carbon black industry, valued at approximately $28 billion, is projected to grow to $42 billion by 2032, offering opportunities for growth, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. India aims to meet 50% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030. With vehicle design evolving, there is a growing focus on reducing carbon footprints, and tyres must adapt to meet these changes. This shift creates opportunities for innovation as legacy ASTM blacks may no longer suffice.

The conference also covered topics such as green finance, building certifications, innovative technologies, and global green building trends. It provided both in-person and online platforms for exchanges, offering a forum to discuss the future of the low-carbon, smart, and resilient carbon black industry.