Net zero by 2050

As leaders in carbon black manufacturing, we are committed to growing more sustainably wherever possible. Following a natural progression in our circularity and Life Cycle Assessment approach, we are pledging to lower our carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, a first for the industry.

Clouds

We aim to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050

To fulfil our vision of becoming the most respected, sustainable and dynamic global carbon black business we are driving our sustainability ambitions forward. In August 2021, we announced our newest goal – to reduce our carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

We’re pledging to bring down our emissions alongside many of our customers and suppliers. This includes lowering emissions across our value chain, looking to reduce our impact beyond our direct operations.

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We are choosing to lead through bold commitment and industry-first initiatives for a more sustainable tomorrow.”

John Loudermilk CEO, Birla Carbon

Making net zero carbon a reality, together

The successful launch of Continua™ 8000, our Sustainable Carbonaceous Material product, taught us the value of collaborating with our customers to deliver a sustainable alternative. Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require collaboration too. So, we are mapping our technologies and engaging experts to create long-term partnerships in support of our goal.

Most of our carbon footprint reductions will come from investments in advanced technologies to upgrade our sites. These will target carbon capture and conversion, increasing the use of bio-based feedstocks and advancing the production of more circular products. We’ll maintain our focus on lowering the direct and indirect emissions linked to our carbon conversion from feedstock and energy-procurement processes.

A smaller portion will come from the indirect impacts of our entire supply chain, which will require working with external partners – for example with our suppliers to reduce their emissions. Our next step is to continue developing a rigorous plan that will guide us to net zero.

How we will achieve net zero carbon emissions

  • Research

    We will research new ways to capture and convert carbon emissions.

    A significant part of our net zero target will come from future technologies that capture and convert carbon dioxide into valuable carbon products. We will focus on investing in and developing these technologies and assets.

  • Reduce

    We will reduce our dependence on traditional manufacturing processes.

    We will continue to focus on optimizing processes for converting carbon to carbon black, and to prioritize energy efficiencies throughout our operations.

  • Replace

    We will replace our current energy and feedstock with low-carbon solutions.

    Some of our locations have introduced renewable energy sources to power parts of our facilities. We will focus on adding more renewable energy solutions, and shifting a portion of our production to alternative feedstocks derived from biomass.

  • Repurpose

    We will repurpose materials through a circular approach.

    Through creating more circular products, like Continua™ 8000, we will enable our customers to develop the next generation of sustainable products. Our carbon black boosts product longevity, preventing end-of-life materials going to landfill.

On the road to net zero at our sites

Over the coming year we will be developing the action plans to achieve our ambitious goal. In the meantime, we continue our existing initiatives.

All of our sites are working on ways to improve their CO2 emissions performance, with some reducing emissions by 4% in FY2020, compared to the previous year. This was achieved through faster data analytics and equipment upgrades. We also enforced emission concentration controls to make sure that we meet or exceed local standards.

A unified approach to sustainability

Our net zero ambitions align with the Paris Agreement. We’re also aligned with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project SDG Roadmap, which aims to address the social and environmental impacts of tires by 2050. This supports our environmental commitments as we Share the Strength of our leadership capabilities for a greener future.

Over 160 years of extraordinary innovation in the carbon black industry, coupled with decades of focus on sustainability, makes our net zero goal not just aspirational, but achievable.

In our report you will find more information on:

  • How our sites are reducing CO2 emissions
  • The launch of Continua™ 8000, our first fully circular product
  • Our latest innovations

Applying circular thinking

Leading the way for the industry, we have achieved circularity at scale with our Continua™ offering while applying the same principles in carbon black production.

Always investing in innovation

See how our culture of ingenuity brings sustainable solutions through partnerships and product developments.