International. The Mitsubishi Chemical Group has taken a significant step towards sustainability by announcing the start of studies to chemically recycle end-of-life tires.
This innovative initiative aims to produce sustainable carbon black from ELTs (end-of-life tires) using coke ovens, with plans to commercialize this material by March 2026.
In response to the growing demand for sustainable raw materials in the tire industry, the MCG Group plans to leverage its supply chain to convert shredded ELTs into carbon black using a process that the company says is the first of its kind globally. This recycled carbon black, which maintains the same properties as its conventional counterpart, could be reused in the manufacture of new tires, thus boosting closed-loop recycling.
Demonstration experiments have already begun since July 2024, with Mitsubishi Chemical projecting annual production of several thousand tonnes of sustainable carbon black by FY2025, with plans to increase capacity to tens of thousands of tonnes by 2030.
With this initiative, the MCG Group seeks not only to lead the technological advancement in ELT recycling, but also to contribute decisively to the circular economy in the automotive and tire industries.
