South Korean tyre maker Nexen Tire announced that it has signed a long-term supply agreement with recycling firm LD Carbon Co for recovered carbon black (rCB).
Through this partnership, Nexen adds it will use this collaboration to boost the adoption of sustainable materials. LD Carbon’s recovered carbon black is generated by pyrolysing end-of-life tyres in an oxygen-free environment.
The use of recovered carbon black is particularly significant because carbon black is a key component of a tyre’s raw materials and plays a critical role in tyre strength and durability. Replacing petroleum-based carbon black with recycled alternatives is a strategic step that maintains product performance while advancing environmental sustainability, it adds.
Nexen plans to use recovered carbon black from production facilities across the world, including China, the Czech Republic, and factories in Korea.
The European Union’s planned Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will mandate the use of sustainable materials in tyre manufacture. By proactively establishing a sustainable raw material supply chain, Nexen adds it is well-positioned to strengthen its competitiveness, particularly in Europe, where the company generates around 40% of total sales.
“Expanding the usage of recovered carbon black is a strategic step that demonstrates our commitment to ESG management and proactive response to global environmental concerns,” said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of Nexen. “We will continue to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly materials and establish a tyre manufacturing system that has a low environmental effect from production to disposal.”