Indian carbon black manufacturer Philips Carbon Black Limited (PCBL) is positioning itself for significant growth through strategic expansions and capacity additions across multiple business segments, capitalising on emerging global chemical market opportunities. It is adding on a sixth manufacturing location on a 116-acre site in Andhra Pradesh’s Naidupeta region, where the company is targeting to produce 400,000-450,000 tonnes/year of carbon black capacity.
The new site is strategically positioned near major ports like Kattupalli and Krishnapatnam, enabling efficient logistics and cost-effective goods movement.
“The first phase of this expansion will involve establishing a 150,000 tonne/year carbon black plant, with an estimated investment of approximately INR9.5-9.6 billion and a projected timeline of 2-2.5 years,” said Raj Gupta – Chief Financial Officer – PCBL Chemical Limited.
Current manufacturing capacity has already been expanded, with the company recently commissioning a specialty line of 20,000 tonnes/year in Mundra, bringing its total capacity to 790,000 tonnes/year. The company is simultaneously pursuing multiple expansion tracks, including a brownfield expansion of 30,000 tonnes in Tamil Nadu and a second phase expansion of 60,000 tonnes, accompanied by a 12 MW green power project.
In the speciality chemicals domain, the company has launched ECOZENT6000, a new product grade based on recycled materials, plus the company has also been certified with International Sustainability and Carbon Plus (ISCC) certification.
The company is particularly bullish about its export markets, especially in Europe and North America. Despite current geopolitical challenges stemming from restrictions on Russian carbon black exports, PCBL sees this as an opportunity to expand its market presence. The company has increased its international sales volumes, with western market contributions rising from 7-8% historically to approximately 35% currently.
A particularly exciting development is the company’s nano-silica project. PCBL is currently establishing a pilot plant for sampling, with plans to develop a 2,000-tonne commercial facility.