• In January 2021, Monolith Inc. began operations at its Olive Creek 1 plant in Nebraska, the first commercial-scale methane‑pyrolysis facility in the U.S., producing carbon black and hydrogen with over 95 % lower CO₂ emissions than conventional methods.

• In January 2025, Tokai Carbon joined forces with Bridgestone and Japanese universities to develop a demo plant for converting recovered carbon black (rCB) from end-of-life tires into eco carbon black (eCB™), targeting 5,000 t/year and performance comparable to virgin material.

In this report, the Carbon Black Market has been segmented by Type, Grade, Application, and Geography.

Carbon Black Market, Segmentation by Type

The Carbon Black Market has been segmented by Type into Furnace Black, Channel Black, Thermal Black, Acetylene Black, and Others.

Furnace Black

Furnace black dominates the carbon black market, accounting for approximately 80% of total production. It is produced through the incomplete combustion of heavy aromatic oils and is primarily used in the manufacturing of tires and automotive rubber components. Due to its cost-efficiency, high yield, and wide applicability in the rubber industry, furnace black remains the most widely used type globally.

Channel Black

Channel black holds a smaller market share of about 5%. It is produced by the channel process and is used mostly in printing inks, coatings, and paints due to its fine particle size and color consistency. Although largely replaced by more efficient methods, channel black remains important in niche applications requiring ultra-fine dispersion.

Thermal Black

Thermal black contributes approximately 8% of the market. Produced through the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons, it features larger particle sizes and is mainly used in the production of hoses, belts, and vibration-damping components. Its low structure makes it ideal for enhancing processing flexibility and electrical insulation.

Acetylene Black

Acetylene black makes up about 3% of the market and is prized for its exceptional electrical conductivity and thermal stability. It is produced via the thermal decomposition of acetylene gas and is primarily used in batteries, capacitors, and conductive polymers. Its purity and low ash content make it suitable for electronic-grade applications.

Others

The ‘Others’ category, comprising specialty and tailor-made carbon blacks, holds around 4% of the market. These include lamp black, oxidized black, and other custom formulations used in plastics, inks, and coatings. These types cater to high-end applications requiring unique particle morphology or performance characteristics.

Carbon Black Market, Segmentation by Grade

The Carbon Black Market has been segmented by Grade into Standard Grade and Specialty Grade.

Standard Grade

Standard grade carbon black holds the majority share of approximately 85% in the global market. It is widely used in the rubber industry, especially in the production of tires, hoses, gaskets, and conveyor belts. Known for its reinforcing properties, standard grade enhances tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability of rubber products. Its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with various rubber formulations make it the industry standard.

Specialty Grade

Specialty grade carbon black accounts for around 15% of the market and is used in high-performance applications requiring advanced characteristics. It is commonly found in plastics, inks, coatings, and electronics due to its fine particle size, high-purity levels, and optical properties. Specialty grades offer enhanced color strength, UV protection, and conductivity, making them ideal for premium formulations.

Carbon Black Market, Segmentation by Application

The Carbon Black Market has been segmented by Application into Tire, Non-Tire Rubber, Plastics, Inks & Coatings, and Others.

Tire

The tire segment is the largest application area, accounting for approximately 70% of the carbon black market. Carbon black is a critical ingredient in tire manufacturing, where it provides reinforcement, improves abrasion resistance, and enhances UV protection. It is used in various components such as tread, sidewalls, and inner liners, significantly extending the life and performance of tires.

Non-Tire Rubber

Non-tire rubber applications contribute about 15% of the market. This includes products such as hoses, belts, gaskets, and seals. Carbon black is valued here for its mechanical reinforcement, resilience, and resistance to wear and fatigue, supporting long-lasting performance in industrial and automotive rubber components.

Plastics

Plastics represent around 8% of global demand. In this segment, carbon black is used as a colorant and to enhance UV stability and electrical conductivity. It is commonly found in pipes, cable sheaths, containers, and agricultural films, where both aesthetics and durability are critical.

Inks & Coatings

The inks & coatings segment holds approximately 5% of the market. Carbon black provides deep black pigmentation, gloss control, and conductivity for printing inks, automotive coatings, and industrial paints. Its fine particle size and dispersion properties make it essential for high-quality finish applications.

Others

The remaining 2% is attributed to niche uses such as batteries, electronics, and toners. In these applications, carbon black functions as a conductive additive or reinforcement material in high-tech and energy storage components.

Carbon Black Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Carbon Black Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Carbon Black Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America accounts for approximately 18% of the carbon black market. The region is driven by strong demand from the automotive and plastics industries, particularly in the United States and Canada. Growth is supported by established tire manufacturing plants, innovation in coating technologies, and rising adoption of electric vehicles.

Europe

Europe holds about 22% of the market share, with major contributions from countries such as Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. The region benefits from a mature automotive industry, a shift towards specialty carbon black for inks and coatings, and a growing focus on low-emission materials.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the carbon black market with over 45% share, led by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Major consumers include China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Demand is driven by robust growth in the tire industry, expansion in construction activities, and rising consumption of automotive and consumer goods.

Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa contribute about 7% of the market. Countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt are increasingly using carbon black in infrastructure projects, rubber goods manufacturing, and coating formulations. The region is also witnessing growing demand for durable plastics and automotive components.

Latin America

Latin America holds approximately 8% of the market share. Key markets include Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, where growth is fueled by increasing automotive production, demand for packaging materials, and expansion of the construction sector.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Carbon Black Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Growing tire industry demand
• Rising need for pigments and inks

• Expanding battery and conductive applications - The increasing demand for batteries and conductive materials in energy storage systems and electronic devices is significantly driving the growth of the carbon black market. Carbon black's excellent conductive properties make it a key component in the production of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and conductive polymers, where it enhances electrical conductivity and structural stability. With the surge in electric vehicle adoption, renewable energy storage needs, and portable electronics, the role of carbon black in battery electrodes is becoming more vital than ever.

  Furthermore, the rise of smart technologies and miniaturized electronics is expanding the scope of conductive applications, boosting the demand for high-performance carbon black materials. Manufacturers are focusing on developing ultra-pure and specialty grades of carbon black to meet the technical requirements of advanced energy systems. As the global transition toward clean energy and electrification accelerates, the expanding use of carbon black in conductive applications is expected to remain a key market driver.

Restraints

• Volatile raw material prices
• Stringent environmental regulations

• Health concerns over particulate exposure - The production and use of carbon black involve the release of fine particulate matter, which has raised increasing health and safety concerns. Prolonged exposure to carbon black particles, especially in occupational settings, can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and in some studies, has been linked to carcinogenic risks. These health risks have led to stricter scrutiny from regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which are enforcing more stringent guidelines on emissions and worker safety.

  As a result, manufacturers in the carbon black industry are under growing pressure to adopt cleaner production methods and invest in advanced filtration technologies. These additional compliance costs can hinder the scalability and cost-efficiency of operations, especially for small and mid-sized producers. Furthermore, the negative perception associated with potential toxic exposure risks may limit the material’s adoption in consumer-facing industries, thereby acting as a significant restraint on market expansion.

Opportunities

• Development of sustainable carbon blacks
• Expansion in emerging regional markets

• Use in next-gen energy storage - The growing emphasis on next-generation energy storage systems is creating promising opportunities for the carbon black market. As industries transition toward renewable energy and electric mobility, there is an increasing demand for materials that enhance battery performance. Carbon black's excellent electrical conductivity and high surface area make it a valuable additive in the production of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other advanced energy storage devices. This positions carbon black as a critical component in improving the energy density, stability, and efficiency of storage technologies.

  With global investments surging in clean energy and electric vehicles, battery technology has become a key focus area. Carbon black's role in improving conductive networks within battery electrodes contributes to faster charging times and longer battery life. These features are vital for consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and grid-scale storage, all of which are expected to witness exponential growth. As a result, manufacturers are exploring high-performance carbon black grades specifically designed for energy storage solutions.

  Additionally, research and development in battery chemistry are further expanding the application of carbon black. Innovations such as solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries still require conductive additives, offering long-term opportunities for carbon black producers. Collaborations between material science firms and battery manufacturers are accelerating the integration of carbon black into next-gen energy systems, enhancing both performance and commercial viability.

  As the global demand for efficient, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage continues to rise, carbon black's adaptability and functionality provide a compelling value proposition. This trend is expected to not only boost product diversification within the industry but also create strategic growth avenues for players in the carbon black market.

Key players in Carbon Black Market include;

• Cabot Corporation
• Thai Carbon Black Public Company Limited (Birla Carbon)
• Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.
• Phillips Carbon Black Limited
• Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.
• OMSK Carbon Group OOO
• Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Inc., Ltd.
• OCI Company Ltd.
• China Synthetic Rubber Corporation
• SID Richardson Carbon & Energy Co.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis