John Loudermilk, CEO of Birla Carbon, returns to The Tyre Recycling Podcast for Episode 89 to continue his discussion with Ewan Scott regarding the evolving landscape of the recovered carbon black (rCB) market. John explores why the adoption of sustainable carbonaceous materials has been slower than anticipated, citing current economic pressures and the competitive nature of imported tyres. He highlights Birla Carbon’s strategic partnerships with Circtec in the Netherlands and their joint venture in India as key steps toward becoming a preferred supplier in a market he expects to reach 10% of global demand in the long term.
John also explains the technical necessity of refining pyrolysis char through milling, pelletising, and blending to ensure the consistency and cleanliness required by high-barrier industries. From the unique organoleptic requirements of potable water pipes to the UV stabilisation needs of plastics, this episode delves into why a collaborative partnering approach is essential for shifting rCB from a trial material to a contractual mainstay.
Formulation vs Product: John Loudermilk on Enhancing Market Acceptance
John Loudermilk covers all this and more in Episode 89. So please join us as we discuss the “formulation vs product” challenge and the road to wider market acceptance.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to Episode #89, Continuing the Discussion with John Loudermilk
1:51 Why Birla Carbon is Positioned for Long-Term Sustainability Trends
3:20 Overcoming the Challenge of Consistency in End-of-Life Tyre (ELT) Material
4:24 The Current State of the Global rCB Market and Technical Barriers
4:49 Transitioning from Low-Tech End-Uses to High-Performance Rubber Goods
6:53 Beyond the Reactor: How Downstream Processing Refines Pyrolysis Char
8:00 The Importance of Collaborative Partnerships with Circtec and Others
9:58 Addressing Aesthetics and Structural Requirements in Sustainable Plastics
11:17 Balancing Performance and Sustainability in Non-Rubber Applications
13:19 Conclusion to Episode #89, Tyres Cannot Be the Only Answer
