Michelin and Bridgestone, two of the world's leading tire makers, have pledged to incorporate 40% sustainable materials in their tires by 2030 and aim for 100% by 2050, as part of their carbon-neutral strategies. As a result, the use of eco-friendly carbon black in tires is set to rise significantly in the near future.
In response, China Synthetic Rubber Corp. (CSRC) and Sheico Group are teaming up to build North America's largest eco-friendly carbon black plant in 2024, aiming to lead the tire and rubber industries into the circular economy era.
CSRC's annual Circular Economy Forum serves as a platform to foster corporate collaboration in tackling environmental and social challenges. The 2024 forum, themed "Resource Regeneration and Business Model Innovation," drew participation from Taiwan's Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economic Affairs, KPMG, and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).
CSRC Chairman Jason Koo stressed that the circular economy is not just a theory but a call to action. The company has built a sustainable business model around resource regeneration and seeks further breakthroughs through industry collaboration.
ITRI's Director of Materials Research, Tzong-Ming Lee, underscored the institute's efforts in developing low-carbon recycling technologies, including carbon capture and CO2 conversion into useful products, to help Taiwan's industries meet carbon reduction goals and seize new business opportunities.