Birla Carbon - Mission net zero carbon emissions by 2050

 Birla Carbon, the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of carbon black additives, aspires to be the most respected sustainable and dynamic manufacturer in the business.

Green manufacturing and sustainable performance are at the core of Birla Carbon’s operational ethos. For Birla Carbon, sustainability is a continuous process which is constantly evolving and improving.

In August 2021, the company announced its vision to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 – a first for the industry – which will not only bolster Birla Carbon’s credentials as a responsible corporate citizen but also create new benchmarks and redefine standards for the sector.

Setting new standards

Towards its net zero by 2050 goal, the company plans to invest in advanced technologies to upgrade its manufacturing sites. It will enable the company to target carbon capture and conversion, increase the use of bio-based feedstock and advance the production of more circular products.

Alongside, the company also plans to work on reducing Scope 2 and 3 emissions. “We’ll maintain our focus on lowering the direct and indirect emissions linked to our carbon conversion from feedstock and energy-procurement processes. A smaller portion will come from the indirect impacts of our entire supply chain, which will require working with external partners – for example, with our suppliers to reduce their emissions,” John Loudermilk, CEO, Birla Carbon, said.

Four-fold agenda

Birla Carbon's net zero by 2050 agenda comprises four pillars:

Giving shape to vision

Visible action is already being taken in this direction. Birla Carbon sites have stepped up efforts to improve their CO2 emissions performance. The sustained focus has led some plants to reduce emissions by 4% in FY2020, compared to the previous year. This was achieved through faster data analytics, equipment upgrades and enforcement of emission concentration controls.

Circular thinking is key to Birla Carbon’s net zero by 2050 vision. The company has achieved circularity at scale with its Continua™ offering, which provides sustainable solutions for tires, mechanical rubber goods and plastics.

Birla Carbon's ambitions align with the 2015 Paris Agreement and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Tire Industry Project SDG Roadmap, which aims to address the social and environmental impacts of tires by 2050.

Birla Carbon, with its over 160 years of innovation and consistent focus on sustainability, is uniquely placed to achieve its net zero by 2050 goal. As the undisputed world leader in carbon black, the company’s efforts to cut down emissions have the potential to define standards for the industry and inspire action.

We have chosen to lead through bold commitment and industry-first initiatives for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Mr. John Loudermilk

CEO, Birla Carbon