ABOUT

The World Leader in Carbon Black

Birla Carbon is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon black additives globally, and a flagship business of the US $60 billion Aditya Birla Group. With the vision to be the most respected, dynamic and sustainable global carbon black business, our leadership strives every day to ensure that we are an effective partner to our customers, developing and delivering product consistently and responsibly for your needs.

With a history of innovation, Birla Carbon has also concentrated on research and development to ensure the company retains its flexibility to accommodate custom solutions and shifting industry demands.

Making Products Stronger, Lighter and Longer Lasting

We provide a complete portfolio of products across ASTM grades and specialty blacks to meet the specific end requirements across rubber, plastics, coatings, inks and niche industries globally. Our key brands include Birla Carbon, Raven® and Conductex®. The global manufacturing presence, with significant production capabilities and supply capability, ensures regular and uninterrupted availability of consistent quality products for our customers. These include leading brands and companies across tire, rubber, plastic, ink and paint industries globally.

As an ardent practitioner of sustainable development, Birla Carbon’s sustainability objectives include employee safety, environmental stewardship, efficient use of carbon black and a key focus on conducting operations in a socially and ethically responsible manner. We are an environmentally conscious supplier with concentrated effort on sustaining and improving the environment through optimization of resources and reduction of emissions. All of our locations comply with or go beyond all local, governmental and environmental regulations.

160+ YEARS
A Leader from the Beginning

For more than 160 years, Birla Carbon has been at the forefront of the carbon black industry, pushing innovation and development to ensure that practically any need in any place in the world can be met.

  • 2016-Present

    2024

    Birla Carbon plants in Hickok (USA) and (Yeosu) South Korea receive ISCC PLUS Certification
    Birla Carbon Announces New Greenfield Expansions in Asia

    2023

    Birla Carbon acquires Nanocyl SA (leader in Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes – MWCNT) in October 2023.
    Birla Carbon releases its 11th Sustainability Report, ‘Share the Future’, with a new sustainability strategy, based on the Environment, Social, and Governance pillars, grounded on a culture of Innovation, for a future-ready business.
    Birla Carbon received ISCC PLUS certification for its manufacturing plant in Italy

    2022

    Birla Carbon received Platinum rating by EcoVadis for sustainable practices
    Birla Carbon announced formal adoption of Green Finance Framework to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions goals
    Birla Carbon celebrated a Decade of Sustainability Excellence
    Birla Carbon released its 10th sustainability report – On the Road on Net Zero
    Birla Carbon launched a first-of-its-kind virtual carbon black showroom
    Birla Carbon launched an exclusive website for China customers

    2021

    Birla Carbon announces aspiration of ‘Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050’
    Birla Carbon launches Continua™ – Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials
    Birla Carbon awarded the fifth consecutive gold rating by EcoVadis for Sustainable Practices
    Birla Carbon releases its ninth sustainability report – Driving Circularity
    Weifang plant completes 14 years of operations
    Birla Carbon expands cleaner products production capabilities in India
    Birla Carbon announced its first Sustainability-Linked Loan of US$ 750 Million

    2020
    Birla Carbon becomes the first carbon black manufacturer to receive IATF certification across all its manufacturing plants.
    16 Birla Carbon sites receive safety performance awards by the International Carbon Black Association.
    Birla Carbon and GranBio Technologies introduce breakthrough innovation in Nanocellulose Dispersion Composite (NDCTM) Masterbatch.
    Birla Carbon launches its first customer-facing app with a solutions guide, liquid dispersant, and rubber hardness calculators.
    Birla Carbon awarded a fourth consecutive gold rating by Ecovadis for Sustainable Practices.

    2019
    Birla Carbon and CHASM Advanced Materials enter Joint Development Agreement to develop Nanotube Enhanced Carbons.
    Birla Carbon releases its 7th sustainability report – Evolving Sustainably, Together, on September 18.
    12 Birla Carbon plants and an R&D Center received safety recognition from the International Carbon Black Association.
    Birla Carbon Egypt completes 25 years of operations.
    Birla Carbon completes 25 years of operations in Hungary on March 21.
    Birla Carbon awarded gold rating for the third consecutive time by EcoVadis for Sustainable Practices.

    2018
    Launched Birla Carbon Purpose – Share the Strength, after a detailed internal and external study.
    On July 1, 2018, all Birla Carbon entities around the world renamed to represent one Birla Carbon across its operations.
    On July 24, 2018, Birla Carbon India’s Gummidipoondi unit completed 20 years.
    On July 28, 2018, Birla Carbon India’s Renukoot unit completed 30 years.
    Birla Carbon completes 60 years of operations in Brazil in October.
    Birla Carbon releases its sixth sustainability report on September 18.

    2017
    Birla Carbon inaugurated its carbon black plant in Jining, China on September 8. The plant in Jining is its largest greenfield investment in China.
    Birla Carbon receives consecutive Gold rating by EcoVadis for Sustainability.
    ‘Social Value of Carbon Black’ learning video released along with booklets in 24 languages.
    Birla Carbon releases its fifth Sustainability Report.
    Birla Carbon announces Joint Development Agreement with American Process Inc. for combining nanocellulose and carbon black in tires.

    2016
    The company celebrates 75 years of innovation as the first carbon black company to install an industrial electron microscope, which took place in 1941.
    Pirelli presents Supplier Awards for 2016 to Birla Carbon.
    The company is awarded the Golden Peacock Global Award for Sustainability.
    Birla Carbon Scholars Program promotes Science and Mathematics at Kennesaw State University.
    The company is awarded the Gold rating by EcoVadis for Sustainability.
    Birla Carbon releases its fourth Sustainability Report.
    As part of its consolidation of operations, Birla Carbon announces restructuring of Europe and Africa Region.

  • 2010-2015

    2015
    Birla Carbon proposes to establish a greenfield carbon black production plant in Shandong province, China.
    Birla Carbon releases its third Sustainability Report, the first online-only report in the carbon black industry.

    2014
    Birla Carbon releases its second Sustainability Report.

    2013
    Hi-Tech Carbon demerged from Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd. SKI Carbon Black (India) Pvt Ltd. Incorporated.
    Birla Carbon releases its first Sustainability Report.

    2011
    Aditya Birla Group acquires Columbian Chemicals Co. and becomes the largest carbon black company globally under the corporate brand Birla Carbon.

    2010
    Hi-Tech Carbon, Patalganga starts operations in India.

  • 2000-2009

    2009
    Columbian Chemicals Co. expands its China and Hungary facilities.
    One Equity Partners acquires DC Chemicals ownership portion of Columbian Chemicals Co.

    2007
    Columbian Chemicals Co. starts operations at Bahia, a Greenfield facility.
    Columbian Chemicals Co. acquires Weifang facility in China.
    Columbian Chemicals Co. North Bend Cogeneration facility starts operations.

    2005
    Columbian Chemicals Co. is acquired from Phelps Dodge by DC Chemicals/One Equity Partners.

    2003
    Liaoning Birla Carbon, a subsidiary of Thai Carbon Black Public Co. Ltd., starts operations in China.

  • 1990-1999

    1999
    Columbian Chemicals Co. acquires Korea facility from Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co.

    1998
    Columbian Chemicals Co. acquires Brazil facility, Cubatao, from Copebras.

    1998
    Hi-Tech Carbon, Gummidipoondi, starts operations in India.

    1995
    Columbian Chemicals Co. acquires Spain facility from Repsol.

    1994
    Aditya Birla Group starts operations in Egypt with Alexandria Carbon Black Co. SAE.

    1993
    Columbian Chemicals Co. builds and commences Hungary facility/operations.

  • 1980-1989

    1988
    Birla Carbon starts operations in India through Hi-Tech Carbon, Renukoot.

    1986
    Phelps Dodge acquires Columbian Chemicals Co.

    1984
    Von Hoffman purchases Columbian Chemicals Co.

    1983
    Consolidated Mining acquires Columbian Chemicals Co. from Occidental.

    1980
    Aditya Birla Group enters carbon black business with Thai Carbon Black Public Co. Ltd., beginning its operations in Angthong, Thailand.

  • 1800-1979

    1941
    Columbian Chemicals Co. is the first carbon black company to use the industrial electron microscope.

    1938
    Treated carbon black is understood and controlled.

    1930
    Columbian Chemicals Co. acquires L. Martin and Peerless.

    1927
    Columbian Chemicals Co. patents dustless carbon black and is the first to produce carbon black beads.

    1922
    Columbian Chemicals Co. is the first to introduce and patent Gas Furnace Process (Swartz, LA).

    1921
    Began marketing under Columbian Chemicals Co. after consolidating several small carbon black manufacturers.

    1912
    Binney and Smith receives the first million pound order.

    1904
    Carbon black reinforcement of rubber is discovered.

    1882
    Binney and Smith becomes amajor carbon black distributor.

    1848
    L. Martin begins production of lampblack.

LEADERSHIP
Proven Leaders. Trusted Experience.

JOHN LOUDERMILK
Chief Executive Officer

JOHN DAVIDSON
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer

SURENDRA GOYAL
Chief Financial Officer

Dr Ann Schoeb

DR. ANN SCHOEB
Chief Research and Development Officer

SANJEEV SOOD
Chief Manufacturing Officer, Asia

DALE CLARK
Chief Manufacturing Officer, Americas and EMEA

JOSEPH M GAYNOR Jr
Chief Legal, Risk & Sustainability Officer

Madhavi Kanumoory

MADHAVI KANUMOORY
Chief Digital & Information Officer

Venkatachalam H. Kadayam

VENKATACHALAM H. KADAYAM
Chief Human Resources Officer

JEFF HANSON
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
The Future of Innovation

Birla Carbon has two state-of-the-art technology centers at Marietta, Georgia (USA) and Taloja, Maharashtra (India), and well-equipped laboratories across its manufacturing units. Continued focus on Research & Development ensures consistent high-quality products delivered in line with customer requirements. The contemporary Research & Development infrastructure also provides for customized products to be developed in conjunction with customers.

  • The Process Technology Group leads and drives the strategy of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability for the most efficient and advanced production technology. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and years of top-level engineering expertise, process engineers continue to pioneer manufacturing technology to deliver the quality and products that customers expect in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
  • The Product Technology Group, along with technical service capability in each region of the world, is leading the effort in ensuring that customers have all of their product-based technical needs met, including quality, performance and new products. These groups work very closely with the customers on a daily basis to ensure that they have the technical support required to be successful and overcome product challenges.
  • Laboratory Services in Mumbai, India, and Marietta, Georgia (USA), are housed in world-class technical facilities containing state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and experienced scientists and researchers with expertise in carbon black technology, as well as rubber, plastics, inks, and coatings. Through our research into carbon black and its present and potential applications, we’re realizing customer benefits every day.

Experience that Makes a Difference

Our technical service teams are comprised of experts with a deep scientific knowledge of carbon black, its application sectors and its capabilities in delivering effective custom solutions. We form collaborative partnerships with our customers to be aligned and in step with your evolving requirements. This ensures that you obtain consistent quality and performance, the necessary technical service in support of your most important applications, and access to new products and technical platforms to meet your most challenging needs.

GLOBAL PRESENCE

Our current footprint extends across 12 countries on 5 continents with 16 manufacturing facilities for a combined annual production capacity of over 2 million tonnes. The acquisition of Columbian Chemicals Co. by the carbon black business of the Aditya Birla Group and subsequent integration led to the formation of Birla Carbon, the global carbon black leader. With a manufacturing presence in each of the key markets of Asia, Europe and the Americas, Birla Carbon delivers uniform product quality and a consistent experience worldwide.

Birla Carbon Locations

GLOBAL CAPABILITIES, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

As the world’s largest producer and supplier of carbon black, Birla Carbon delivers effective solutions anywhere and anytime you need to help you succeed.

ABOUT ADITYA BIRLA GROUP
A Premium Global Corporation

The Aditya Birla Group is a US$ 60 billion global conglomerate in the League of the Fortune 500. Anchored by an extraordinary force of over 140,000 employees belonging to 100 nationalities, the Group is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder value creation. With its presence across 6 continents and 36 countries, the Aditya Birla Group holds 130 state-of-the-art manufacturing units globally.

Today, over 50% of Group revenues flow from overseas operations that span 36 countries in North and South America, Africa and Asia.

The Aditya Birla Group has been ranked as one of the top employers in manufacturing in India in the Forbes World’s Best Employers 2020; AON best employer in India for 2018 – the third time over the last 7 years and has also been featured among the top 20 best companies to work for in India by LinkedIn.

Globally, the Aditya Birla Group is:

  • A metals powerhouse, among the world’s most cost-efficient aluminum and copper producers; Hindalco-Novelis is the largest aluminum rolling company and one of the three biggest producers of primary aluminum in Asia, with the largest single-location copper smelter
  • 1st in viscose staple fiber
  • 1st in carbon black
  • 4th-largest producer of insulators
  • 5th-largest producer of acrylic fiber
  • Among the top-5 cement producers globally
  • Among the best energy-efficient fertilizer plants
  • The largest Indian multinational corporation with manufacturing operations in the USA, wherein 95 percent of the workforce comprises Americans

Aditya Birla Group – The Indian Scenario:

  • A top fashion (branded apparel) and lifestyle player
  • 2nd-largest player in viscose filament yarn
  • The largest producer in the chlor-alkali sector
  • Among the top-3 mobile telephony companies
  • A leading player in life insurance and asset management
  • Among the top-2 supermarket chains in the retail business

Aditya Birla Group – Beyond Business:

  • Reaches out annually to 7.5 million people through the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, spearheaded by Mrs. Rajashree Birla
  • Works in 5,000 villages globally
  • Focuses on healthcare, education, female children, sustainable livelihood, women-empowerment projects, infrastructure and espousing social reform
  • Runs 42 schools that provide quality education to 45,ooo children, 18,000 of whom belong to the underprivileged segment; Merit Scholarships are given to 24,000 children from the interiors
  • Attends to more than 1 million villagers through its 18 hospitals
  • Lifts thousands of people out of poverty through ongoing education, healthcare and sustainable livelihood projects in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, South Korea and Brazil
  • Set up the Aditya Birla India Centre at the London Business School

The Aditya Birla Group transcends conventional barriers of business because we care. We believe it is also our duty to facilitate inclusive growth.

INVESTOR RELATIONS

At Birla Carbon, we believe in complete transparency in our investor relations. From administration to governance, share information to reports, we ensure compliance with all rules and regulations in the countries that Birla Carbon does business. For more information, please click the Investor Resources button below, or contact Birla Carbon.

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