Start-Up Story; G3C Technologies

Note: US-based startup G3C Technologies (read as ‘triple green conversion’ technologies) implements scrap tire conversion technologies that potentially produce any grade of carbon black. The startup aims to eventually replace the use of fossil feedstock materials for a large part of carbon black production. Additionally, the technology significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions arising from carbon black production. The carbon black produced by the startup is suitable for manufacturing various rubber and plastic products. In addition to carbon black, the technology also produces energy for internal needs and external sales.

Carbon black is found in numerous commonly used materials and products around us. From shoe soles, dry batteries, tires, and inks, carbon black is in continuous demand. However, conventional production of carbon black involves burning oil or gas at high temperatures. By recycling rubber, such as tires and other elastomer products, startups develop novel and sustainable methods to produce carbon black. Such solutions enable a circular economy for rubber products and reduce the use of fossil fuels that produce carbon black.

G3C Technologies is a US-based startup that is implementing scrap tire conversion technologies to produce carbon black. Carbon black is a material that is commonly used in many products, including rubber and plastic goods. However, the conventional production process for carbon black involves burning fossil fuels at high temperatures, which is not sustainable in the long run. G3C Technologies aims to replace this process with a more sustainable one that recycles rubber products, such as tires and elastomers, to produce carbon black.

The technology developed by G3C Technologies has the potential to produce any grade of carbon black, making it suitable for manufacturing a wide range of products. Additionally, the technology significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that arise from carbon black production. This reduction in emissions is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Furthermore, G3C Technologies' production process also generates energy for internal needs and external sales. This energy can be used to power the company's operations and can also be sold to other businesses, further reducing the carbon footprint of the entire process.

Overall, G3C Technologies' innovative approach to carbon black production represents a significant step towards a circular economy for rubber products. By recycling rubber products to produce carbon black, the company is reducing the use of fossil fuels that produce carbon black and contributing to a more sustainable future.

What can you tell me about carbon black from recycled tires?

Carbon black from recycled tires is a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon black production, which relies on the burning of fossil fuels. The process of producing carbon black from recycled tires involves breaking down the rubber into its constituent components, including carbon black, and purifying it for use in various applications.

The production of carbon black from recycled tires has several benefits. Firstly, it reduces the amount of waste generated from tire disposal, which is a significant environmental issue. Secondly, it reduces the amount of energy required to produce carbon black, as it eliminates the need for fossil fuels. Finally, it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the production of carbon black from recycled tires has a much lower carbon footprint than traditional carbon black production.

In addition to these environmental benefits, carbon black produced from recycled tires has properties similar to traditional carbon black, making it suitable for use in many of the same applications. These applications include tires, rubber products, plastics, coatings, and inks.

Overall, the production of carbon black from recycled tires represents a promising approach to sustainable carbon black production. It provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon black production and supports a circular economy for rubber products.

What do you know about the future of sustainable carbon black production from recycled tires?

The future of sustainable carbon black production from recycled tires looks promising, as more companies are recognizing the need to reduce their environmental impact and invest in more sustainable production processes. Some of the key trends and developments in this area include:

1. Technological advances: Technological advances are driving the development of more efficient and cost-effective processes for producing carbon black from recycled tires. These processes are becoming more widely available and are being adopted by a growing number of companies.
2. Increased demand: As the demand for sustainable products continues to grow, the demand for carbon black produced from recycled tires is expected to increase. This is particularly true in industries such as automotive and construction, where sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor.
3. Regulatory pressures: Regulatory pressures are also driving the adoption of sustainable carbon black production processes. Governments around the world are implementing regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable production practices, which is likely to encourage the adoption of carbon black produced from recycled tires.
4. Growing awareness: Growing awareness among consumers and businesses about the importance of sustainability is also driving the demand for carbon black produced from recycled tires. Consumers are increasingly demanding products that are produced in an environmentally responsible way, which is likely to lead to increased adoption of sustainable carbon black production processes.

Overall, the future of sustainable carbon black production from recycled tires looks bright, as more companies adopt these processes and consumers demand more sustainable products. As the technology and processes for producing carbon black from recycled tires continue to improve, it is likely that it will become an increasingly important part of the carbon black market.

How big is the traditional carbon black market compared to the carbon black from recycled tires market?

The traditional carbon black market is significantly larger than the carbon black from recycled tires market. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global carbon black market size was valued at USD 17.19 billion in 2020. In comparison, the market for carbon black produced from recycled tires is much smaller, with estimates ranging from a few hundred million to a few billion dollars.

However, the market for carbon black produced from recycled tires is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, as more companies adopt sustainable production processes and consumers demand more environmentally friendly products. The development of new and innovative production processes is also likely to help drive growth in this market.

Despite its smaller size, the market for carbon black produced from recycled tires has significant potential. The production of carbon black from recycled tires provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon black production and supports a circular economy for rubber products. As the demand for sustainable products continues to grow, it is likely that the market for carbon black produced from recycled tires will continue to expand.

Who are the main players in the carbon black from recycled tires market?

The market for carbon black from recycled tires is relatively new, and there are currently only a few players operating in this space. Some of the main players in the market for carbon black produced from recycled tires include:

1. Black Bear Carbon: Black Bear Carbon is a Netherlands-based company that produces carbon black from end-of-life tires. The company uses patented technology to convert tires into high-quality carbon black, which can be used in a variety of applications.
2. Delta-Energy Group: Delta-Energy Group is a US-based company that produces carbon black and other products from end-of-life tires. The company uses a proprietary process called DEPolymerization to convert tires into high-quality carbon black and other products.
3. Scandinavian Enviro Systems: Scandinavian Enviro Systems is a Swedish company that produces high-quality carbon black from end-of-life tires. The company uses a patented process to extract carbon black and other valuable materials from tires.

In addition to these larger players, there are also a number of smaller companies and startups that are developing new and innovative approaches to carbon black production from recycled tires. As the demand for sustainable carbon black production continues to grow, it is likely that more companies will enter the market.

Do you know about successful products manufactured with carbon black from recycled tires?

Yes, there are many successful products that have been manufactured using carbon black from recycled tires. These products include:

1. Tires: Carbon black from recycled tires is used in the production of new tires, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon black production. Some tire manufacturers that use carbon black from recycled tires include Continental and Michelin.
2. Rubber products: Carbon black from recycled tires is also used in the production of a wide range of rubber products, such as belts, hoses, and gaskets. These products have similar properties to those produced using traditional carbon black, but with a smaller environmental footprint.
3. Plastics: Carbon black from recycled tires is used as a pigment in plastics to improve their color and durability. It is used in a wide range of plastic products, including automotive parts, pipes, and packaging.
4. Inks and toners: Carbon black from recycled tires is used in the production of inks and toners due to its high-quality black color and ability to improve the durability of printed materials. It is used in applications such as commercial printing, packaging, and consumer electronics.
5. Coatings: Carbon black from recycled tires is used in coatings to improve their durability and resistance to weathering and UV light. It is used in applications such as automotive coatings, industrial coatings, and architectural coatings.

Overall, carbon black from recycled tires is a versatile material that can be used in many of the same applications as traditional carbon black. The use of carbon black from recycled tires provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon black production, helping to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. As more companies adopt sustainable production practices, the potential applications for carbon black from recycled tires are likely to expand even further.

What brands are using carbon black from recycled tires in their products?

Several brands are using carbon black from recycled tires in their products, as they look for more sustainable alternatives to traditional carbon black. Some examples of brands that use carbon black from recycled tires include:

1. Michelin: Michelin is a leading tire manufacturer that has developed a sustainable tire line called "Michelin CrossClimate+" that uses carbon black from recycled tires.
2. Continental: Continental is another tire manufacturer that has developed a tire line called "GreenConcept," which uses carbon black from recycled tires.
3. HP: HP uses carbon black from recycled tires in its inkjet printer cartridges as part of its commitment to sustainable printing practices.
4. PPG Industries: PPG Industries, a leading coatings manufacturer, has developed a line of coatings called "Spectracron ADVANTEDGE," which uses carbon black from recycled tires.
5. AkzoNobel: AkzoNobel, another coatings manufacturer, has developed a line of coatings called "Resicoat R2," which uses carbon black from recycled tires.

These brands and many others are recognizing the potential of carbon black from recycled tires as a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon black. As the demand for sustainable products continues to grow, it is likely that more brands will adopt this approach and incorporate carbon black from recycled tires into their products.

Peter Auwerx, chatting with chatGPT