Orion S.A., a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, has secured a long-term supply agreement with Polish firm Contec S.A. for tire pyrolysis oil, marking a significant step in advancing the circular economy within the chemical and materials industries. This collaboration is aimed at producing circular carbon black, a crucial component in the production of tires and rubber goods. The partnership positions Orion to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials and reflects a broader shift towards sustainable practices within the industry.

Contec will supply Orion with tire pyrolysis oil under the ConPyro TPO brand, which is derived from end-of-life tires through a process of thermal decomposition in an oxygen-free environment. The resulting oil, a key by-product of the pyrolysis process, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based feedstocks used in the production of carbon black. This oil can be further processed and utilized to create high-quality circular grades of carbon black.

The collaboration is highly relevant to the chemical industry, which has long relied on petroleum-based raw materials for carbon black production. Traditional methods contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. By adopting tire pyrolysis oil as a feedstock, Orion reduces its dependence on fossil fuels, making strides towards more sustainable materials production. Additionally, the use of recycled tires in this process helps divert waste from landfills and promotes a closed-loop system, aligning with circular economy principles.

Orion's CEO, Corning Painter, emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement, saying, “With the ConPyro TPO supplied by Contec, Orion will be able to make large-scale volumes of circular grades of carbon black that will supply growing demand from the world’s leading tire and rubber goods producers.” This partnership allows Orion to scale up the production of circular carbon black, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable materials production. By addressing key challenges such as waste reduction, resource scarcity, and demand for sustainable products, Orion is actively contributing to the chemical industry's evolving landscape.

The agreement provides Orion with a diversified supply of tire pyrolysis oil, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials in tire manufacturing. The resulting circular carbon black can be used as a drop-in replacement for traditional virgin carbon black in applications such as tires, inks, coatings, and plastics. This offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for manufacturers looking to enhance the environmental performance of their products.

This collaboration between Orion and Contec serves as a model for the specialty chemicals sector, encouraging the wider adoption of circular economy principles and innovative recycling technologies. As the chemical industry intensifies its focus on sustainability, partnerships like this one help pave the way toward a future where resource efficiency and environmental responsibility are integral to materials production. Orion’s strategic move reinforces its position as a leader in the growing market for sustainable chemicals, contributing to a more circular and sustainable global economy.