Orion Sets Industry Standard with Four Carbon Black Facilities

Orion, a distinguished specialty chemicals producer, has proudly announced the achievement of International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) for its fourth plant, solidifying its position as an industry leader with the highest number of certified carbon black production sites.

The latest facility to undergo rigorous audits and attain ISCC PLUS certification is located in Cologne, Germany. This achievement underscores Orion's commitment to meeting stringent sustainability standards, as confirmed by the comprehensive audits verifying compliance with ISCC PLUS sustainability requirements. The Cologne plant received certification for its production of circular and bio-circular raw materials, showcasing Orion's dedication to advancing environmentally responsible practices.

Orion CEO Corning Painter emphasized the company's long-standing role as a pioneer in developing circular solutions and sustainable products for its customers. He highlighted the significance of ISCC PLUS certification in verifying the transparency and traceability of sustainable raw materials within Orion's value chain, reinforcing the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability.

In a notable accomplishment last year, Orion became the first company to achieve ISCC PLUS certification for multiple carbon black grades produced from various feedstocks at plants situated in two distinct regions of the world. The certified facilities included those in Borger, Texas; Belpre, Ohio; and Jaslo, Poland. Building on this success, the three facilities were successfully recertified in the current year.

Painter emphasized the importance of the ISCC PLUS certification for the Cologne plant, which goes beyond recognizing sustainable grades for rubber applications. The Cologne facility produces a diverse range of specialty products catering to various applications, including batteries, coatings, printing, and polymers. This diversification highlights Orion's commitment to sustainability across a broad spectrum of industries and applications.

Ten years ago, Orion set a precedent by being the first major producer to develop and commercialize carbon black derived from renewable feedstocks. These feedstocks include industrial-grade vegetable oils and other oils sourced from waste and residues of biological origin from agriculture or forestry. This pioneering effort reflects Orion's proactive approach to embracing sustainable practices in carbon black production.

Notably, Orion is a key participant in the BlackCycle initiative, an EU-funded project dedicated to advancing the production of circular carbon black. This underscores Orion's active involvement in collaborative efforts aimed at driving innovation and sustainability in the carbon black industry.

As Orion continues to lead the industry in the number of certified carbon black production sites, its achievements underscore the potential for sustainable and circular practices to reshape the landscape of specialty chemicals manufacturing. The ISCC PLUS certification serves as both a recognition of past accomplishments and a catalyst for future endeavors in the pursuit of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry.