PCBL Chemical has announced a landmark technology transfer agreement with Ningxia Jinhua Chemical Co. of China, paving the way to produce Acetylene black in India. This strategic move positions PCBL to capitalize on the rapidly expanding demand for high-end conductive materials across a range of key industries, including power cables, lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, semiconductor packaging, and conductive plastics, paints, and coatings.

Acetylene black, a premium conductive material with critical applications in these sectors, will now be manufactured locally by PCBL. The company plans to establish its first Acetylene Black plant in India, serving not only the burgeoning domestic battery industry but also enabling exports to global markets in the battery, semiconductor, and conductive product sectors. This initiative aligns with PCBL’s strategic objective of strengthening critical supply chains for vital conductive materials and solidifying its position as a key player in the global market.

This agreement marks a significant step in PCBL's ongoing diversification of its specialty product portfolio. In recent years, the company has successfully launched several product lines under its Bleumina, Nutone, and Energia brands, catering to diverse applications in engineered plastics, inks, paints, coatings, conductive polymers, and batteries. The addition of Acetylene black significantly enhances PCBL’s capacity to serve the rapidly growing conductive segment, particularly within the context of the expanding battery market and the increasing global demand for electric vehicles.

PCBL's commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its joint venture, Nanovace Technologies Ltd., which focuses on developing nano silicon products for use in lithium-ion battery anodes. The company’s pilot plant at its Palej site is expected to become operational in the coming months, further strengthening its technological capabilities within the battery industry.

The market for Acetylene black is currently experiencing robust growth, estimated at 60,000 metric tons (MT) and projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19-20%, reaching approximately 150,000 MT by 2030. PCBL's acquisition of Acetylene black technology aligns perfectly with its broader strategy to leverage global macro trends such as energy transition, grid renewal, auto electrification, and the expansion of the semiconductor industry.

This technology acquisition is a crucial component of PCBL’s transformation into a more innovation-driven and technology-focused organization. With the addition of Acetylene black, PCBL now boasts multiple conductive technology platforms, including Furnace Black, Nanovace, and Acetylene Black, placing it among a select group of multi-platform carbon black manufacturers. This diversified technology portfolio provides PCBL with a significant competitive advantage, enabling it to cater to a wider range of customer needs and applications.

As PCBL continues to scale its technological capabilities and expand its presence in high-growth markets, the acquisition of Acetylene black technology is poised to significantly enhance the company’s product offerings, profitability, and long-term competitiveness in the global conductive materials space. This strategic investment not only strengthens PCBL’s market position but also contributes to the development of a robust domestic supply chain for critical materials essential for India’s continued economic growth and technological advancement.