Birla Carbon Announces Aspiration of Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050
Birla Carbon has announced its aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, marking a transformative step in the decarbonization of the global carbon black industry.
Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers of carbon black globally, has announced its intention to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050. The announcement is seen as a natural progression in Birla Carbon’s leadership in the area of Sustainability and circularity. Birla Carbon recently announced the availability of Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials (SCM) through the launch of its ContinuaTM brand.
Birla Carbon’s net-zero announcement aligns with the Paris Agreement, signed as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which focuses on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance. It also aligns with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Tire Industry Project SDG Roadmap, aimed at addressing the health and environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of tires towards a sustainable future. Within the Aditya Birla Group, Birla Carbon is collaborating with sister companies to develop decarbonization initiatives through the Aditya Birla Science and Technology Center.
Over 160 years of extraordinary innovation in the carbon black industry, coupled with decades of focus on achieving Sustainability, make this net-zero goal not just aspirational, but achievable. By forming partnerships with leading sustainability solution providers, Birla Carbon is exploring new and advanced technologies to achieve its goal. Birla Carbon will also reference the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi). Over the next 12 months, Birla Carbon will commit to evaluating and releasing interim targets that align with the SBTi.
Sharing his thoughts on this announcement, Dr. Santrupt B. Misra, Group Director, Carbon Black; Director, Chemicals and Director, Group HR, Aditya Birla Group, shared, “Climate change is the biggest challenge we face today as a human race, and our future generations will carry the burden of it, unless we choose differently. By setting its aspiration to be Net-Zero by 2050, Birla Carbon is making its choice with the rest of the industries that have chosen to step up to the challenge.” He further added, “Sustainability has always been a key driver and a symbol of our success. We will focus on Sustainable Operational Excellence (SOE), combined with sustainable materials for our customers, and many more solutions to make our aspiration a reality in the years to come. Birla Carbon is rooted in its Purpose to ‘Share the Strength’, and we hope that our peers and the industry at large recognize our efforts and partner with us. I wish the entire leadership team the very best as they begin this journey.”
Speaking at the announcement, John Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “All businesses have a responsibility to drive improvements for the global environment; however, only by working hand-in-hand with our customers, suppliers, and partners through the supply chain can we truly build a greener and brighter future.” He further added, “By the nature of our business, we at Birla Carbon have our carbon stewardship responsibility, and we are choosing to lead through bold commitment and industry-first initiatives for a more sustainable tomorrow. We aim to constantly innovate and evolve our capabilities through our purpose, ‘Share the Strength’, to have a positive impact on the ecosystem and society at large.”
Commenting on the announcement, Joe Gaynor, Chief Sustainability Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “As a responsible industry leader, Birla Carbon is fully committed to helping mitigate the effects of climate change. For us, it was never a question of if, but when? We already laid the foundation for this commitment, some of which can be seen through our sustainability and circularity efforts over recent years.” He further adds, “The launch of ContinuaTM 8000, a Sustainable Carbonaceous Material, opened our doors to the possibility of a net-zero world. We are confident we will achieve this goal along with our customers.”
Birla Carbon will focus on all three scopes in the measurement, reduction, and offsetting of carbon emissions. A majority of its carbon footprint reduction is expected to come from Scope 1 and 2, based on its direct and indirect emission reduction initiatives. A smaller portion of its reduction will come from scope three, based on the operations of upstream and downstream industries in the value chain.
Birla Carbon’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be achieved by focusing on four overarching segments. These 4R segments are:
Research – to discover new ways for the capture and conversion of carbon
A significant portion of Birla Carbon’s net-zero target will be achieved through future technologies that capture and convert carbon dioxide into valuable carbon products. Birla Carbon will focus on investing in and developing such technologies and assets.
Reduce the dependence on traditional processes in manufacturing
Emphasis on process efficiencies that will convert carbon to carbon black. In addition, Birla Carbon will continue to prioritize energy efficiency throughout its operations. To date, 80% of its manufacturing facilities are housing cogeneration facilities for the conversion of waste gases to energy for export to the electrical grid.
Replace with alternative energy and feedstock.
Some Birla Carbon locations have introduced renewable energy sources to power parts of their facilities. The focus moving forward will be on adding renewable energy solutions to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Birla Carbon is also pursuing the development of new process technologies that will shift a portion of its production to include alternative feedstocks derived from biomass, making it a key contributor to net zero.
Repurpose – carbon solutions for Sustainability through circularity
Birla Carbon is in the process of mapping its existing and future technologies. The following steps will be the development of partnerships with customers and suppliers, engaging experts, and creating long-term associations and programs, including its collaboration within the Aditya Birla Group, to achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
About Birla Carbon
Birla Carbon is a leading global supplier of carbon black. As one of the flagship businesses of the Aditya Birla Group, a leading Indian multinational conglomerate, Birla Carbon provides innovative, sustainable carbon black solutions that enhance the performance of paints and coatings, inks and toners, plastics, adhesives, sealants, textile fibers, mechanical rubber goods, and tires. The company’s footprint extends across 12 countries with 16 manufacturing facilities and two state-of-the-art technology centers in Marietta (USA) and Taloja (India), providing industry-leading innovation. Its Sustainable Operational Excellence (SOE) strategy focuses on employee safety, environmental stewardship, efficient use of carbon sources, and operating in a socially and ethically responsible manner.
Press release by Birla Carbon.
Learn more:
From Aspiration to Action — Partner with Klean to Achieve Net-Zero Goals
As Birla Carbon sets ambitious climate targets, the carbon black industry must pivot toward greener, circular feedstocks. Klean Industries provides the technology and expertise to support decarbonization through tire pyrolysis and the production of recovered carbon black.
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