Sumitomo Rubber Industries, under its Dunlop brand, has begun using circular carbon black produced through chemical recycling in selected mass-produced passenger car tires. Production started in November 2025 at the company’s Miyazaki plant, marking the first time this type of recycled carbon black has been adopted in Dunlop’s commercial passenger tire lineup.

The circular carbon black is manufactured from end-of-life tires and rubber scrap generated during tire production, using a chemical recycling process. The initiative has been developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical since January 2025. Instead of being incinerated for energy recovery, rubber waste is reused as a raw material, supporting a more circular approach to carbon black production and contributing to CO₂ emission reductions.

Before being introduced into mass production, the material was validated in motorsport applications, including its use in Dunlop racing tires during the AUTOBACS SUPER GT 2025 GT300 class, where it demonstrated stable performance under competitive conditions.

The move forms part of Sumitomo Rubber’s broader circular economy strategy known as “TOWANOWA”, which aims to integrate sustainability across the tire value chain. The concept combines a “sustainable ring” covering five lifecycle processes with a “data ring” that links and utilises big data from each stage to create new value. Within this framework, the company has been promoting the use of sustainable raw materials and other measures to reduce environmental impact.

Under the collaboration model, Sumitomo Rubber supplies rubber scrap and processed end-of-life tire materials to Mitsubishi Chemical, which uses chemical recycling in coke ovens to produce circular carbon black. By shifting rubber waste from combustion to material reuse, the partners aim to improve resource efficiency while supporting the transition toward more sustainable tire manufacturing.

Sumitomo Rubber stated that it will continue advancing the TOWANOWA strategy, with a focus on reducing environmental impact, enhancing tire performance and safety, and expanding solution-based services in support of a more sustainable mobility future.

To find out more, visit Dunlop’s website.