The European Rubber Journal retports that Indian automotive parts supplier Talbros Automotive Components Ltd. has formalized a joint venture with Lohum Cleantech Pvt. Ltd. to produce recovered carbon black and devulcanized rubber, expanding India’s tire recycling and circular materials sector. The companies executed the agreement on July 2, 2026, creating Lohum Talbros CarbonTech Pvt. Ltd., with commercial operations scheduled to begin in July 2026. The venture follows board approval by Talbros in November 2025 and is expected to combine Talbros’ OEM relationships, manufacturing expertise and market access with Lohum’s recycling technology. According to Talbros, the new company plans to develop India’s first low-ash recovered carbon black using improved processing technology, while also targeting devulcanized rubber markets for recycled rubber applications.

Joint venture to produce recovered carbon black

The new company, Lohum Talbros CarbonTech Pvt. Ltd., will focus on recovered carbon black, also known as rCB, and devulcanized rubber. These materials are linked to the recycling of end-of-life tires and industrial rubber waste, supporting the reuse of rubber-derived resources in new products and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.

Recovered carbon black is commonly associated with tire pyrolysis and other advanced tire recycling processes. Depending on quality, ash content and consistency, rCB can be used in rubber products, plastics, coatings and potentially tire-related applications. Talbros said the joint venture aims to launch low-ash rCB in India, using improved processing technology to offer differentiated products to customers.

Devulcanized rubber market also targeted

The joint venture will also produce devulcanized rubber, a recycled rubber material created by partially reversing the vulcanization process that gives rubber its elasticity and durability. Devulcanized rubber can be used in rubber manufacturing applications where recycled content, cost efficiency and circular economy benefits are important.

The development reflects growing interest in technologies that can recover higher-value materials from end-of-life tires and rubber waste. Alongside crumb rubber, recovered carbon black and tire-derived oil, devulcanized rubber is one of the material pathways being explored to improve the economics and sustainability of tire recycling.

Talbros and Lohum combine market access and recycling technology

Talbros said the joint venture combines its relationships with original equipment manufacturers, manufacturing capabilities and market access with Lohum’s expertise in recycling technology. Lohum is active in refining, production and processing of critical minerals, battery materials and recycled feedstocks.

The partnership gives the new company access to both industrial customers and recycling know-how, which may support commercialization of recovered materials in automotive and rubber markets. For tire recycling applications, consistent quality and customer validation remain important factors in determining whether recycled materials can be used at scale.

Initial equity investment planned

The partners plan to invest INR200 million, or about €1.8 million, in equity during the first year. Talbros will hold a 49% stake in the joint venture and contribute INR99.5 million.

The commercial launch is scheduled for July 2026, in line with plans announced the previous year. The venture adds to a growing number of projects in India focused on recovered carbon black, rubber recycling, devulcanization and circular raw materials.

Talbros cites growth in rCB and devulcanized rubber markets

In a statement issued in November 2025, Talbros estimated the global recovered carbon black market at about $1.8 billion, or 2.5 million tonnes, with annual growth of around 35%. The company also estimated the global devulcanized rubber market at $3.5 billion, or 4.2 million tonnes, with annual growth of around 10%.

These market estimates reflect increasing demand for sustainable materials as manufacturers seek recycled feedstocks, lower-carbon inputs and circular economy solutions. In India, the development of rCB and devulcanized rubber capacity may also support broader efforts to create higher-value outlets for end-of-life tires and other rubber waste streams.

To learn more about the deal, please read the full article by The European Rubber Journal.