We source recycled carbon black from vetted Indian pyrolysis plants, test every batch against EU REACH standards, and deliver fully documented material. Not a trader. A quality control layer.
India has the pyrolysis capacity. The raw material is abundant. But sourcing rCB directly from plants exposes you to batch-to-batch variance, undocumented ash content, PAH levels that fail EU REACH, and zero traceability.
Most suppliers in this space are traders — they move material without understanding what's inside it. That variability reaches your production line.
Zesh Carbon sits between Indian pyrolysis output and European buyers. Every batch we handle goes through a multi-parameter lab process. If it fails, it doesn't ship. You only receive material that meets the spec you agreed on — with paperwork to prove it.
We work with a network of screened pyrolysis plants across India. Suppliers are evaluated on feedstock traceability, process consistency, and willingness to submit to independent inspection. We don't buy from everyone — only from those who pass our supplier audit.
Every incoming batch is sampled and sent to an accredited laboratory. We test against a standard parameter set — ash content, PAH, BET surface area, OAN, toluene extract, moisture, and particle size. Non-conforming batches are rejected.
Approved batches are packaged, labelled, and shipped with a full documentation set: Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Material Safety Data Sheet, and batch traceability reference. We handle export documentation and EU import compliance.
We supply rCB across five application categories. Each grade is tested to a specific parameter set that matches your end-use requirements. Not every batch qualifies for every grade — that's the point.
High structure, controlled BET surface area. For tread compounds, sidewalls, and carbon raiser applications.
Consistent particle size and ash content. For hoses, belts, gaskets, seals, and general rubber compounding.
Low moisture, clean toluene extract. Suitable for black masterbatch and UV-stabilized film and pipe applications.
Premium-purity grade with tight PAH compliance. For printing inks, industrial coatings, and specialty pigment applications.
| Capability | Zesh Carbon | rCB Traders | Pyrolysis Plants (direct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batch-level laboratory testing | ✓ Every batch | ✗ Rarely | ✗ Inconsistent |
| EU REACH PAH compliance documentation | ✓ Standard | ✗ On request, not verified | ✗ Typically unavailable |
| Batch rejection (non-conforming) | ✓ 18–22% rejected | ✗ All batches shipped | ✗ No benchmark |
| COA issued per delivery | ✓ Standard | ✗ Generic, not batch-specific | ✗ Rare |
| Supplier traceability | ✓ Full chain | ✗ Multiple unknown sources | ~ Single source, variable |
| Grade-specific parameter testing | ✓ Per application | ✗ One-size spec | ✗ Process output only |
| Export documentation & compliance | ✓ Full package | ~ Partial | ✗ Buyer's responsibility |
Producing virgin carbon black emits approximately 3.0–3.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of product. Recycled carbon black from end-of-life tyres delivers the same reinforcing function at a fraction of the carbon cost. rCB is directly aligned with EU Green Deal objectives and circular economy mandates.
Tell us your application and volume. We'll match you to the right grade and send a verified sample with full documentation.
Each product grade is tested to a parameter set specific to its end application. Specs are not marketing numbers — they are laboratory results from approved batches.
Designed for tread compounds, sidewalls, and retreading applications. Controlled BET surface area ensures reinforcing performance consistent with N600-series virgin carbon black. High structure, low moisture, and tight PAH compliance make this grade viable for European OEM qualification processes.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| BET Surface Area | 28–38 m²/g | ASTM D6556 |
| OAN (Oil Absorption) | 95–115 mL/100g | ASTM D2414 |
| Ash Content | ≤ 14% | ASTM D1506 |
| Moisture | ≤ 1.0% | ASTM D1509 |
| Toluene Extract | ≤ 0.2% | ASTM D4527 |
| PAH (sum 8) | < 10 ppm | REACH SVHC |
| D50 Particle Size | 180–240 nm | TEM/Laser |
BET and OAN directly control reinforcement and processability. Ash content above 15% affects compound hardness and durability. PAH compliance is non-negotiable for EU market entry.
For industrial rubber applications: hoses, belts, seals, gaskets, and technical rubber profiles. The ZC-R series is optimised for processability — consistent particle size distribution and low toluene extract reduce batch-to-batch variation in your compounding line.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| BET Surface Area | 22–32 m²/g | ASTM D6556 |
| OAN | 90–108 mL/100g | ASTM D2414 |
| Ash Content | ≤ 16% | ASTM D1506 |
| Moisture | ≤ 1.5% | ASTM D1509 |
| Toluene Extract | ≤ 0.3% | ASTM D4527 |
| PAH (sum 8) | < 10 ppm | REACH SVHC |
| D50 Particle Size | 200–280 nm | TEM/Laser |
For black masterbatch, UV-stabilised agricultural film, pipe extrusion, and injection moulding applications. Moisture below 0.5% prevents processing issues. The ZC-P series undergoes additional filtration screening to reduce grit content that can cause streaking or surface defects.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| BET Surface Area | 20–30 m²/g | ASTM D6556 |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% | ASTM D1509 |
| Ash Content | ≤ 18% | ASTM D1506 |
| Toluene Extract | ≤ 0.2% | ASTM D4527 |
| 325 Mesh Residue | ≤ 50 ppm | ASTM D1514 |
| PAH (sum 8) | < 10 ppm | REACH SVHC |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 | ASTM D1512 |
Our most stringently tested grade. For printing inks, industrial coatings, and specialty pigment dispersions. PAH limits are held to a tighter internal threshold than EU REACH requires — because ink applications demand it. This grade requires pre-qualification before supply.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| BET Surface Area | 35–55 m²/g | ASTM D6556 |
| PAH (sum 8) | < 2 ppm (internal) | REACH SVHC |
| Volatiles | ≤ 0.3% | ASTM D1509 |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% | ASTM D1509 |
| Ash Content | ≤ 12% | ASTM D1506 |
| Toluene Extract | ≤ 0.15% | ASTM D4527 |
| D50 Particle Size | 120–180 nm | TEM |
For steel foundry and aluminium casting applications where carbon raising function is the primary requirement. Fixed carbon content is the primary specification parameter. This is a volume-grade product with rapid turnaround and flexible packaging options.
| Parameter | Standard Grade | Premium Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Carbon | ≥ 82% | ≥ 88% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 14% | ≤ 10% |
| Moisture | ≤ 2% | ≤ 1% |
| Volatile Matter | ≤ 4% | ≤ 3% |
| Sulphur | ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 1.0% |
| Particle Size | 1–5 mm | 0.5–3 mm |
We work with buyers on application-specific testing programmes. Tell us your target spec and we'll confirm whether our current inventory qualifies.
Our entire value proposition rests on one thing: knowing what is in every batch before it leaves India. Here is exactly how we do it.
Before we accept material from any pyrolysis plant, we conduct a supplier audit. This covers feedstock inputs (tyre type and origin), pyrolysis process parameters (temperature range, residence time), existing QC capability, and willingness to provide batch-level sampling access. Suppliers who cannot demonstrate process consistency are not onboarded. We re-audit approved suppliers annually.
Incoming batches are sampled using a stratified protocol — multiple samples drawn from different positions across the lot. Samples are sealed, labelled with batch ID and plant reference, and dispatched to our accredited laboratory partner within 24 hours of receipt. Bulk material is held in bonded storage pending lab clearance. Nothing moves until testing is complete.
Seven core parameters are tested for every batch, regardless of grade. Grade-specific parameters are added on top. Testing follows ASTM and ISO standard methods. Results are typically returned within 5–7 working days. We do not conduct self-testing — all analysis is conducted by an independent, ISO 17025-accredited laboratory to ensure objectivity and defensibility.
| Parameter | Standard | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ash Content | ASTM D1506 | High ash = impurities from non-carbon residue. Directly affects compound hardness and durability. |
| PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) | REACH SVHC | EU REACH limits apply. Above threshold = product illegal in EU market. Non-negotiable test. |
| BET Surface Area | ASTM D6556 | Controls reinforcing function. Low BET = poor reinforcement. High BET = potential processing issues. |
| OAN (Oil Absorption Number) | ASTM D2414 | Indicates carbon black structure. Affects dispersion quality, compound viscosity, and hardness. |
| Toluene Extract | ASTM D4527 | Measures residual hydrocarbons. High toluene extract = incomplete pyrolysis = processing contamination risk. |
| Moisture Content | ASTM D1509 | High moisture causes foam defects in rubber processing and problems in masterbatch extrusion. |
| Particle Size (D50) | Laser diffraction | Controls dispersion quality and final compound surface properties. Must match application requirements. |
Lab results are reviewed against the grade specification for which the batch is intended. Any single parameter failure results in batch rejection. There is no partial pass — the batch either meets spec or it does not ship. Rejected batches are documented with the specific failure parameter(s) and returned to the supplier or disposed of. Our average rejection rate across all grades is 18–22% of incoming volume.
Batch assigned a Zesh Batch Reference ID. COA generated. Material cleared for packaging and export.
Failure parameters recorded. Batch returned or disposed. Supplier receives failure notification with test results.
Every approved shipment is accompanied by a full documentation package. The Certificate of Analysis is batch-specific — not a generic template. The Technical Data Sheet covers processing guidelines and application recommendations. The MSDS covers safe handling, storage, and disposal requirements in accordance with EU GHS/CLP regulations.
Certificate of Analysis — actual test results, batch ID, test date, lab reference
Technical Data Sheet — typical properties, processing guidance, application suitability
Material Safety Data Sheet — EU GHS/CLP compliant, handling, storage, disposal
We'll share a redacted sample COA from a current or recent batch upon request. No generic spec sheets — real lab data.
Every batch carries a Certificate of Analysis tied to actual laboratory results. Not a template. Not a generic spec sheet. Here's what it includes and why it matters.
Each Certificate of Analysis is generated post-testing and tied to a unique Batch Reference ID. The document is countersigned by the testing laboratory and includes the accreditation reference. You can trace the material back to the specific batch, plant, and test date.
Want the full version? Request a sample COA for a specific grade and we'll send the complete, unredacted document along with the corresponding TDS and MSDS.
The Batch Reference ID on the COA should match the label on every bag or container in the shipment. If IDs do not match, contact us before accepting delivery. Do not process material from an unmatched batch.
Identify the 2–3 parameters most critical to your application. For tire compounders that's typically BET and ash. For masterbatch, moisture first. For any EU market application, confirm PAH PASS status before processing.
The COA is your traceability document. EU auditors and customer supply chain assessments may request it. File it by batch ID alongside the corresponding invoice and delivery note. We retain a copy on file for 5 years.
India generates over 1.1 million tonnes of scrap tyres annually. The pyrolysis infrastructure to process them is growing fast. The quality control layer to export that material to EU standards does not yet exist at scale. That is the gap Zesh Carbon occupies.
India's combination of warm climate (ideal for rubber degradation processing), low energy costs, available tyre feedstock, and existing pyrolysis infrastructure creates a cost-competitive rCB production environment that European domestic production cannot match.
Major clusters are located in Gujarat (Rajkot, Surat), Maharashtra (Pune, Nagpur), Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore), and Andhra Pradesh. These are not cottage industries — many plants run 5–20 MT per day output capacity.
Indian-origin rCB, when properly verified, can be delivered to Rotterdam at 30–45% below EU-domestic equivalent rCB pricing. The cost of our verification and quality layer is absorbed within that gap.
Purchasing rCB directly from Indian pyrolysis plants exposes buyers to significant variance. The reasons are structural, not negligence:
The result: even from the same supplier, batch-to-batch variance can exceed the acceptable range for EU industrial applications.
We do not compete with Indian pyrolysis plants. We work with them. We also do not compete with European rCB producers on price — we complement them by adding volume and consistency to a supply-constrained market. Our value is the verification process, the documentation, and the confidence it gives European buyers.
The environmental case for recycled carbon black over virgin carbon black is well-established in LCA literature. Here are the numbers that matter to procurement teams and sustainability reports.
| Environmental Factor | Virgin Carbon Black (N660) | Zesh rCB (ZC-T) | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ emissions per tonne produced | ~3.2 t CO₂e | ~0.8–1.0 t CO₂e | ~68–75% reduction |
| Fossil fuel consumption | Petroleum-derived feedstock | Zero virgin petroleum | 100% reduction in feedstock |
| Water consumption (production) | High — wet pelletisation | 90–95% less | Dry process |
| End-of-life tyre diversion | None | ~1.5 t ELT per tonne rCB | Circular economy |
| Energy intensity | High (furnace black process) | ~60% lower | Pyrolysis vs furnace |
The EU's Circular Economy Action Plan specifically calls for increased use of recycled materials in high-volume industrial applications. Carbon black — used in over 70% of tyre production by weight — is a direct target material.
EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive revisions (currently under review) are expected to establish minimum recycled content requirements for new tyre production. Buyers who establish rCB qualification processes now are ahead of a regulatory curve that will become mandatory.
For every tonne of rCB you substitute for virgin N660 carbon black, you reduce your Scope 3 material emissions by approximately 2.4 tCO₂e. For a buyer consuming 500 MT/year of carbon black with a 20% rCB substitution rate:
We can provide a simple CO₂ calculation worksheet tailored to your volume and current carbon black spec on request.
We provide the documentation you need: batch-level CO₂ savings data, feedstock origin declaration, and EU compliance statements.
European buyers need verified, consistent rCB. Indian pyrolysis output has inconsistent quality documentation. We built the bridge between those two realities.
The global market for recycled carbon black is growing. EU circular economy mandates, sustainability targets in the automotive supply chain, and rising virgin carbon black prices are all accelerating demand. The supply exists — India alone has the feedstock and pyrolysis capacity to serve a significant portion of European rCB demand.
The missing piece is not material volume. It is a reliable, documented, quality-controlled supply path. Most buyers who have tried to source rCB from India directly have encountered the same problem: batch inconsistency, missing or falsified documentation, PAH failures after receipt, and no clear recourse.
Zesh Carbon was formed to solve that single, specific problem. We do not manufacture. We do not speculate on commodity price movements. We verify, document, and deliver. Our commercial model depends entirely on the reliability of our quality control process — if a batch fails in your plant, we have failed.
Our commitment: If a batch delivered by Zesh Carbon fails to meet the agreed specification as shown on the COA, we will replace the batch or provide a full refund. No exceptions. This is not standard in this industry. It reflects our confidence in the testing process.
Every batch ships with a COA tied to real lab results. If the material doesn't match the COA when tested on receipt, we replace it. That's the guarantee.
We don't have a general enquiries inbox. We respond to specific, qualified requests. Tell us what you need.
Practical, accurate information for procurement teams, quality engineers, and compounders evaluating recycled carbon black for the first time — or re-evaluating after a failed trial.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are the primary compliance hurdle for rCB entering the EU. Here is what REACH actually requires, what testing confirms compliance, and why supplier claims without lab evidence are meaningless.
Ash content gets attention, but BET surface area and oil absorption number are the real predictors of reinforcing function and processability. A practical guide for compounding engineers evaluating rCB substitution rates.
Procurement teams that have tried to source rCB directly from India understand the problem: variable ash content, missing COAs, and PAH failures on receipt. We break down why this happens structurally and what an effective sourcing model requires.
The EU Circular Economy Action Plan is moving recycled content from voluntary commitment to regulatory requirement. This is the current state of the framework, what's expected in the next 24 months, and what tyre and rubber manufacturers should be doing now.
Corporate sustainability reporting now demands granular Scope 3 data from procurement. Here's a methodology for calculating and documenting the CO₂ reduction from replacing virgin carbon black with verified rCB — including the documentation chain you'll need for audits.
Masterbatch processing parameters, tyre grade qualification protocols, and comparative LCA data.
Tell us your application, volume requirement, and country. We'll confirm whether we can supply to your spec and send a sample or documentation package if appropriate.
We do not share your information with third parties. Response within 1 business day.
Within 1 business day, we'll confirm whether we currently supply a grade suited to your application and volume range.
You receive a current COA, TDS, and MSDS for the relevant grade. No NDA required to receive standard documentation.
For qualified buyers, we dispatch a 25kg evaluation sample within 5–7 business days. Sample cost is credited against first commercial order.
Not ready to enquire yet? View a sample COA to evaluate our documentation standard, or read our technical guides to understand rCB specification requirements for your application.