Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKSIndustrial carbon black is an indispensable component of numerous everyday products—from car tires and gaskets to paints and plastics. However, its production relies almost exclusively on petroleum, is energy-intensive, and generates significant CO₂ emissions.
At the same time, around six million tons of plastic waste are generated every year in Germany alone, much of which is incinerated, resulting in the loss of valuable raw materials and additional CO₂ emissions.
Goals and Approach
This is where the GreenPlasmaCarbon project comes in: The goal is to use a novel process to convert this previously unused plastic waste into a high-quality, sustainable substitute for industrial carbon black. This recycled raw material can then be reused in industry, for example in the manufacture of elastomer products such as tires or technical rubber articles.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project also pursues a digital approach. All project partners use a shared data platform to link material data, test results, and simulations.