In June 2025, John Loudermilk, President and CEO, Birla Carbon, joined Tyre & Rubber Recycling magazine for a featured podcast episode focused on one of the most critical innovations in sustainable manufacturing in the carbon black industry today: Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials (SCM).

During the conversation, John breaks down the concept of SCM – what it is, how it’s made, and why it matters. SCM represents a growing opportunity for the carbon black industry to align more closely with circular economy principles and net-zero targets. As industries push for greener solutions, understanding the science and strategy behind materials like SCM is more important than ever.

The discussion dives into the technical aspects of SCM, including its characteristics, current applications, and future potential across various industries. John also addresses an important question: how much of traditional carbon black can be replaced by SCM without compromising quality or performance?

Ensuring consistent, high-quality SCM at scale is no small task. John explains how Birla Carbon is tackling this challenge, from advanced production processes to the company’s broader plans to expand SCM capabilities globally.

He also touches on the role of the Asia Post Treatment (APT) facility in Patalganga, India, which was launched in 2024. Read more about the APT here.

For anyone interested in sustainable materials, carbon black innovation, or the future of circular manufacturing, this podcast offers valuable insights straight from the top.

Watch the full podcast episode on Tyre & Rubber Recycling’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-qaS3SQwFo