
Orion S.A. Enters Tire Pyrolysis Oil Supply Agreement with Contec S.A.
Orion S.A., a global leader in the specialty chemicals industry, the signing of a significant long-term supply agreement with Contec S.A., a Warsaw, Poland-based company specializing in tire pyrolysis. This partnership will see Contec providing with tire pyrolysis oil (TPO), a crucial feedstock in the production of circular carbon black. This move marks a strategic step forward in commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for tire and rubber goods manufacturers worldwide.
The collaboration with Contec S.A. enables to diversify and secure its sources of TPO, ensuring a steady supply to meet the growing global demand for circular carbon black. “With the ConPyro® TPO supplied by Contec, Orion will be able to produce large-scale volumes of circular grades of carbon black,” stated Corning Painter, CEO of S.A. “This agreement is yet another way that is accelerating the transition to a circular economy, helping our customers in the tire and rubber goods industries reduce their environmental footprint.”
Tire pyrolysis oil-based manufacturing represents the only circular technology currently transitioning into industrial-scale production for high-quality active carbon black. This innovative process involves the thermal decomposition of end-of-life tires under high temperatures, generating a valuable feedstock that can refine into virgin-grade carbon black. The utilization of TPO not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by tire waste but also contributes to resource efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing.
Orion stands out in the industry as the sole company that has successfully produced circular carbon black entirely from 100% TPO feedstock. This groundbreaking achievement underscores pioneering role in sustainable manufacturing and its commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, has demonstrated that its circular carbon black products can effectively replace virgin carbon black in numerous applications without compromising quality or performance.

Krzysztof Wróblewski, CEO of Contec S.A., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its significance for the broader industry. “At Contec, sustainability is one of our core values. This partnership with is a clear confirmation to the market that the industry is continuously evolving. The circular economy is no longer just a vision for the future—thanks to our collaboration with Orion, it is becoming a tangible reality today,” Wróblewski stated. This alliance reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices and promoting the circular economy on a global scale.
About Orion S.A.
Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a versatile material available in powder or pellet form. Carbon black is produced to meet precise customer specifications and is integral to a wide array of applications, including tires, coatings, inks, batteries, plastics, and numerous other specialty and high-performance uses. The material is valued for its properties such as tinting, coloring, reinforcement, electrical conductivity, durability enhancement, and UV protection.
With four innovation centers and 15 production facilities worldwide,boasts the most diverse array of production processes in the industry. The company’s corporate history spans over 160 years, tracing back to Germany, where it operates the world’s longest-running carbon black plant. Orion’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in its ongoing efforts to develop environmentally responsible solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
About Contec S.A.
Contec S.A. is a pioneering company in the field of end-of-life tire processing through chemical recycling. The company transforms discarded tires into circular, sustainable raw materials, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact in the manufacturing sector. Contec’s proprietary Molten® technology sets it apart from other recycling methods. This innovative process uses molten salt as a heat transfer medium, offering a safer, more efficient, and economically viable solution for tire pyrolysis.
Since its establishment in 2017, Contec has been at the forefront of the defossilization movement within the manufacturing industry. By providing sustainable alternatives to virgin carbon black and petrochemical raw materials, Contec is helping to drive the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. The company’s dedication to environmental responsibility and cutting-edge technological solutions has positioned it as a leader in the tire recycling industry.
Through this partnership, Orion and Contec are not only addressing the environmental challenges associated with tire waste but also setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the specialty chemicals and tire manufacturing industries. This collaboration exemplifies how innovative technologies and strategic alliances can pave the way for a more sustainable future, benefiting both the environment and the global economy.