United Kingdom Carbon Black Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The United Kingdom carbon black market value reached USD 371.10 Million in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.40% between 2025 and 2034 to attain nearly USD 757.76 Million by 2034.

United Kingdom Carbon Black Market Growth

Carbon black (CB) refers to a material that typically contains fine carbon particles. In its pure form, it appears as a fine black powder. Different methods such as thermal black and furnace black are used to obtain CB. Moreover, it is used in various applications in the rubber, tyre, plastic, and paints and coatings sectors among others.

The increasing investments in chemistry expertise, production machinery, and laboratory equipment for manufacturing are likely to aid the United Kingdom carbon black industry growth. Moreover, leading companies are focusing on efficiently sourcing their raw materials to boost the production of high-quality rCB and expand their operations.

United Kingdom Carbon Black Market Analysis

The United Kingdom carbon black market dynamics and trends include the rising adoption of electric vehicles and the expanded use of lithium-ion batteries. This trend is driving the increased use of carbon black to reduce charging times and enhance the energy density of these batteries.

The cost-effectiveness offered by CB is leading to a surge in its utilisation in plastic applications. Hence, its demand is expected to increase in the manufacturing of anti-static packaging boxes, plastic film sheets, ABS pipes, and non-pressure pipes among others.

United Kingdom Carbon Black Industry Outlook

London has exhibited the most significant growth in BEV registrations, with figures more than doubling from 2021 to 2022, reaching approximately 22% of new car registrations. This surge underscores the capital's aggressive push towards electric mobility, driven by stringent emissions regulations and the expansion of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). Outside of London, BEV registrations also increased, albeit at a slower pace, with the rest of the UK seeing BEV adoption rise to about 12% by 2022. Cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Sheffield mirrored this national trend but lagged London, with BEV registration percentages ranging between 8% to 15% by 2022.

Hybrid vehicles have seen more widespread adoption across the UK during this period. In 2021, hybrid registrations across major cities like Manchester and Sheffield hovered around 25% to 28%, with London showing slightly lower figures at around 23%. By 2022, hybrid vehicle registrations in Manchester and Sheffield had surged to nearly 30%, indicating strong adoption of hybrid technology as an interim step towards full electrification. Meanwhile, London saw a steady increase in hybrid registrations, reaching about 26% by 2022. This growth in hybrid vehicles contributed to the United Kingdom carbon black market revenue, as carbon black, used as a conductive additive in lithium-ion batteries, plays a crucial role in these vehicles.

The regeneration of areas like Nine Elms in London has been a cornerstone of the UK's urban renewal efforts. This project alone has generated 25,000 new jobs, created 18,000 new homes, and added over 600,000 square meters of new office space, indicating a strategic approach to urban redevelopment that marries economic growth with infrastructure enhancement. The UK’s infrastructure expertise is further evidenced by its extensive road network and cutting-edge tunnel construction. The country maintains over 400,000 kilometres of publicly managed roads, facilitating the daily movement of 4 million vehicles. This extensive network is bolstered by ongoing development projects like the Crossrail initiative, which involves building 42 kilometres of new tunnels beneath London. This contributes to the growth of the United Kingdom carbon black industry revenue, as carbon black improves the durability and wear resistance of asphalt, essential for maintaining high-traffic roads and highways.

A well-developed sector with advanced manufacturing facilities and technology.

• Strong demand in automotive, industrial, and consumer goods sectors for high-quality carbon black.
• Ongoing advancements in carbon black applications and production processes enhance growth in the United Kingdom carbon black industry.

Stringent environmental regulations and compliance requirements can increase operational costs.

• High competition within the market may lead to reduced profit margins.
• Dependence on specific raw materials can create supply chain vulnerabilities.

Growth in applications such as electronics and batteries present opportunities in the United Kingdom carbon black market.

• Increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly production methods can drive market growth.
• Opportunities to expand exports due to the strong demand for carbon black in international markets.

Economic downturns can impact demand and reduce market stability.

• Fluctuating prices of raw materials can affect production costs and profitability.
• Increasing environmental regulations and potential liabilities may impact operations.

Key Players in the United Kingdom Carbon Black Market and Their Key Initiatives

Waverly Carbon Ltd

• Invested in sustainable production processes and reduced carbon emissions.
• Enhanced its R&D capabilities, focusing on innovative carbon black applications to meet the growing demand of the United Kingdom carbon black market.

Cabot Corporation

• Expanded its product portfolio in the United Kingdom.
• Invested in reducing emissions and energy consumption.

Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd

• Invested in advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Optimised energy use in its United Kingdom operations.

PanaSystem Handels GmbH

• Integrated advanced and eco-friendly technologies.
• Expanded its market presence through strategic partnerships with local manufacturers.

United Kingdom Carbon Black Industry Segmentation

“United Kingdom Carbon Black Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Products

• Acetylene Black
• Furnace Black
• Thermal Black
• Others

Market Breakup by Grade

• Speciality Grade
• Rubber Grade
• N1XX - N3XX
• N4XX - N7XX
• N8XX - N9XX
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Industrial
• Printing and Packaging
• Building and Construction
• Transportation
• Others

United Kingdom Carbon Black Market Share

The growth of the United Kingdom carbon black market is driven primarily by the transportation sector. The rising popularity of electric vehicles is increasing the demand for carbon black in lithium-ion batteries. As CB can improve the tread wear of truck tyres and boost their durability, it is also used to significantly lower costs in trucking applications.

The growing use of CB in pigmentation, resin, and resin applications in the industrial sector is augmenting the market growth. Meanwhile, the printing and packaging segment of the market is being fuelled by the increasing utilisation of high-performance CB in flexographic, lithographic, letterpress, screen printing, and gravure applications, among others.

Carbon black is used in decorative building bricks, blind track bricks, and jointing applications in the building and construction sector. The United Kingdom carbon black market demand is further being invigorated by the increasing demand for CB with excellent pigmentation, durability, and dispersion performance for colouring and filling applications in the building and construction sector.

Leading Companies in the United Kingdom Carbon Black Market

The company’s focus on manufacturing premium carbon black for use in rubber, plastics, and electronics. They are recognized for their cutting-edge production techniques and dedication to sustainability and superior product quality.

• Waverly Carbon Ltd
• Cabot Corporation
• Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd
• PanaSystem Handels GmbH