Carbon Black Pilot Plant

Welcome to the RISE research facility in Piteå – home to the world’s first pilot plant for the production of “green” carbon black. Groundbreaking research is underway here to replace fossil raw materials with renewable alternatives in the production of one of the world’s most widely used industrial materials.

Carbon black, a fine carbon powder, is used in car tires, electronics and as a pigment in paint, among other things. Traditionally, carbon black is produced from heavy fossil oils, but our pilot plant shows that it can be done differently – and better. By using pyrolysis oil from forest biomass and heating with hydrogen or plasma burners powered by renewable electricity, we are creating a sustainable way forward.

What makes the carbon black pilot unique?

• Renewable raw material and energy: We replace fossil inputs with biogenic substances and electrofuels.
• Advanced technology: The plant is equipped with plasma burners (30–100 kW) controlled by a PLC system for safe and automated operation.
• Scale: The carbon black pilot is on a relatively small industrial scale, which creates challenges and opportunities.
• A major step towards a sustainable process for manufacturing one of the world's most important chemicals
• The RISE carbon black pilot is part of a larger effort to build test and demo environments in Piteå, where over 35 researchers and engineers are working to accelerate the green industrial revolution. The facility is a concrete example of how Sweden is leading the way towards a fossil-free society.