FRANKFURT, Germany – Orion Engineered Carbons has started up a new production line for specialty carbon blacks at its plant in Kalscheuren, Germany. Several million euros were invested in new production technology, which started operation at the beginning of 2014. This investment scales up production capacity to enable Orion Engineered Carbons to serve the growing global market for carbon black specialty grades.

One of the first products to be launched from this new production line is COLOUR BLACK FW 255. This carbon black is a highly specialized grade that responds to the trend in the coatings industry to use pigments that can be used in both water- and solvent-based systems. The very high jetness and high bluish undertone that it provides is especially suited for automotive OEM and refinish systems. Orion Engineered Carbons has additional new grades in its pipeline such as XPB 412 for medium-color coatings in water- and solvent-based applications. It is expected to be launched soon.