In the current booming development of the domestic white carbon black market, the wave of competition is surging. At present, there are numerous production enterprises like stars, and the competition within the industry has entered a white hot stage. The scale advantage of top enterprises is significant, with the number of enterprises with a scale of over 50000 tons accounting for about 34%, and the production capacity accounting for as high as 76%. The industry is accelerating towards scale, large-scale, and centralization. In this fierce transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises with low production and outdated technology are facing severe challenges of being ruthlessly eliminated by the market.
At the same time, the pain point of "large quantity but weak quality" in the industry has become increasingly prominent. Enterprises are clustered in low-end production capacity, leading to serious product homogenization and oversupply in the low-end market, resulting in extremely fierce competition. In the field of high-end products, we heavily rely on imports, and foreign enterprises firmly occupy a larger profit margin with their technological advantages. Domestic enterprises can only sigh at the ocean.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, in the industry of precipitated white carbon black, which is firmly controlled by giants, if they still adhere to the traditional development model of "scale first, cost first", it is undoubtedly a dead end. Only by changing market strategies and exploring new paths can we find a glimmer of hope in the fierce market competition.
Deeply cultivate segmented markets, accurately position and seek breakthroughs
Avoiding direct confrontation with industry giants on generic and bulk products is a wise choice for small and medium-sized enterprises. Focusing on a niche field with clear requirements but relatively small scale, and striving to achieve the ultimate in products, is the key to standing firm in this fiercely competitive market.
High end silicone rubber specific white carbon black: The silicone rubber industry has extremely high requirements for the transparency and reinforcement of white carbon black. Small and medium-sized enterprises can concentrate their resources on researching and developing ultra-high transparency white carbon black specifically for high-end kitchenware, maternal and child products, and medical grade silicone products. By strictly controlling the production process, we ensure that the products have extremely stable consistency and meet the stringent quality requirements of high-end customers.
White carbon black for special coatings and inks: In the field of high-end paints and printing inks, there are special requirements for the rheological properties of white carbon black. Small and medium-sized enterprises can focus on developing anti settling agents for high-end paints, thickening and matting agents for printing inks, and other products. This type of product has high technical barriers, relatively few market competitors, and considerable single ton profits.
Toothpaste friction agent: The toothpaste industry is a market with strict certification but stable demand. Small and medium-sized enterprises can focus on researching and developing friction agents for toothpaste that meet pharmaceutical grade standards, and establish long-term stable supply relationships with well-known toothpaste brands. By providing high-quality products and services, establishing a good brand image, and winning the trust and reputation of customers.
Anti adhesion agent for plastic film: In high-end BOPP film, PE film and other fields, the particle size distribution and surface smoothness of white carbon black are highly required. Small and medium-sized enterprises can develop white carbon black products with extremely narrow particle size distribution and smooth surface to meet this market demand, prevent scratching of the film surface, and improve the quality and performance of the film.
Technological innovation to enhance product added value
Although small and medium-sized enterprises find it difficult to bear the huge investment in basic research and development, it is completely feasible to carry out micro innovation in application technology, surface treatment, and compounding.
Collaborative R&D: Given their weak R&D capabilities, small and medium-sized enterprises can actively establish cooperative relationships with universities and research institutes, leveraging their research strength and technological advantages to conduct technological breakthroughs. At the same time, we can also collaborate with innovative leading customers in downstream industries to develop new products and achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Surface modification: Based on the characteristics of downstream customer polymers such as EVA, PE, SBR, etc., precise surface hydrophobicity modification is carried out on white carbon black. Surface modification can improve the compatibility between white carbon black and polymers, enhance product performance, and meet diverse customer needs.
Compound and granulation services: Many downstream small and medium-sized rubber and plastic factories lack professional ingredient teams. Small and medium-sized enterprises can pre mix or pelletize white carbon black with other additives according to customer needs, providing customers with a one-stop solution. This value-added service can not only enhance the added value of the product, but also increase customers' dependence on the enterprise.
Reduce costs and increase efficiency, create green competitive advantages
In the current market environment, reducing costs and improving efficiency are the key to the survival and development of enterprises. Small and medium-sized enterprises can achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement through the following two ways:
Utilizing non-traditional raw materials/waste: Exploring the use of by-products from the photovoltaic industry (polycrystalline silicon) such as silicon tetrachloride or biomass silicon sources such as rice husk ash as raw materials. These non-traditional raw materials are not only inexpensive, but also widely sourced, which can significantly reduce raw material costs. At the same time, using these green materials can also play a strong "green environmental protection" card, which is in line with national policy guidance, easy to obtain policy support, and enhance the social image and market competitiveness of enterprises.
Optimization of process energy saving: focus on optimizing energy consumption in precipitation, washing, drying and other links, such as developing efficient drying technology (such as spray drying). Although the initial investment may be slightly higher, in the long run, it can form a low-cost advantage and improve the economic benefits of the enterprise.
In the current market landscape, if small and medium-sized enterprises continue to produce and sell rough processed and homogeneous precipitated white carbon black, they will undoubtedly be caught in an endless price war with giants and peers, with meager profits and increasingly limited survival space. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises must shift their mindset from "production-oriented manufacturing" to "service-oriented manufacturing", concentrate resources to conquer segmented markets, create a "flagship product", and do their best in this small field. By relying on the reputation and technological accumulation established in segmented markets, gradually expanding into related fields, we can carve out our own high profit cake in the market dominated by giants and achieve sustainable development of the enterprise.