Rütgers (RÜTGERS Group) is a long-established producer of carbon chemicals derived from the distillation and refining of coal tar, a by-product of steelmaking cokeries. Founded in 1849, the company supplies coal tar pitch for aluminum smelter anodes and graphite electrodes, as well as naphthalene and other aromatic fractions, creosote, and specialty oils used in construction chemicals, wood protection, and other industrial applications. Its operations have spanned multiple tar distillation sites in Europe and North America, serving aluminum, steel, and specialty chemical markets.
Rütgers focuses on converting industrial by-products into value-added materials and maintains in-house R&D to tailor binder and impregnation pitches and related intermediates to process and performance requirements. The business later became part of Rain Carbon (Rain Industries), continuing to operate within the carbon and advanced materials value chain.