Biomass mass balance additives unveiled by BASF as “drop-in” solution for fossil plastics

09 Oct 2023 --- BASF is launching what it says is “the industry’s first” biomass balance offerings for plastic additives. The initial products, branded Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert, support using renewable resources to replace fossil feedstocks and help BASF’s customers meet their sustainability targets.

The solutions are certified by TÜV Nord for mass balance according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS). 

At the beginning of the value chain, fossil-based raw material is replaced by ISCC-certified bio-based feedstock and a corresponding amount is attributed to the product using a mass balance approach. 

The company says the products’ cradle-to-gate carbon footprint is reduced by up to 6%, compared to the global average product carbon footprint of conventional grades.

“By leveraging BASF’s highly integrated global production network of interconnected sites and plants, we are able to produce these industry-first, low carbon footprint, drop-in solutions with the same performance characteristics,” said Joerg Bentlage, head of global product management, Plastic Additives, BASF. 

“As we advance our journey to a more circular economy, we aim to drive a sustainable transformation toward renewable feedstock within the industries we serve through innovative and strategic customer partnerships.”

Drop-in replacements
Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert are drop-in replacements for BASF’s Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1076. These product offerings are identical to the conventional grades in performance, quality product stewardship and regulatory aspects, according to the company. 

As a result, customers do not need to requalify the new additives or reformulate their products.

Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert will initially be produced at BASF’s site in Kaisten, Switzerland, with additional availability of Irganox 1010 FF BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert from McIntosh, US in early 2024. 

BMBcert additives are a part of BASF’s VALERAS portfolio, which aims to “create new value for plastics.”

BASF says it will continue to drive sustainable innovation in the plastic additives industry by addressing transformation topics such as climate change action.

Edited by Louis Gore-Langton