First 'Biomass Balance' Additives

BASF has launched what it says is the industry’s first biomass balance additives. The initial products, antioxidants Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert, have been certified by TÜV Nord for mass balance according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. 

Biomass balance means renewable resources — such as bio-naphtha or biomethane derived from organic waste, crops or vegetable oil — are used as feedstock in the very first steps of chemical production. The bio-based feedstock amount is then allocated to specific products sold by means of the certified method.

BASF says Irganox 1010 BMBcert and Irganox 1076 FD BMBcert are drop-in replacements for Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1076. These BMBcert offerings are identical to the conventional grades in performance, quality, and product stewardship and regulatory aspects. As a result, customers do not need to requalify the new additives or reformulate their products.

“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,” says Joerg Bentlage, head of global product management, Plastic Additives, BASF. “As we advance our own 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.”

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 the U.S. in early 2024.