CASE STUDY
A QUEST TO DEVELOP AND SOURCE BIODEGRADABLE FEEDSTOCKS BASF is working to identify sources of biomass and new process routes to convert these into usable feedstock materials. The company is particularly keen to use secondary materials, including waste and by-products, to avoid issues such as competition versus food production and land use issues.
Cost barriers, limited supply options and outdated lifecycle assessment (LCA) methods are negatively affecting the availability of bio-based raw materials. Investments in alternative production processes, improved communications about the potential of renewables and political intervention are all seen as potential remedies. While 36 million tonnes of PLFs are produced annually, this is still considered a comparatively low volume in the world of big chemistry. This in turn means there are fewer economies of scale, meaning higher prices and lower availability. At present, LCA methods do not reflect the value of renewable raw materials. Developing consistent methodologies across industry is therefore key to ensuring transparency and consistency. BASF has been working with Together for Sustainability, a cross-industry initiative of 34 member companies, to develop, agree
and implement a consistent approach to product carbon footprints. A further issue is that there is still a lack of knowledge in the public sphere about the problems posed by current materials, with misinformation also a threat to the implementation of more environmentally progressive changes. Without general calls for change and understanding of the issues, adoption of bio-based chemical feedstocks might proceed at a sub-optimal pace. New political frameworks could also expedite change and encourage producers to look at bio-based solutions and could contribute to raising public awareness. BASF is already taking a progressive approach to sustainability, working towards increasing the level of renewables in PLFs and looking into how product carbon footprints are monitored. As an industry leader, its actions could encourage others to follow a similar suit.
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