Focus on sustainability: Mass balance as a transition towards a more sustainable society

Today, sustainability is at the top of everyone’s agenda. In recent years, allnex has taken significant steps to strengthen its strategy towards green technologies. Leveraging on our robust roots and rich history, the company is committed to delivering sustainable solutions to its valued customers. At allnex, we take immense pride in the substantial progress we have achieved over the past years. Among our many new initiatives one stands out: the certification of our products under the ISCC PLUS Mass Balance Concept

ISCC is the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification, a globally applicable sustainability certification system. It covers all sustainable feedstocks, including agricultural and forestry biomass, circular and bio-based materials and renewables. ISCC offers solutions for the implementation and certification of sustainable, deforestation-free and traceable supply chain for a variety of carbon materials and fuels.

Turn mass balance products into a reality
Over the last two years allnex has diligently worked to turn mass balance products into a reality. In 2022,  our facilities in Werndorf (Austria) and Bergen op Zoom (The Netherlands) received certification under ISCC PLUS, a globally recognised mass balance certification scheme administered by ISCC. The mass balance concept enables companies to a gradually transition to more sustainable raw materials. These superior alternatives serve as true drop-in solutions, eliminating the need for complex R&D efforts and substantial investments in new production equipment. As a result, companies can make this transition with minimal risk and resource expenditure compared to an abrupt switch to entirely new raw materials.

The ISCC PLUS scheme enables the tracking of sustainable materials using the mass balance approach. It serves as a third-party assurance that our mass balance practice at allnex significantly reduces the carbon footprint or our products while ensuring traceability from origin to the final user. In addition to greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, the scheme also monitors social, economic and environmental criteria.

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The Mass Balance portfolio can be seamlessly implemented without requiring changes to existing formulations. This is achievable because it involves using a mix of fossil and bio feedstock with the same asset (e.g. cracking). The bio fraction is then allocated to a part of the produced products, equivalent to the amount used during inflow.  The difference from Biobased Carbon (C14) is that it is not possible to measure the bio carbon using ASTM 6866 dating. Instead, the biobased content is assured through ISCC PLUS certificates.

Think of Green Electricity: Both green electricity and fossil electricity are generated and mixed into the grid. Even if you have a green electricity contract, you still receive a mix from the grid. However your support enables the construction of additional renewable electricity infrastructure.

Our Operations Sustainability Manager, Filippo Gatti, briefly explains the path taken: “In late 2021, allnex embarked on this transformative journey,  at a time when the concept was not as widely embraced as it is today. Initially, we lacked dedicated teams or individuals to implement the necessary tools. However, our highly motivated employees were committed to the cause and were determined not to be held back by red-tape. We began with an excel-based tool for managing one raw material and finished goods category. Soon, we recognised that scalability required a more structured and automated system. A cross-functional team, spanning IT, operations, planning, sales and marketing, collaborated to create a task force. Despite the challenges, we successfully trained the entire organisation. After nine months of hard work, we were well-prepared for our first two audits in Bergen op Zoom and Werndorf.

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The ISCC PLUS requirements were integrated into the site management systems, building on the longstanding allnex ISO-9001 certification. It is also integrated into the existing ERP systems, ensuring that mass balance tracking can be easily maintained. This flexibility allows us to expand to other sites and product lines using the same methodology. Thanks to the initial learnings, our recent implementations were finalized in just 3 to 6 months only. In one instance we had to implement a new chemicals category together with the ISCC Governance Team, which further demonstrates that we are breaking new ground in this area.”

Following allnex sites are certified: Bergen-op-Zoom (Netherlands), Werndorf (Austria), Drogenbos (Belgium), Schoonaarde (Belgium), Romano d’Ezzelino (Italy), Bien Hua (Vietnam). We will add five sites in 2024: Lilleström (Norway), Changshu (China), Fengxian (China), Rayong (Thailand), North Augusta (USA).

At allnex, we are prepared to provide official statements and detailed calculations regarding the carbon footprint of all our products. Additionally, we can offer information on the potential mass balance content and its related emissions reduction. Depending on the product type and manufacturing location, the impact on carbon footprint reduction can range from 15% up to 70%.

Our commitment
As a company, we recognise the significant advantages of the certified mass balance system as a catalyst towards achieving a circular economy model. Our customers genuinely appreciate our collaborative approach and we actively encourage them to reach out to us. Whether they seek guidance on implementation, audit readiness, or organisational understanding, we are here to support them.

www.allnex.com
contact : Irena Ketelaars – irena.ketelaars@allnex.com