Zero Carbon Footprint Intermediates

Some of our intermediates are available with a product carbon footprint (PCF) of zero.

We are able to produce some of our chemical intermediates with a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint of zero by using renewable raw materials in our unique Verbund production system via our biomass balance approach.

Zero Product Carbon Footprint Intermediates

Cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) of zero
PCF of zero achieved through use of renewable raw materials via BASF's biomass balance approach
Use of renewable energy and benefits of BASF’s Verbund
Drop-in solution: Identical quality and properties compared to standard BASF product
Also certified Carbon Neutral (cradle-to-gate) by the Carbon Trust
Available for selected products

Available Products

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Offered from: Ludwigshafen (Germany)

Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) ZeroPCF

Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) is a polyalcohol offering superior performance advantages in many end-use applications due to its high chemical and thermal stability. Application areas include adhesives and sealants, coatings and more.

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Offered from: Ludwigshafen (Germany)

Propionic Acid ZeroPCF

Propionic acid is used as a versatile preservative for food and feed. Propionic acid preserves compound feed, grain or corn while reducing mold or yeast. In silage applications it improves fermentation. Further application areas include pharma, crop protection, solvents and thermoplastics.

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Independent certification

BASF has achieved the Carbon Neutral certification from global climate change consultancy the Carbon Trust for the cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint of Neopentyl Glycol ZeroPCF and Propionic Acid ZeroPCF:

Carbon Trust certification of the cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint of Neopentyl Glycol ZeroPCF and Propionic Acid ZeroPCF

The certification refers to cradle-to-gate PCFs

The product carbon footprint (PCF) of Neopentyl Glycol ZeroPCF and Propionic Acid ZeroPCF is zero in a cradle-to-gate assessment taking into account all product-related greenhouse gas emissions and the biogenic uptake of the renewable raw materials used in the value chain and attributed to the product via a certified mass balance approach. The calculation does not include downstream value chain emissions like e.g. transportation emissions from factory gate to customer, emissions from further processing and the end of life emissions (e.g. from waste treatment). To achieve carbon neutrality for the product in relation to the complete product life cycle (cradle-to-grave), all downstream value chain emissions have to be offset by the respective actors in the value chain, e.g. by purchasing carbon credits.

Download: Qualifying Explanatory Statement (QES) on the certification

How do we achieve the PCF of zero?

To achieve the PCF of zero for our ZeroPCF products, we use renewable raw materials in our unique Verbund production system via our biomass balance (BMB) approach. For NPG, BASF additionally uses renewable energy for production.

Our ZeroPCF products are "drop-in" solutions: they are identical in quality and properties to the standard products, allowing customers to use them in their production without the need for adjustments to their existing processes.

That way, BASF supports its customers to simply and efficiently reduce emissions from purchased goods or services (Scope 3) and increase the share of renewable raw materials in the value chain, thus contributing to the shift to a circular economy.

Customer Information about PCF calculation

Product Carbon Footprint: Customer Information

BASF is the first large chemical company to make available to its customers the individual carbon footprints for all its sales products.

Having PCF values from BASF, our customers can better assess their greenhouse gas emissions from sourcing and calculate the PCFs of their own products.

BASF’s product carbon footprint (PCF) calculations follow the requirements and guidance given by ISO 14067:2018. In a methodology review, TÜV Rheinland has certified that the PCF methodology SCOTT developed and used by BASF SE for calculating the PCFs of BASF products is scientifically-based, is in accordance with ISO 14067:2018, and reflects the state of the art. BASF’s PCF calculations comprise all product-specific emissions from cradle to gate.

The Biomass Balance Approach

BASF has broken new ground with the development of the biomass balance process for the use of renewable raw materials in the chemical industry.