BASF Enhances Ultramid® A&B Range with Sustainable Glass Fiber Integration

BASF, a renowned global leader in the chemical industry, is committed to fostering a sustainable future. It has established ambitious objectives to decrease its Scope 3.1 emissions by 15% across its complete portfolio by 2030 and to attain net zero emissions by 2050. Attaining these goals requires sourcing raw materials with dependable primary Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data, as well as those with a reduced PCF.

A key initial step is the incorporation of glass fibers from sustainable production into BASF’s Ultramid® A & B compound portfolio. These glass fibers are supplied by 3B Fibreglass, a leading provider of glass fiber solutions for reinforcing thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. To minimize its carbon footprint, 3B Fibreglass utilizes green electricity in their production processes.

Ludovic Piraux, CEO of 3B, elucidates, "Over time, 3B has dedicated significant effort to diminishing its carbon footprint, aligning with our sustainability strategy and commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. Alongside technical advancements within our operations, we have progressively integrated renewable energy sources into our operations. At our Battice facility in Belgium, we've implemented solar panels for direct electricity generation and established agreements for procuring green energy. These initiatives enable substantial reductions in carbon emissions, thereby contributing to the overall reduction of the carbon footprint across the value chain."

The glass fiber industry has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By transitioning to the use of green electricity starting January 1, 2024, 3B is making significant strides in this direction. Similar to the mass balance principle, the green electricity utilized in production is allocated to BASF's glass fiber products.

Utilizing sustainably produced glass fiber allows BASF to decrease the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of its glass fiber reinforced products by approximately 10%, resulting in savings of around 5000 metric tons of carbon annually. This is equivalent to the yearly emissions of 200 average German households.

By collaborating, the two raw material suppliers, 3B and BASF, are effectively bolstering the European industry for the long haul. Through the procurement of sustainable glass fiber, BASF is proactively contributing to diminishing environmental repercussions and elevating sustainability across the supply chain.

Maximilian Lehenmeier, Sustainability Expert at BASF, highlights, “BASF has positioned itself as a leader in the sustainability realm through a multifaceted approach. By incorporating glass fibers from 3B, produced using green electricity, BASF reaffirms its dedication to combatting climate change. Additionally, this initiative represents another stride in reducing BASF’s Scope 3.1 emissions. Moreover, BASF's utilization of glass fibers across diverse durable applications contributes to sustainability within customer industries, as Ultramid® compounds are highly regarded for their resilience, robustness, and adaptability. This exemplifies yet another significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future in plastics.”