Cepsa Química and Persán Opt for Biofuels to Transport Supplies, Lowering Carbon Footprints

Cepsa Química and Persán, a prominent provider of home and personal care products, have entered into an agreement where the transportation of chemical products from Cepsa to Persán in Seville will exclusively use 100% renewable diesel (HVO). This initiative aims to enhance sustainability in product transportation, reducing emissions by approximately 126 tons of CO2 annually. This reduction is equivalent to the CO2 absorbed by over 8,000 trees within the same timeframe.

Cepsa Química delivers linear sulfonic acid (LABSA) to Persán via tanker trucks, a crucial raw material used in the production of over 60% of biodegradable detergents for both domestic and industrial applications. As the world's leading producer of linear alkylbenzene (LAB), which serves as the precursor for sulfonic acid, Cepsa Química supplies Persán and other clients, contributing significantly to approximately 20% of the global market for LAB production.

Starting immediately, the transportation of this product from San Roque (Cádiz) to Persán's facilities in Seville will utilize HVO, a second-generation biofuel produced by Cepsa at the La Rábida Energy Park (Huelva). HVO is derived from organic waste like used cooking oils or agricultural residues, supporting the principles of the circular economy. This renewable diesel significantly reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% over its life cycle compared to conventional fuels.

According to José María Solana, CEO of Cepsa Química, the agreement between the two companies "is integral to our Next Chemicals in Positive Motion strategy, a transformative and regenerative initiative driving Cepsa Química towards sustainable products and processes. This move is essential for a comprehensive and balanced ecological transition that enhances the daily lives of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole."

Antonio Somé, CEO of Persán, emphasized that "sustainability is a top priority for Persán across all our operations. This commitment extends to all our partners, including Cepsa, with whom we are pleased to sign this agreement today as part of our 'Sustainability Director' plan, prioritizing the reduction of CO2 emissions. This commitment will undoubtedly foster a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future."

This agreement aligns with Persán's comprehensive sustainability strategy, encompassing global ESG principles. Under the leadership of Concha Yoldi and Antonio Somé, the company has implemented developmental policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of its employees and its entire value chain. This includes a governance model that integrates sustainability into daily operations and investments in technologies to minimize environmental impact.

Similarly, these initiatives have allowed the Andalusian company to renew its 'Sello Reduzco', an accolade granted by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge to acknowledge organizations achieving a consistent reduction in their carbon footprint. Persán's efforts led to a verified 14% reduction in emissions over the past three years, as affirmed by the Ministry.

Biofuels represent a contemporary solution to expedite the decarbonization of transportation, addressing the sector's current 15% share of global CO2 emissions. This technology is strategically positioned for the rapid advancement of the energy transition, as its chemical composition matches traditional fuels used in existing diesel engines, thus necessitating no modifications to engines, storage facilities, or distribution networks.

As part of its 2030 strategy, "Positive Motion," Cepsa is advancing an ecosystem aimed at accelerating its own and its customers' decarbonization efforts. This includes producing green molecules, particularly renewable hydrogen and its derivatives, alongside second-generation (2G) biofuels, with the goal of becoming a leader in the energy transition.

Since 2022, Cepsa has been producing and distributing 2G biofuels to customers across air, maritime, and land transport sectors. These renewable diesel products are manufactured at its La Rábida Energy Park (Huelva), which holds various national and European certifications, including the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU). This certification verifies compliance with traceability criteria and European regulations for transport fuels. Additionally, to meet increasing demand, Cepsa is collaborating with Bio-Oils to construct the largest second-generation biofuels plant in southern Europe, located in Palos de la Frontera (Huelva). This facility, expected to commence operations in 2026, will have a flexible production capacity of 500,000 tons of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).