BASF has introduced new versions of several chemical intermediates with a reduced product carbon footprint, the company announced.
The new variants include butanediol (BDO), tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). They are produced at BASF’s Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany and can be supplied to customers worldwide.
According to BASF, the products offer at least a 10% lower product carbon footprint than the company’s standard versions made at the same site. The reduction comes from the use of lower-emission feedstocks and utilities during production.
The new materials are intended to help customers reduce emissions in their supply chains, including Scope 3 emissions. The products can be used without changes to existing formulas or manufacturing processes.
Industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles and consumer goods may use the materials.
“Across industries, we see growing interest in cost competitive products with a reduced carbon footprint that help customers meet market demands and achieve their corporate sustainability targets,” said Verena Siegel, vice president of global business management for butanediol and derivatives in BASF’s Intermediates division. “With our new rPCF variants, we are giving them a straightforward lever to achieve measurable PCF reductions of at least 10%, without adding complexity to their operations.”
BDO is used to produce PolyTHF and to make THF and gamma-butyrolactone for pharmaceutical applications. It is also used to produce NMP and polybutylene terephthalate.
PolyTHF is commonly used in elastic fibres such as spandex and elastane for clothing, including sportswear and stretch denim. It is also used to produce thermoplastic polyurethanes found in hoses, films and cable coverings, including some automotive uses.
NMP is a solvent used in several industries, including pharmaceutical production, filtration membrane manufacturing and lithium-ion battery processing. It is also used in coatings, inks and resins.
BASF notes the carbon footprint calculations for the products follow ISO 14067:2018 and the Together for Sustainability Product Carbon Footprint Guideline for the Chemical Industry. Third-party certification is currently underway.
