MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 12/23 www.petpla.net 18 Embracing the mass balance approach in the plastics industry by Specialchem A sustainable pathway The mass balance approach enables similar polymers to be produced by combining alternative renewable or recyclable raw materials with fossil raw materials. Polymers produced in this way are certified by internationally known certificates and used to produce new plastic products for customers in a more sustainable way. This approach bridges the gap between today’s linear economy and the sustainable circular economy for plastics of the future. It is therefore a crucial step on the way to the circular economy for plastics. How are biopolymers effectively managed in complex supply chains? The mass balance approach is an effective method for managing the use of biopolymers in complex supply chains. In this approach, the material flow from the starting material to the final product is tracked according to predefined and transparent rules. These rules serve as criteria to determine whether a product can be classified as renewable or as a recycled product. When applying the mass balance approach to biopolymers, fossil raw materials must be replaced by renewable or recyclable raw materials in the production process. For each tonne of renewable or recyclable raw material used as a substitute, approximately one tonne of production can be attributed to this sustainable source. This ensures accurate measurement and verification of the environmental benefits associated with the inclusion of biopolymers throughout the production cycle. By applying the mass balance approach to biopolymers, companies can move to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. It reduces dependence on fossil resources, minimises greenhouse gas emissions and is in line with circular economy principles by using renewable or circular raw materials. Companies reached a certification by an independent certification body according to the Redcert 2 standard or other international certifications, e.g. ISCC+. (Fig. page 20) What are the key criteria for adopting a mass balance approach? To ensure the credibility of the claims, companies applying the mass balance approach in chemical and plastics production should comply with the following key criteria, which can be verified by an independent third party: 1) Feedstock qualification: companies must provide a transparent description of the qualification of responsibly sourced renewable feedstocks and demonstrate their measurable GHG savings compared to their fossil fuel counterparts. 2) Evidence of the supply chain: the system boundaries and the scope of the supply chain must be clearly defined. The material flow along the chain of custody and the material list should be verifiable by a third party. Any chain of custody approach must comply with a publicly available standard. 3) Product claims: product claims should be verifiable and certified. These products should be labelled as renewable products and not “bio-based products”. Where should companies start which intend to adopt a mass balance approach? First of all, one has to be sure that mass balance is the most appropriate chain of custody model for one’s own market and business processes. Considering the benefits, market demand,
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