Scope 3: Curbing our carbon footprint!
Climate change has moved somewhat into the background since the Ukraine war. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important issues for us. Climate Neutral 2040 is under way.
The objectives have been set and will be reviewed annually. The focus of this initiative is on direct emissions during production (Scope 1) and the energy LANXESS purchases (Scope 2). Now the Net Zero Value Chain initiative is adding the entire supply chain to the mix.
In this area (Scope 3), indirect emissions play the main role. These encompass the emissions generated by purchased raw materials and emissions generated by logistics, as well as emissions generated by the disposal of final products. LANXESS aims to have a climate-neutral supply chain by 2050. How can we achieve this? Talking about the raw material aspect we asked our expert Philipp Gaulke.
More interviews will follow here soon.
Where do we get our sustainable raw materials from, Mr. Gaulke?
“As we move toward a so called net-zero value chain, our interim goal is to reduce Scope 3 emissions by about 1.3 million tons by 2030. Emissions from raw materials account for around 50 percent of our Scope 3 emissions. That’s why raw materials are the primary vehicle for us to achieve our goals. At the same time, demand for sustainable products is increasing. Our business units receive numerous such inquiries from customers. The battle for sustainable raw materials, which are currently still in short supply and therefore also price-intensive, has long since begun.
While the global market for sustainable raw materials is still developing, it already offers a variety of potential solutions. As a chemical company, our focus is on crude oil derivatives, among other products. Sustainable alternatives are available. This involves replacing crude oil with biobased or circular raw materials, for example. Examples of materials that can be used include rapeseed oil, used cooking oil, and pyrolyzed plastic waste. We’re already taking this approach with the use of biobased cyclohexane for Scopeblue Durethan® or with biobased acrylonitrile for the sustainable ion exchangers.
Another approach is to produce other raw materials in our portfolio that are currently produced via energy-intensive processes such as electrolysis in a more sustainable way using electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower. We urgently need these forms of energy in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices. Then it will be possible for us to procure important raw materials such as chlorine, caustic soda, or hydrogen in a climate-neutral way in the future.
In addition, we will also be able to reduce the carbon footprint of our raw materials in the future through the continued development of new technologies. These technologies include, for example, chemical recycling, the enzymatic manufacturing process, and the use of carbon capture technologies which capture and store carbon dioxide.”
