What mass balancing is all about

Mass-balancing is a method to create a chain-of-custody that allows to create chemical products in of consistent quality and properties in the same production process with different sources of feedstock. This is particularly important in the context of sustainable production, where the use of different feedstocks and their associated carbon footprints can have a significant impact on the sustainability performance of the final product. Mass-balancing is a crucial tool to track and trace sustainable input factors, make their value tangible and by that, accelerate the transition towards more sustainable products.

This allows the substitution of traditional feedstocks such as crude oil, natural gas, or coal by alternative feedstocks including agricultural waste, forestry residues, municipal solid waste and circular feedstocks. For certain processes such as the electrolysis, the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, water or geothermal can also be part of the chain-of-custody model created.

In mass balancing, the different inputs and outputs of a chemical process are measured and tracked to ensure that the overall mass of the system is balanced. 

This technique is therefore a crucial method to replace parts of the feedstock with bio-based alternatives and market them tailored to customer sustainability demands without having to introduce a separate production set-up. 

How mass balancing is used at LANXESS

LANXESS has been actively exploring the use of alternative and bio-based feedstocks in its production of chemicals, in order to reduce its impact on the environment and cater a customer base that is more and more demanding low-carbon alternatives to established products. By assigning mass balance values to its products, LANXESS can provide transparency about the origins of the raw materials used in production and make the use of sustainable raw materials visible to its customers.

In addition to assigning mass balance values to its products, LANXESS also uses third-party certification schemes to verify the sustainability and traceability of its raw materials. For example, LANXESS uses the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme to certify the sustainable production of its bio-based feedstocks. 

LANXESS's use of alternative and bio-based feedstocks in its manufacturing processes demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. By developing and producing these products, LANXESS is contributing to a more sustainable future for the chemical industry.

ISCC – a globally recognized certification system

ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is a globally recognized certification system that ensures the sustainability of the production of chemicals and other bio-based products along the value-chain. The ISCC certification scheme provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the sustainability of products and their production processes, including the used feedstock types and their respective carbon footprints.

The role of ISCC in the production of chemicals is to provide assurance to customers that the product has been produced sustainably and meets rigorous environmental and social standards. ISCC certification covers the entire supply chain, from the production of raw materials to the final product. This includes the evaluation of environmental and social impacts, including land use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, biodiversity, and labor rights.

ISCC plays a vital role in promoting sustainable production practices for bio-based products. It provides a standardized approach to evaluating sustainability and helps to create transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. By adhering to the ISCC certification standards, companies can document their environmental and social performance and carbon footprint reduction towards customers and other stakeholders.

ISCC at LANXESS

We at LANXESS have started early to use the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard to certify sustainable products and assets. We recognize the importance of environmental responsibility and are working closely with our raw material suppliers to ensure that we drive sustainability along the whole value chain.

In 2022, we certified our first set of important production plants, and we plan to certify more in 2023. We will roll out and implement ISCC further aligned with market and customer demands. 

Our decision to use ISCC PLUS as the standard for our certification process reflects our dedication to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices. We recognize the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable production practices in the chemical industry and throughout the supply chain. By certifying our sustainable products with the ISCC PLUS standard, we can provide our customers with the assurance that our products are produced sustainably and meet rigorous standards.