Ludwigshafen, Germany – BASF signals a major move towards the biotransformation of its (Meth)Acrylate portfolio by switching its production to bio-based Ethyl Acrylate (EA) starting in Q4 2024. With a 14C-traceable bio content of 40% according to DIN EN 16640 and a low Product Carbon Footprint (PCF¹), BASF’s bio-based EA supports customers worldwide in achieving their sustainability goals. The product offers a ~30% PCF reduction compared to fossil-based EA. Additionally, BASF will offer bio-based Ethyl Acrylate BMB ISCC Plus. Here, the remaining carbon content from fossil-based acrylic acid is ISCC PLUS certified, and by applying BASF’s biomass balance (BMB²) approach, this variant offers a further reduced carbon footprint.
1 BASF’s product carbon footprint (PCF) calculations for conventional products follow the
requirements and guidance given by ISO 14067:2018. A TÜV Rheinland methodology review has
certified that the SCOTT PCF methodology developed and used by BASF SE is based on scientific
evidence, meets ISO 14067:2018 and the Together for Sustainability PCF policy, and reflects the
state of the art (ID no. 0000080389: BASF SE – Certipedia). TÜV Rheinland also confirms that the
biomass balance (BMB) PCF calculation method and the associated PCF reduction for BMB-
certified products follow the conventional LCA method in accordance with ISO 14067 and the
Together for Sustainability (TfS) policy.
2 Find out more about BASF’s biomass balance approach at: https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-
we-are/sustainability/we-drive-sustainable-solutions/circular-economy/mass-balance-
approach/biomass-balance.html.
BASF’s bio-based EA is produced in Ludwigshafen, using bioethanol exclusively as the alcohol source. The chemical and technical specifications of the bio-based product are identical to the traditional fossil-based version. “With bio-based EA, we can offer our customers a readily available drop-in solution for many applications. Ethyl Acrylate is a well-established product that will support our customers in reaching their sustainability goals. We also want to give a clear signal to the market that we drive our own sustainability transformation. From Q4 2024 onwards, we will phase out fossil-based EA and exclusively offer bio-based Ethyl Acrylate going forward,” says Dr. Reiner Geier, Senior Vice President Industrial Petrochemicals Europe.
BASF’s bio-based Ethyl Acrylate uses sustainable bioethanol predominantly sourced from Europe, with grain as the primary feedstock. BASF applies strict sustainability criteria for the material use of biomass. The bioethanol purchased by BASF does not compete with food production. It is mainly produced from residues of starch production, lower-quality grains, or molasses, none of which are used in food production. Grains unsuitable for use as food or feed can also be used for bioethanol production.
Bio-based EA offers a broad application range and is suitable for various polymer dispersion applications, with the Coatings and Adhesives industries as primary targets.
BASF’s bio-based Ethyl Acrylate has been ‘OK biobased’³ certified by TÜV Austria since March 2024.