BASF Set to Deliver Biomass-Balanced Ammonia to Evonik

Evonik and BASF have announced a significant agreement for the inaugural delivery of BASF’s ammonia BMBcert™ grade. This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both companies to delivering products with a substantially reduced product carbon footprint (PCF). BASF's ammonia BMBcert provides Evonik with a solution that boasts a PCF at least 65% lower than traditional ammonia products. By adopting a biomass balance approach, both BASF and Evonik are expanding their product portfolios to include ammonia-based solutions. These products are readily accessible through existing sales channels and are fully integrated into the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems of both companies.

Dr. Jens Aßmann, Vice President of Business Management for the Ammonia Value Chain and Operations Amino Resins at BASF, stated, “Evonik and BASF share a common vision: they are confident that the chemical industry can undergo transformation by replacing fossil-based resources with renewable feedstocks and utilities. The supply of ammonia BMBcert is a significant milestone for both of us.”

Evonik has already received its first shipment of ammonia BMBcert from BASF. By integrating this ammonia into its ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS certified production processes, Evonik reinforces its commitment to a sustainable economy and its ambitious emissions reduction targets. By 2030, Evonik aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% and Scope 3 emissions by around 11% compared to 2021 levels. The company is targeting climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, with goals validated by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).

Evonik plans to utilize BMBcert ammonia in the production of sustainable products, including VESTAMIN® IPD eCO and VESTAMID® eCO Polyamide 12. The "eCO" label signifies Evonik’s effort to reduce CO2 through a mass balance approach, utilizing renewable feedstocks as drop-in solutions within existing systems. These eCO grades allow customers to obtain sustainable products without compromising performance. For instance, conventional VESTAMIN® curing agents used in epoxy resin systems can be seamlessly replaced by VESTAMIN® IPD eCO. Similarly, VESTAMID® eCO Polyamide 12 provides high-performance polyamide for various applications, including shoe soles, sunglasses, and automotive safety components.

Silvia Torrado, Global Procurement Director for Base Petrochemicals at Evonik, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its importance for sourcing ammonia with a reduced carbon footprint for their eCO products. She noted that this collaboration highlights their commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

BASF employs a biomass balance approach, utilizing certified biomethane sourced from biowaste raw materials at the beginning of the production process. This mass-balanced product is certified under ISCC PLUS standards, and BASF also utilizes renewable electricity in ammonia production, further minimizing its PCF.

By collaborating with like-minded suppliers like BASF, Evonik is dedicated to creating value-added solutions for its customers while striving to improve lives today and in the future. As part of its Next Generation goals, Evonik aims for 50% of its sales to come from products and solutions with a strong sustainability profile by 2030.