AkzoNobel, ABT and EY join forces to encourage more transparent, sustainable chemistry
A new online tool which can track the use of bio-based raw materials in products has been launched as a pilot by project partners AkzoNobel, Advanced Biochemical (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (ABT) and EY.
It will be the first ever tool to use e-certification to track bio-based content along the value chain.
Many chemicals can be made either from fossil feedstock or bio-based raw materials, such as vegetable oils or sugars, but it is difficult to verify how much of each has been used. The new tool aims to solve this problem by verifying exactly how much of a product is made from bio-based raw materials. This will make it easier for producers and consumers to choose more sustainable products and move towards a more circular economy.
“Chemicals are the building blocks of essential products in our everyday lives,” explained Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I Director of Specialty Chemicals at AkzoNobel. “Yet despite the growing attention for sustainability, we still cannot easily track bio-based raw materials. This innovative approach will enable us to further pursue our goal of making the chemical industry more sustainable.”
Bio-based raw materials are certified at the start of the supply chain. Companies can then transfer these via an online platform, which automatically keeps track of the bio-based content of any products made from them. This approach negates the need for separate, external certification further down the supply chain, giving producers quick insight into the bio-based content of their products.
Epicerol® will be the first chemical to be tracked throughout the supply chain. The bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH) is produced by ABT and is already used in AkzoNobel’s sustainable epoxy coatings.
“This application will increase transparency and encourage companies to use more sustainable raw materials,” said Thibaud Caulier, Business Manager at ABT. “Customers can demonstrate a positive impact by monitoring their consumption of Epicerol®, showing that they are using the most sustainable epichlorohydrin on the market.”
Following the pilot phase, the partners are looking to expand the tool to other chemicals, such as dimethylether, which is used as a propellant in deodorant cans. The system provides sufficient flexibility so that it can be used by the industry across a wide range of products. The partners believe this platform provides a robust and reliable answer to certification and assurance for bio-based content, as it enables transparency and reliability across the value chain by means of a robust audit trail.
“The tool works like a virtual marketplace for the industry,” said Roel Drost, Senior Manager Climate Change & Sustainability at EY. “Companies can sign up and exchange different types of bio-based material certificates, ranging from base ingredients to finished products. This has enabled us to turn the complexity of the chemical industry into an easy and cost-effective tool for bio-based products. Hence, we want to quickly make it available to other supply chains to get value across the industry.”
About AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.
About Advanced Biochemical (Thailand) Co., Ltd
ABT produces Epicerol®, a bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH), using an innovative and patented technology. Epicerol® is based on natural, renewable glycerine and is the most sustainable ECH on the market. ABT has operated its world-class manufacturing unit in Map Ta Phut since February 2012. It is wholly-owned by Vinythai Public Company Limited and both companies strongly adhere to sustainability and social responsibility commitments.
About EY
At EY, we are committed to delivering exceptional client service across our four service lines – Assurance, Tax, Advisory and Transaction Advisory Services. At EY, we are committed to building a better working world – with increased trust and confidence in business, sustainable growth, development of talent in all its forms, and greater collaboration.
