BASF has calculated the Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) for vitamins, carotenoids, beverage processing polymers, feed enzymes and feed performance ingredients for the human and animal nutrition markets. The BASF methodology for calculating PCFs is certified by TÜV Rheinland according to the internationally recognized standard, ISO 14067:2018.

The PCF sums up the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a product over the different stages of its life cycle. This makes PCFs the central tool for creating transparency on emissions and identifying levers to reduce CO₂ emissions. PCFs of BASF products comprise all product-related greenhouse gas emissions that occur until the BASF product leaves the factory gate for the customer: from the purchased raw material to the use of energy in production processes.

A benchmarking shows that the PCF for specific BASF vitamin A and E products is significantly better – at least 20 % – than the global market average PCF of the corresponding third-party products. BASF’s benchmark assessments have been conducted according to ISO 14044, ISO 14067, and GHG protocol standard. The independent certification by TÜV Rheinland confirms calculation of the PCFs and market averages according to ISO 14067:2018, based on data provided by BASF. The certification is documented in a database (www.certipedia.com) and accessible to every customer upon request.

BASF conducted the benchmarks for specific vitamin A and E products as they show a high CO₂ avoidance potential for customers. BASF will evaluate an expansion of this approach to further products in its vitamin and carotenoid portfolio.     

A major factor contributing to the lower PCF of the respective products is the unique BASF Verbund: highly efficient use of resources as well as lower carbon-emitting energy sources and raw materials.

BASF’s goal is to maintain this competitive PCF advantage in the future. Recent investments in a world-scale wind farm, long-term renewable Power Purchase Agreements, and strategic partnerships on industrial-scale heat pumps will enable sizeable emissions reductions.

“We are committed to support our customers to progress on their emission reduction targets. Our offer of specific vitamin A and E products with certified product carbon footprint better than the global market average is outstanding and we are proud to deliver this competitive PCF advantage to our customers,” says Julia Raquet, Senior Vice President Global Business Unit Nutrition Ingredients.

The following BASF products have PCFs at least 20 % better than global market average:

Animal Nutrition:

Human Nutrition:

BASF said it is committed to the introduction of product-specific guidelines for the calculation of PCFs in the chemical industry to create an industry-wide level playing field and comparability of products.