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MASS BALANCE
EXPLAINED
The push and market pull for change
The need for robust climate action, including reducing emissions and increasing resource efficiency, alongside opportunities to shift toward more sustainable solutions, are all core drivers to building a more sustainable future.
Over the 20th century, global chemical suppliers have heavily relied on fossil fuels to power facility sites, enhance chemical processes, build product portfolios, and transport and distribution logistics. Diversification and the modification of feedstocks is now widely seen as part of the solution when talking about the overall move away from fossil fuels within the industry. In combination with this push from within the industry the demand (pull) for recycled materials from downstream customers has also grown.
A recent Smartest Energy report showed that 81% of consumers are likelier to choose a brand that is taking positive actions towards a more sustainable world. Despite this, 45% of consumers are unaware of practices brands have adopted to encourage environmental sustainability; therefore, there is a gap in executing eco-friendly practices and communicating transparently throughout the chemical supply chain.
The Challenge
The chemical industry uses a small set of raw materials (or feedstocks) to produce tens of thousands of products. Traditionally this feedstock has been derived from fossil-based material.
When recycled feedstocks enter the same manufacturing system as fossil-based feedstocks, they cannot exist in physically divided flows. Separating and delivering these two different feedstocks at scale is often associated with operational and economic feasibility challenges.
![women using laptop for working technology and business Net zero and carbon neutral concept](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/1401766298_--women-using-laptop-for-working-technology-and-business-Net-zero-and-carbon-neutral-concept.-Renewable-energy-based-green-businesses-can-limit-climate-change-and-global-warming.-Reduce-CO2-emission.-800x500.jpg)
![women using laptop for working technology and business Net zero and carbon neutral concept](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/1401766298_--women-using-laptop-for-working-technology-and-business-Net-zero-and-carbon-neutral-concept.-Renewable-energy-based-green-businesses-can-limit-climate-change-and-global-warming.-Reduce-CO2-emission.-800x500.jpg)
The Industry Adoption of Mass Balance
In a bid to fill this gap, the mass balance approach has prevailed within the chemical industry, with growing emphasis over the last few years. At present, bio-based chemistry cannot serve as a viable solution for swiftly transitioning to renewable feedstocks on a large scale due to inherent constraints.
These constraints encompass factors such as product feedstock availability, infrastructure, research and development limitations, as well as cost considerations. Nevertheless, it does represent a significant step towards establishing a circular economy.
![women using laptop for working technology and business Net zero and carbon neutral concept](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/1401766298_--women-using-laptop-for-working-technology-and-business-Net-zero-and-carbon-neutral-concept.-Renewable-energy-based-green-businesses-can-limit-climate-change-and-global-warming.-Reduce-CO2-emission.-800x500.jpg)
![women using laptop for working technology and business Net zero and carbon neutral concept](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/1401766298_--women-using-laptop-for-working-technology-and-business-Net-zero-and-carbon-neutral-concept.-Renewable-energy-based-green-businesses-can-limit-climate-change-and-global-warming.-Reduce-CO2-emission.-800x500.jpg)
The Industry Adoption of Mass Balance
In a bid to fill this gap, the mass balance approach has prevailed within the chemical industry, with growing emphasis over the last few years. At present, bio-based chemistry cannot serve as a viable solution for swiftly transitioning to renewable feedstocks on a large scale due to inherent constraints.
These constraints encompass factors such as product feedstock availability, infrastructure, research and development limitations, as well as cost considerations. Nevertheless, it does represent a significant step towards establishing a circular economy.
How does it work?
Mass balancing is a chain of custody in which certified and non-certified materials are mixed physically, but kept separate on a bookkeeping basis. This method documents and tracks circular, bio-circular and biological materials through complex manufacturing systems.
By using mass balance, companies can track how much circular, bio-circular and biomaterial has been used in their manufacturing systems and ensure that it corresponds precisely to the amount of certified content in the end products
Mass balance is a gradual step for manufacturers to substitute a percentage of a product's fossil fuel (non-renewable) content with circular sources. The primary fossil feedstocks in the chemical industry are naphtha and natural gas, which are further processed by cracking or part oxidation at elevated temperatures. In products, these feedstocks are replaced by bio-feedstocks, i.e., bio-naphtha and biogas (bio-methane) as well as recovered and recycled traditional feedstocks.. This method achieves an identical product quality and performance to which they are accustomed to and benefit from a sustainable drop-in solution, making a conscious contribution to environmental protection and limiting the climate crisis.
![Mass Balance Explained](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Diagram.png)
![Mass Balance Explained](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Diagram.png)
Feedstocks
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/1.png)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/1.png)
Use of renewable feedstock at the start of chemical production(e.g. steam cracker)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/arrow.png)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/arrow.png)
Integrated Production
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/2.png)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/2.png)
Utilisation of existing integrated production for all production steps
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/arrow.png)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/arrow.png)
Products
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/3.png)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/3.png)
Allocation of the renewable share to selected products
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/iscc_certified_logo.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/iscc_certified_logo.png)
Key benefits of Mass Balance
- Easy accountability
- Gives formulators a sustainable 'drop-in' solution
- Significant reduction of carbon footprint/greenhouse gases
- The same product quality/efficacy is attained
- No need to adapt formulations, plants, or processes
- It can be implemented directly
- Certified according to well-accepted standards like REDcert2
- Removes the need for separate processing units & their potential environmental impact
- Enhances sustainability value proposition of products from source
- Early adoption encourages a gradual increase of renewable feedstock supply
Key Benefits of Mass Balance
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_2.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_2.png)
Easy Accountability
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_8.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_8.png)
Gives formulators a sustainable 'drop-in' solution
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_9.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_9.png)
Significant reduction of carbon footprint/ greenhouse gases
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_7.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_7.png)
The same product quality/efficacy is retained
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_11.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_11.png)
No need to adapt formulations, plants or processes
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_6.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_6.png)
It can be implemented directly
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_10.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_10.png)
Certified according to well-accepted standards like REDcert2
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_5.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_5.png)
Removes the need for separate processing units & their potential environmental impact
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_4.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_4.png)
Enhances sustainability value proposition of products from source
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_3.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_3.png)
Early adoption encourages a gradual increase of renewable feedstock supply
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_2.png)
![ISCC Plus - Certified Sustainability](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Biomass_balance/Asset_2.png)
Key benefits of Mass Balance
- Easy accountability
- Gives formulators a sustainable 'drop-in' solution
- Significant reduction of carbon footprint/greenhouse gases
- The same product quality/efficacy is attained
- No need to adapt formulations, plants, or processes
- It can be implemented directly
- Certified according to well-accepted standards like REDcert2
- Removes the need for separate processing units & their potential environmental impact
- Enhances sustainability value proposition of products from source
- Early adoption encourages a gradual increase of renewable feedstock supply
Conclusion
The Mass Balance approach is an innovative yet simple method, allowing the evaluation of life cycle environmental impacts of bio-based and circular products without creating whole value chains separately from the fossil-based routes.s produits biosourcés et circulaires sans créer des chaînes de valeur entières distinctes des filières fossiles.
More on Sustainable & Circular
Transition to Circular
![Green leaves sprouting](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/MoveToCircularEconomy/Main-campaign-image.jpg)
![Green leaves sprouting](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/MoveToCircularEconomy/Main-campaign-image.jpg)
Discover how Univar Solutions can help you navigate the journey towards a Circular Economy, displacing fossil fuels with a mass balance approach.
More on Sustainable & Circular
Transition to Circular
![Green leaves sprouting](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/MoveToCircularEconomy/Main-campaign-image.jpg)
![Green leaves sprouting](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/MoveToCircularEconomy/Main-campaign-image.jpg)
Discover how Univar Solutions can help you navigate the journey towards a Circular Economy, displacing fossil fuels with a mass balance approach.
THE ISCC
![A woman on a tablet with the recycle logo on the reverse](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/MoveToCircularEconomy/ISCC-image.jpg)
![A woman on a tablet with the recycle logo on the reverse](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/MoveToCircularEconomy/ISCC-image.jpg)
ISCC strives for a world where biomass and other raw materials are produced in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable manner.
Useful Links & Sources
- https://www.iscc-system.org/about/circular-economy/mass-balance-approach/
- PlasticsEurope position paper on the "Mass balance approach to accelerate the use of renewable feedstocks in chemical processes" (29 January 2020)
- https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data#:~:text=Since
- https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/sustainability/we-drive-sustainable-solutions/circular-economy/mass-balance-approach/biomass-balance.html
- https://www.recyclinglives.com/news/general/report-reveals-81-people-prefer-buy-sustainable-sellers
- Study "A methodology for integrating the biomass balance approach into life cycle assessment with an application in the chemicals sector" by Adisa Azapagic et al. in "Science of the total environment" (2019)
- Mass balance approach for the sustainable chemicals transition
As a global leader in chemical and ingredient distribution, we take our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously, and:
Employ environmentally conscious protocols and technologies
Encourage community engagement
Establish practices and partnerships with integrity
More on Sustainable & Circular
Link to ISCC Acreditation page
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/Mask_Group_4.png)
![](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/Mask_Group_4.png)
cras fermentum odio eu feugiat pretium nibh ipsum consequat nisl vel pretium lectus quam id leo in vitae turpis massa sed elementum tempus egestas sed sed s
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Sustainable Solutions
Discover how we can help customers develop and market sustainable products
2025 Goals
2025 Goals
In an effort to drive meaningful change and show our continuous commitment, we've outlined a new set of ESG sustainability goals.
These ambitious standards will allow us to better serve our customers, employees, and partners today, so that together, we can shape a better tomorrow.
![Climate Action](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/climate-action_1.png)
![Climate Action](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/climate-action_1.png)
Climate Action
Implement technology, processes, and culture to support our sustainability journey.
Reach 20% absolute reduction in CO2e emissions by 2025, and 40% by 2030
Achieve net-zero direct emissions by 2050
![Serious About Safety](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/serious-about-safety_1.png)
![Serious About Safety](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/serious-about-safety_1.png)
Safety
Keep our employees, vendors, and customers safe at work
By 2025, reduce TCIR by 20%
Achieve 100% alignment by and utilization on our global safety program by 2025
![Resource Use](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/resource-use_1.png)
![Resource Use](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/resource-use_1.png)
Resource Use
Embed the principles of circularity and operational excellence.
Reduce hazardous waste and water waste by 15% by 2025
Triple non-hazardous waste recycling rates by 2025
Introduce sustainble water use at all high-risk sites
![Release Prevention](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/reslease-prevention_1.png)
![Release Prevention](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/reslease-prevention_1.png)
Release Prevention
Support the responsible handling of materials across our operations and supply chain.
Reduce significant chemical releases by 40% by 2025
![Sustainable Sourcing](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/sustainable-sourcing_1.png)
![Sustainable Sourcing](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/sustainable-sourcing_1.png)
Sustainable Sourcing
Drive improved sustainability performance and minimum standards across our diverse supplier base.
By 2023, get 100% of active suppliers to agree to our Code of Conduct
Assess 80% of suppliers on their sustainability performance (by spend) by 2025
![Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/dei_1.png)
![Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/dei_1.png)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Increase representation across the organization and encourage employees to lead with their authentic selves.
Maintain a 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index, and at least a 78% score on the Employee Engagement Diversity & Inclusion Index
Increase female representation and ethnic diversity at the people leader level (and above) by 2025
![Sustainable Solutions](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/sustainable-solutions_1.png)
![Sustainable Solutions](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/sustainable-solutions_1.png)
Sustainable Solutions
Leverage sustainable products, services, and practices.
Develop sustainable characteristics for all products
Communicate the key sustainability impacts for non-product-related services
Offer circular packaging solutions for all suitable products
![Community Engagement](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/community-engagement_1.png)
![Community Engagement](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/community-engagement_1.png)
Community Engagement
Demonstrate our committment to local communities
Make charitable contributions through the Univar Solutions Foundation (or other similar means)
Establish employee volunteer hour contributions, and company matching gift contributions
![Climate Action](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/climate-action_1.png)
![Climate Action](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/climate-action_1.png)
Climate Action
Implement technology, processes, and culture to support our sustainability journey.
Reach 20% absolute reduction in CO2e emissions by 2025, and 40% by 2030
Achieve net-zero direct emissions by 2050
![Serious About Safety](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/serious-about-safety_1.png)
![Serious About Safety](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/serious-about-safety_1.png)
Safety
Keep our employees, vendors, and customers safe at work
By 2025, reduce TCIR by 20%
Achieve 100% alignment by and utilization on our global safety program by 2025
![Resource Use](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/resource-use_1.png)
![Resource Use](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/resource-use_1.png)
Resource Use
Embed the principles of circularity and operational excellence.
Reduce hazardous waste and water waste by 15% by 2025
Triple non-hazardous waste recycling rates by 2025
![Release Prevention](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/reslease-prevention_1.png)
![Release Prevention](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/reslease-prevention_1.png)
Release Prevention
Support the responsible handling of materials across our operations and supply chain.
Reduce significant chemical releases by 40% by 2025
![Sustainable Sourcing](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/sustainable-sourcing_1.png)
![Sustainable Sourcing](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/sustainable-sourcing_1.png)
Sustainable Sourcing
Drive improved sustainability performance and minimum standards across our diverse supplier base.
By 2023, get 100% of active suppliers to agree to our Code of Conduct
Assess 80% of suppliers on their sustainability performance (by spend) by 2025
![Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/dei_1.png)
![Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.univarsolutions.no/media/wysiwyg/EMEA/Sustainability/Icons/dei_1.png)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Increase representation across the organization and encourage employees to lead with their authentic selves.
Maintain a 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index, and at least a 78% score on the Employee Engagement Diversity & Inclusion Index
Increase female representation and ethnic diversity at the people leader level (and above) by 2025
Resources & Reporting
Explore helpful ESG reporting, performance, and policy resources