BASF has set itself the ambitious goal of reducing its Scope 3.1 emissions by 15% across its entire portfolio by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. This will only be possible by procuring raw materials with reliable PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) primary data and, furthermore, raw materials with a reduced PCF.

One of the first steps is the partial use of glass fibers from sustainable production in BASF’s Ultramid A & B compound portfolio.

Ultramid is the trade name for polyamides supplied by BASF for injection molding and extrusion. The product range includes PA6 grades (Ultramid B), PA66 grades (Ultramid A), special polyamides like PA6T/6 (Ultramid T) and PA610 (Ultramid S Balance) as well as special grades based on copolyamides.

Ultramid A is produced by con- densation polymerization of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, Ultramid B by hydrolytic polymerization of caprolactam. These materials are obtained from petrochemical feedstocks such as benzene, cyclohexane and p-xylene.

• Ultramid A (unreinforced) is the material with the greatest hardness, rigidity, abrasion resistance and thermostability. It is one of the preferred materials for parts subject to mechanical and thermal stresses in electrical, mechanical and automotive engineering.

• Ultramid B (unreinforced) is a tough, hard material affording parts with good damping characteristics and high shock resistance even in dry state and at low temperatures. It is distinguished by particularly high impact resistance and ease of processing.

The Ultramid grade are supplied in a variety of molecular weights or viscosities, have a range of additives and are reinforced with glass fibers or minerals.

Now, these glass fibers will be produced by 3B Fibreglass, a leading company and supplier of glass fiber solutions for the reinforcement of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. To reduce its carbon footprint, it uses green electricity in production.

The glass fiber industry has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. By producing glass fibers with green electricity from 1 January 2024, 3B is taking a big step in the right direction. Much like on the mass balance principle, the green electricity used in production is attributed to BASF’s glass fiber products.

By using such sustainably produced glass fiber, the PCF of BASF glass fiber reinforced products can be reduced by about 10%, corresponding to savings of about 5000 metric tons of carbon per year. This equates to the annual emissions of 200 average German households.

By sourcing sustainable glass fiber, BASF is actively helping to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability throughout the supply chain.