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BASF’s rPCF dispersions for paper coating
October 26, 2026

MyIndustryWorld

BASF’s rPCF dispersions for paper coating support customers’ Scope 3.1 emission reduction targets

Our binders with reduced Product Carbon Footprint (rPCF) deliver a cost-effective emission reduction, with approx. 20% to 45% lower PCFs than the corresponding conventional products. As the manufacturing process itself remains unchanged, binders can be switched without requalification, making this a true drop-in solution. 

The rPCF portfolio enables

  • A reliable Product Carbon Footprint approx. 20% to 45% lower than the corresponding conventional products 
  • Switching with no requalification and no change to your process
  • Measurable progress on Scope 3.1 reduction targets in the Purchased Goods and Services category
A smiling man in a dark suit stands in a brightly lit industrial setting with large rolls of paper in the background.
We are launching our new rPCF portfolio to address our customers' need for practical solutions for emission reduction. The new products offer a cost-effective option for contributing to relevant CO2 savings. As part of BASF's commitment to the paper and board industry, this is one way we aim to support our customers in addressing current and future market challenges. 

Prof. Dr. Thomas Schiele

Vice President Business Management Adhesives, Fiber Bonding, Printing, Paper & Packaging

How we reduce the Product Carbon Footprint

 

For the rPCF dispersions, BASF uses lower-PCF raw materials as well as green utilities, including electricity from renewable sources and lower-PCF steam. The products are manufactured at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site using a mass balance approach: A specified share of conventional raw materials or conventional utilities is replaced with corresponding alternatives that have a reduced PCF. This share is then allocated to the reduced-PCF products, lowering their carbon footprint.

More about lower-PCF raw materials at BASF

The cradle-to-gate carbon footprints of the products are calculated according to the guidance issued by the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative, the chemical industry standard for Product Carbon Footprint calculation. TÜV Rheinland has certified the conformance of BASF’s calculation methodology with this standard.

Reducing Product Carbon Footprints through lower-emission raw materials

For many chemical products, raw materials represent the largest share of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). By sourcing selected raw materials with a lower PCF than other conventional alternatives or benchmarks, BASF can offer products with reduced Product Carbon Footprints while maintaining the same quality and performance that customers expect from BASF products. 

Read more

BASF tank storage facility in Ludwigshafen with industrial worker in safety gear performing inspection on a storage tank roof.
A close-up of a spinning metal roller guiding white fabric through a manufacturing machine.
Dispersions for Paper Coating 
BASF offers paper coating binders and additives including water-based paper barrier coating solutions. Explore our Pilot Coating Center to optimize your processes.
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Woman using a laptop displaying a world map with a green download icon overlay. Bright workspace with pens in a holder, evoking a tech-focused atmosphere.
Product Carbon Footprint
With BASF’s product carbon footprint data, customers have full transparency into the greenhouse gas emissions of our portfolio of dispersions and construction additives.
  1. Read more
A close-up of a spinning metal roller guiding white fabric through a manufacturing machine.
Dispersions for Paper Coating 
BASF offers paper coating binders and additives including water-based paper barrier coating solutions. Explore our Pilot Coating Center to optimize your processes.
  1. Read more

FAQ

What does rPCF mean? 

rPCF stands for reduced Product Carbon Footprint. It describes products whose cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint has been lowered compared with the corresponding conventional product. 

How large is the reduction? 

Between 20% and 45%, depending on the product, compared with the corresponding conventional grade. 

Do I have to requalify my products? 

No. The manufacturing process for the rPCF dispersions remains unchanged, so they can be used as a drop-in solution. 

How is the reduction achieved? 

Through lower-PCF raw materials and green utilities, including electricity from renewable sources and lower-PCF steam, allocated to the products using a mass balance approach. 

How is the Product Carbon Footprint calculated? 

BASF calculates PCFs according to the guidance issued by the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative, the chemical industry's standard for calculating product carbon footprint values. At the same time, the BASF method follows the relevant PCF standard ISO 14067:2018. Both the methodology and the digital solution have been certified by TÜV Rheinland. 

How does rPCF differ from biomass balance products? 

Biomass balance dispersions remain available. CO2 reduction achieved via purchasing biomass balanced products is counted into the customer's Scope 3.12 emissions ("End of life of Products"). 

The rPCF portfolio offers an alternative, cost-effective option for achieving significant CO₂ savings. CO2 reduction achieved via purchasing rPCF products is counted into the customer's Scope 3.1. emissions ("Purchased Goods and Services"). 

 

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