BASF launches paper coating dispersions with reduced PCF for cost-effective CO₂ reduction

Paper coating binders produced at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site are now available as drop-in solution with approximately 20% to 45% lower Product Carbon Footprints* than the corresponding conventional products.

BASF is launching a portfolio of dispersions for paper coating with a reduced Product Carbon Footprint (rPCF). Paper coating binders produced at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site are now available with approximately 20% to 45% lower Product Carbon Footprints* than the corresponding conventional products. These new rPCF dispersions use several levers including low-PCF raw materials and are designed to support customers in lowering emissions in the 'Purchased Goods and Services' category, working toward their Scope 3.1 carbon reduction targets.

A photo of BASF's Ludwigshafen Verbund site along the river in daylight as seen from above.

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 to switch to rPCF products, no requalification needed

For rPCF paper coating dispersions, BASF uses low-PCF raw materials as well as green utilities, including electricity from renewable sources and low-PCF steam. The products are manufactured at the Ludwigshafen Verbund site using a mass balance approach, allowing customers to transition seamlessly to the new products as a drop-in solution without requiring requalification.

BASF's mass balance approach - a certified process for reliable data

In the 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 accordingly. The manufacturing process itself – and therefore the output – remains unchanged, offering customers a drop-in solution.

The carbon footprints of the products are calculated according to the guidance issued by the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative. TÜV Rheinland has certified the conformance of BASF's calculation methodology with this standard.

Find out more about low-PCF raw materials

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.