Sustainability
BASF publishes fifth Palm Progress Report
July 15, 2021
BASF today launched the fifth edition of its Palm Progress Report featuring figures for 2020. One of BASF’s key renewable raw materials is palm kernel oil and its primary derivatives which are mainly used to produce ingredients for the cosmetics, detergent and cleaner industries, as well as in human nutrition.
In the past year, BASF has reached an important milestone on the road to sustainable palm oil. The company has committed to sourcing palm (kernel) oils exclusively from RSPO-certified sustainable sources by 2020. Last year, BASF purchased 227,213 metric tons of RSPO-certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil. This corresponds to 100 percent of the total volume purchased. In addition, BASF made further progress in developing transparent supply chains: almost 95 percent of the global palm oil footprint – a total of 441,107 metric tons – could be traced back to the oil mill.
Having reached this important milestone, BASF is now fully focused on the other part of its 2015 commitment: to also include the commitment of certified sourcing to those significant intermediates which are based on palm oil and palm kernel oil by 2025, e.g. fatty alcohols and fatty acids.
Portfolio for palm-based surfactants with RSPO certification continues to grow
BASF’s Home Care, I&I and Industrial Formulators Europe business is expanding its portfolio of palm-based surfactants with RSPO certifications. With this step, BASF is once more underlining its commitment to support the cultivation of sustainable palm (kernel) oil. In addition, BASF is helping its European customers to meet end-user demands for environmentally friendly products, both in the detergents and cleaners industry and among users of industrial applications. BASF Home Care, I&I and Industrial Formulators Europe now offers around 150 surfactants certified according to the RSPO Mass Balance standard, in line with the company’s efforts to work towards a sustainable future along the entire value chain.
BASF produces palm-based ingredients for cosmetic products, detergents and cleaning agents, as well as for industrial applications, for example. The majority of oil palm products used by BASF are based on palm kernel oil and its derivatives, and to a lesser extent on palm oil.