Partnering with our suppliers to reduce Scope 3.1 emissions

Collaborative efforts along the value chain are essential: The emissions generated by our suppliers (Scope 1, 2 and 3 upstream) are BASF's Scope 3.1 emissions, which are reflected in the Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) our customers receive.

Together with our partners in the "Together for Sustainability" (TfS) initiative, we have developed a PCF Guideline that ensures that PCFs are calculated using the same methodological approach across the chemical industry to allow for the comparison and assessment of the climate impacts of chemical products. By exchanging PCF data among value chain partners, the share of primary data in the PCF calculation is increased, leading to greater transparency and accuracy. This guideline serves as the foundation for the calculation and reporting of PCFs in the chemical industry.

This is the basis for our Supplier CO₂ Management Program. In this program, we invite our suppliers to jointly work on two key goals: (1) To gather PCF data and make greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the supply chain more transparent. (2) To define and implement concrete PCF reduction measures.

1^st Phase: In the transparency phase, we offer our support and share our knowledge on PCF calculation and tools with our suppliers.

2^nd Phase: In the reduction phase, we will jointly identify levers and targets with our suppliers to reduce these GHG emissions. 

Our track record so far

We have approached more than 1,900 suppliers who account for around 80 percent of our relevant* Scope 3.1 emissions.

More importantly, we now have about 2,000 validated PCFs for our raw materials, covering approximately 30% of our relevant Scope 3.1 emissions, and we are working together with our suppliers to increase this figure day by day.

*Scope 3.1 gross emissions from raw materials excluding battery materials, excluding services, technical goods and greenhouse gas emissions from BASF trading business. The emissions account for 52% of total Scope 3 emissions based on the 2024 business year. The target is not science-based and has not been externally audited. We adjusted the baseline in line with the TfS Guideline in the reporting year due to availability of further primary data.

Getting in touch

If you have questions, you are welcome to contact our Supplier CO₂ Management Team, part of the BASF procurement team.