BASF launches diverse range of ingredients based on certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil
- Most diverse portfolio of ingredients from certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil for the European home and personal care industry
- Goal to purchase 100% of palm and palm kernel oil from certified sustainable sources by 2015
Ludwigshafen, Germany, February 17, 2014 – BASF is one of the first suppliers to the European home and personal care industry to offer a diverse range of ingredients based on certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil, in accordance with the principles and criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). With the launch of these ingredients, BASF is moving towards achieving its goal of purchasing all palm and palm kernel oil from certified sustainable sources by 2015. Sustainable development is an integral part of BASF’s strategy.
The palm (kernel) oil used to produce these ingredients is sourced via either the Segregation (SG) or the Mass Balance (MB) supply chain system of the RSPO. The SG supply chain system assures that the palm (kernel) oil and the subsequent derivatives are kept strictly separated from uncertified oil in every step of the individual production process – from the plantation to the final product. The MB supply chain system allows for mixing of RSPO-certified oil with oil from uncertified sources at any point in the supply chain. A match between the purchased volumes of certified palm (kernel) oil and processed derivatives needs to be guaranteed.
Jan-Peter Sander, Senior Vice President Personal Care Europe, BASF explained: “Depending on their individual demands, our customers can choose between two certified supply chain models to drive their own sustainable development forward.” While the RSPO-MB system represents an intermediate step on the way to the fully traceable sustainable sourcing of oil palm products, the RSPO-SG based ingredients enable the development of market products containing derivatives physically based on certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil. To establish a segregated supply chainsystem for palm (kernel) oil-based ingredients, BASF has invested in setting up separate tanks, as well as production and transportation measures.
Opening up new opportunities
BASF’s ingredients based on certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil will allow home and personal care manufacturers to develop value-added formulations that meet the strongly increasing market demand for certified, sustainable sourcing of raw materials. The offer includes main surfactants to formulate products for personal care or household cleaners as well as emollients for skin care formulations. With this approach, BASF fosters the use of sustainable sources for palm (kernel) oil, and supports the industry in reaching their own sustainability targets. “Customer demands towards sustainable solutions are constantly increasing. Introducing these ingredients is an important step to support this development,” said Levent Yüksel, Vice President of Primary Surfactants and Fatty Alcohols Personal Care Europe, BASF.
Committed to a sustainable palm oil economy
Palm oil is obtained from the palm fruit, while palm kernel oil is extracted from the kernel of the palm fruit as a by-product. The RSPO, which is a multi-stakeholder initiative, developed legal, technical, ecological and social criteria to promote the sustainable manufacture and use of palm oil products, and targets to implement these criteria in global markets. This is particularly important due to the increasing demand of palm (kernel) oil and the critical environmental and social aspects associated to it. In order to foster sustainable palm oil production and usage, BASF is an active member of the RSPO since its foundation in 2004.
About BASF`s Care Chemicals
BASF Care Chemicals division offers a broad range of ingredients for hygiene, personal care, home care, industrial & institutional cleaning, and technical applications. We are the global leading supplier for the cosmetics industry, as well as the detergents and cleaners industry and support our customers with innovative and sustainable products, solutions and concepts. The division’s high-performance product portfolio includes surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, emollients, chelating agents, cosmetic active ingredients, pigments and UV filters. Superabsorbent polymers developed for the full spectrum of hygiene applications complete the range. We have production and development sites in all regions and are expanding our presence in emerging markets. We are where our customers need us around the world.
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
Personal Care Europe Susanne Sengel Phone: +49 2173 4995-220
Home Care and I&I Europe Anne Steinz Phone: +49 621 60-93997 |
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