Press Release

November 02, 2023

Evonik Crosslinkers production site in North America receives ISCC PLUS sustainability certification

. Evonik’s site in Mobile, Alabama, has been awarded the ISCC PLUS sustainability certificate for its use of renewable acetone in the production of isophorone-based products.

  • Mobile, Alabama, site is Evonik’s first US site to receive sought-after global sustainability certification
  • US production for renewable isophorone-based drop-in solutions offers more sustainable solvents, composites and coatings for the region 
  • Renewable VESTA eCO series is the world's only isophorone solutions offering less CO2 emissions 

Mobile, USA/Marl, Germany. Evonik’s site in Mobile, Alabama, has been awarded the ISCC PLUS sustainability certificate for its use of renewable acetone in the production of isophorone-based products. The accreditation of the site at Mobile allows Evonik to produce and market its renewable isophorone-based, VESTA eCO series in the USA for the first time. European production started in 2022 following the Herne, Germany Crosslinkers production site’s certification.

Using acetone made from renewable bio-circular materials derived from industrial waste like used cooking oils integrated with existing feedstocks, enables Evonik to provide the only renewable isophorone platform of isophorone, -diamine and -diisocyanate products on the market. By reducing its reliance on fossil-based acetone, Evonik is lowering the carbon footprint of its own production, while also supporting customers in the region to address their own sustainability, CO2 reduction and environmental regulation demands. 

To achieve the ISCC PLUS certification, Evonik’s use of renewable feedstocks is independently certified using the mass balance accounting principle and external auditing. The process matches inputs with outputs from the production process by calculating and determining the share of renewable feedstock when both renewable, and fossil feedstocks are used. For example, the VESTANAT® IPDI eCO product contains 75% renewable carbon per mass balance, offering a significant reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) and CO2 footprint compared to its fossil-based counterparts. 

“This latest ISCC accreditation enables us to adopt large-scale production of our VESTA eCO series products in Mobile and provide our customers in the region with cost-effective and sustainable solutions,” said Christian Schmidt, Head of Evonik Crosslinkers business line. “Providing our customers with reliable information on carbon footprints to give them a clear picture of their reduction options is another step on our sustainability journey to achieve climate neutrality in the industries we support.”

The ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) is an independent third-party initiative and is considered the leading certification for sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free, and climate-friendly supply chains.

“From the renewable feedstocks and our production, to the consumers buying ISCC PLUS-certified products, we can keep track of each renewable molecule we use from the entire supply chain,” said John Duggan, Head of Evonik Crosslinkers business line, Americas. “So even as we mix the different feedstocks, we are able to reduce our total carbon footprint, and the ultimate goal is to utilize 100% renewable feedstocks to lower the carbon footprint further."

Evonik’s VESTA eCO grades are available under the well-known Crosslinkers brand families; VESTASOL® IP eCO (100% renewable carbon) for isophorone, VESTAMIN® IPD eCO (90% renewable carbon)  for isophorone diamine, and VESTANAT® IPDI eCO (75% renewable carbon) for isophorone diisocyanate. Due to their mechanical strength, durability, chemical resistance, excellent adhesion and low CO2 emissions, they are designed to be used as sustainable raw materials in the production of paints, lacquers and binders for modern coating systems. They are also suitable for high-performance composite materials like rotor blades for wind turbines or in automotive interiors to produce higher quality instrument panels and trims as well as the latest chemical synthesis technologies.

For more detailed information about the mass balance process and the ISCC PLUS certification please visit https://crosslinkers.evonik.com/en/products/eco-grades

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.