Hanau, Germany. Evonik is now offering peracetic acid to the European market with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. By applying a mass balance approach in accordance with the latest ISO standards, Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line is enabling customers to lower their Scope 3 emissions. The method has been independently certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Peracetic acid, or PAA, is a versatile broadband disinfectant used in a wide variety of applications. It is comprised mainly of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and acetic acid, a natural substance that provides the tart component in vinegar. After use, PAA breaks down into only water, oxygen, and acetic acid – leaving little chemical trace on the environment. Evonik is now complementing this positive “handprint” with a lower environmental “footprint”: By using inputs from renewable resources, Evonik can produce its PAA with lower emissions compared to conventional means.
Christoph Batz-Sohn, Director for Sustainable Transformation at Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, explains: “Active Oxygens is already progressing along our roadmap toward net zero emissions by 2040. But customers don’t have to wait until 2040 to benefit. By applying a mass balance approach to identify the portion of our PAA that already has a low carbon footprint (LCF), we can issue an ‘LCF pass’ for this product. The pass enables customers to transparently reduce their Scope 3 emissions – with no change in quality, performance, or even the regulatory framework, such as biocidal approval.”
The mass balance approach involves calculating a product’s carbon footprint by measuring the proportion of sustainable inputs, such as raw materials and energy. For this calculation, Evonik follows the established norm ISO 22095-2:2026 and TfS guideline 2024. The low carbon footprint for Evonik’s PAA is achieved using bio-based acetic acid as a raw material together with Evonik’s LCF hydrogen peroxide.
Sustainability-minded players in the peracetic acid value chain are already taking notice. Johannes Peter Kiehl, CEO of international cleaning agent manufacturer JOHANNES KIEHL KG, stated: “KIEHL prioritizes the environment in all aspects of our business. From production floor to product design, we focus on increasing circularity and reducing environmental impacts. With Evonik, we have found a partner who takes this topic equally seriously: The LCF pass will enable us to reduce our Scope 3 emissions even further, contributing to fulfilling our sustainability promise to customers, partners, and regulators.”
Evonik’s low carbon footprint PAA is available immediately for all PAA brands within the portfolio. For more information on the sustainability strategy of the Active Oxygens business line, including its roadmap to net zero in its production network, visit: evonik.click/way2go2
