BASF starts production of methanol according to the biomass balance approach

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Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.

BASF has started production of methanol on the basis of renewable raw materials according to the biomass balance approach that the company itself has developed (see video below). It replaces fossil resources with second generation renewable raw materials. As a result, it states that reduces emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases by at least 50% compared with conventionally produced methanol. In terms of its chemical and physical characteristics, biomass balanced methanol is identical to methanol produced from fossil resources.
Press release: “BASF produces methanol according to the biomass balance approach”, 12/11/2018.

Video: Biomass Balance Approach BASF

The product name is EU-REDcert-methanol and is certified according to the REDcert system. The certificate proves the sustainable origin of the biomass used and the information on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is a standard for use as biofuel, recognized by the European Commission under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

The biomass balance approach is comparable to the green electricity principle. The electricity taken from the socket does not necessarily come from renewable energy, but the corresponding amount of renewable energy is fed into the grid. Another decisive factor in this approach is that the proportion of renewable raw materials in the system as a whole is correct and is mathematically assigned to the certified products.

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