MASS BALANCE
EXPLAINED

The push and market pull for change 

The need for robust climate action, including reducing emissions and increasing resource efficiency, alongside opportunities to shift toward more sustainable solutions, are all core drivers to building a more sustainable future.

Over the 20th century, global chemical suppliers have heavily relied on fossil fuels to power facility sites, enhance chemical processes, build product portfolios, and transport and distribution logistics. Diversification and the modification of feedstocks is now widely seen as part of the solution when talking about the overall move away from fossil fuels within the industry. In combination with this push from within the industry the demand (pull) for recycled materials from downstream customers has also grown.

A recent Smartest Energy report showed that 81% of consumers are likelier to choose a brand that is taking positive actions towards a more sustainable world. Despite this, 45% of consumers are unaware of practices brands have adopted to encourage environmental sustainability; therefore, there is a gap in executing eco-friendly practices and communicating transparently throughout the chemical supply chain.

The Industry Adoption of  Mass Balance 

In a bid to fill this gap, the mass balance approach has prevailed within the chemical industry, with growing emphasis over the last few years. At present, bio-based chemistry cannot serve as a viable solution for swiftly transitioning to renewable feedstocks on a large scale due to inherent constraints.

These constraints encompass factors such as product feedstock availability, infrastructure, research and development limitations, as well as cost considerations. Nevertheless, it does represent a significant step towards establishing a circular economy.

The Industry Adoption of  Mass Balance 

In a bid to fill this gap, the mass balance approach has prevailed within the chemical industry, with growing emphasis over the last few years. At present, bio-based chemistry cannot serve as a viable solution for swiftly transitioning to renewable feedstocks on a large scale due to inherent constraints.

These constraints encompass factors such as product feedstock availability, infrastructure, research and development limitations, as well as cost considerations. Nevertheless, it does represent a significant step towards establishing a circular economy.

Feedstocks

Use of renewable feedstock at the start of chemical production(e.g. steam cracker)

Integrated Production

Utilisation of existing integrated production for all production steps

Products

Allocation of the renewable share to selected products

Key benefits of Mass Balance

• Easy accountability
• Gives formulators a sustainable 'drop-in' solution
• Significant reduction of carbon footprint/greenhouse gases 
• The same product quality/efficacy is attained
• No need to adapt formulations, plants, or processes
• It can be implemented directly
• Certified according to well-accepted standards like REDcert2
• Removes the need for separate processing units & their potential environmental impact
• Enhances sustainability value proposition of products from source
• Early adoption encourages a gradual increase of renewable feedstock supply

Easy Accountability

Gives formulators a sustainable 'drop-in' solution

Significant reduction of carbon footprint/ greenhouse gases

The same product quality/efficacy is retained

No need to adapt formulations, plants or processes

It can be implemented directly

Certified according to well-accepted standards like REDcert2

Removes the need for separate processing units & their potential environmental impact

Enhances sustainability value proposition of products from source

Early adoption encourages a gradual increase of renewable feedstock supply

Key benefits of Mass Balance

• Easy accountability
• Gives formulators a sustainable 'drop-in' solution
• Significant reduction of carbon footprint/greenhouse gases 
• The same product quality/efficacy is attained
• No need to adapt formulations, plants, or processes
• It can be implemented directly
• Certified according to well-accepted standards like REDcert2
• Removes the need for separate processing units & their potential environmental impact
• Enhances sustainability value proposition of products from source
• Early adoption encourages a gradual increase of renewable feedstock supply

Useful Links & Sources

1. https://www.iscc-system.org/about/circular-economy/mass-balance-approach/ 
2. PlasticsEurope position paper on the "Mass balance approach to accelerate the use of renewable feedstocks in chemical processes" (29 January 2020)
3. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data#:~:text=Since
4. https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/sustainability/we-drive-sustainable-solutions/circular-economy/mass-balance-approach/biomass-balance.html
5. https://www.recyclinglives.com/news/general/report-reveals-81-people-prefer-buy-sustainable-sellers
6. Study "A methodology for integrating the biomass balance approach into life cycle assessment with an application in the chemicals sector" by Adisa Azapagic et al. in "Science of the total environment" (2019)
7. Mass balance approach for the sustainable chemicals transition