Green Materials/K2019: Sabic’s renewably-sourced feedstock PC

Sabic has launched the first of its polycarbonate (PC) based on certified renewable feedstock, which it says is a first in the industry.

Sabic’s PC cradle-to-gate LCA study reveals potentially significant reductions in carbon footprint (up to 50%) and fossil depletion impacts (up to 35%) for the production of polycarbonate resin based on the incorporation of renewable feedstock, in comparison to fossil-based polycarbonate production.

Polycarbonate – more specifically Lexan resin – forms part of Sabic’s engineering thermoplastics (ETP) portfolio. Customers can use the polycarbonate resins that are based on certified, renewable feedstock on their existing equipment, under identical process conditions. Thus potentially contributing to a reduction of the carbon footprint of their products.

The latest PC is part of Sabic’s Trucircle initiative of circular solutions.

“At Sabic we have engaged our value chain and unique position in Europe to produce polycarbonate using second generation renewable feedstocks that are not in competition with the food chain, to make a resin with equal performance to that produced from fossil naphtha,” said Lennard Markestein, Director ETP BU Petrochemicals, SABIC.

The chemical firm worked closely with The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) to provide proof of the incorporation of renewable feedstock in our PC production and the resulting sustainability claims, verified by independent third party auditors. In addition, CEPSA – the Spanish multinational oil and gas company – is a strategic value chain partner in this project, supporting Sabic through the production of renewable intermediates.

The PC based on ISCC PLUS certified feedstock will be produced initially at its manufacturing facilities in Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands, with global availability in the future. The certified PC resin may be used for applications in all market segments, such as automotive, consumer, electronics and electrical, building & construction and healthcare, currently served by its existing PC portfolio.