BASF launches resource-saving refinish product line

In the interest of protecting the environment, BASF’s Coatings division has launched new lines for its refinish paint brands. The products made are made as per the guidelines of the certified biomass balance approach, and will therefore contribute to the reduction of carbondioxide emissions.

As part of the biomass balance approach, renewable resources are used instead of the fossil resources. One example is the use of bio-naphtha or biogas derived from organic waste or vegetable oils instead of products obtained from petroleum. This share of biomass is then mathematically calculated and allocated to the new product line for automotive refinish products based on a method that has been certified by the German Technical Supervisory Association TÜV SÜD. Thus, by using this method, 100 per cent of the fossil resources can be replaced with renewable resources.

Commenting on the approach, Katja Scharpwinkel, head of BASF’s Automotive Refinish EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) unit said that the biomass balance approach allows renewable resources to be used at the start of chemical production. Then the products obtained as an outcome of this process can be processed in the usual manner and used to manufacture BASF’s refinish products. Use of such products will give body shops a chance to differentiate themselves from the competition and do their bit for sustainability.

The biomass balance approach, which is used by several divisions in BASF is similar to the green energy tariff approach. The key point is that the total proportion of renewable sources in the system increases and through mathematical calculations is correctly allocated to the certified commercial products. If the demand for such products increases, this proportion must be increased accordingly. TÜV SÜD keeps tabs on whether BASF actually uses this share in renewable resources in the production Verbund and that the company allocates it correctly to the certified products.