More and more companies are committed to greater sustainability and efficient resource use in production. A manufacturer of sandwich panels, BASF customer Falk Bouwsystemen B.V., Netherlands, also endeavors to supply its customers with products contributing to the use of renewable resources. To promote sustainable production throughout the value chain, BASF has developed the biomass balance approach and thus supports customers’ innovation and performance efforts. At the International BouwBeurs construction show in Utrecht, Netherlands, Under the trade name FIBON Falk is now unveiling a continuously produced sandwich element manufactured with the biomass balance approach. Peter Hoekman, Managing Director at Falk, is convinced of the benefits of the innovative method: “I’m delighted that we have succeeded in cooperation with BASF in developing a new product that makes a real contribution to greater sustainability. We therefore show that we’re taking the subject seriously and are able to offer our customers modern, efficient products.”

The principle is comparable to that of green electricity. The basic idea involves using renewable resources, such as biogas or bio-naphtha, together with fossil resources in production. The bio share is then arithmetically assigned to certain products using a method certified by the TÜV SÜD technical control board. The share can range from 25 to 100 percent, depending on customer wishes. And with product characteristics absolutely identical to those of the fossil equivalent. “There are no differences in quality or properties. The chemical components derived from renewable and fossil resources are indistinguishable. This means that the construction elements containing our Elastopir® systems always meet the same superlative standards,” says Roel Gunnink, Segment Manager Commercial, BASF Performance Materials.

Sustainable action is growing increasingly into a competitive factor that can tip the balance when the customer takes his or her purchase decision. “Each purchase of biomass-balanced products drives the substitution of the relevant quantities of fossil resources with their renewable equivalents at BASF,” explains Jesper Bjerregaard, Head of Marketing at BASF Performance Materials. Ecological responsibility, the conservation of fossil resources, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions go hand in glove with commercial success. BASF helps its customers to adopt innovative methods and exploit new business openings.