COLOGNE, Germany—For Lanxess A.G., it's out with the old and in with the more sustainable.
The German chemicals supplier said that, as of Oct. 1, it would offer the convetional range of its Mesamoll plasticizers used in rubber and polyurethanes, but now with a "significantly reduced product carbon footprint" on the basis of "more sustainable" raw materials.
The Mesamoll plasticizer now has a "significantly reduced" product carbon footprint, according to the company's Aug. 28 press release. The replacement additives, the company added, are "phthalate-free, well-gelling and exceptionally saponification-resistant."
The products can be applied for a wide range of polymers, including rubber, PVC and polyurethane systems.
According to Lanxess, more than 30 percent of the input materials will come from "fully sustainable sources" resulting in a reduced product carbon footprint of around 20 percent. As the product carbon footprint reduction is calculated via mass balance, the switchover will have "no impact on the product quality or performance of the additives," Lanxess said.
“The switch to a more sustainable raw material base in the production of Mesamoll is a testament to Lanxess' commitment to sustainability,” said Karsten Job, head of the polymer additives business. “Helping our customers to reduce their carbon footprint while meeting the demands of our customers for phthalate-free, reliable and performing solutions makes us a frontrunner in the market.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previos version of this article incorrectly stated that Lanxess would discontinue its conventional range of plasticizers for sustainable alternatives. Lanxess will continue to offer its Mesamoll plasticizers, but now with a reduced carbon footprint due to the switch to more sustainable raw materials.
