Styrolux® ECO and Styroflex® ECO, our SBC product lines comprising 60% bio-attributed feedstock were the world’s first specialty ECO products that we launched in 2021. These SBC materials have now accomplished another achievement: by being the first specialty ECO product line available with 100% bio-attributed feedstock.
Styrolux ECO and Styroflex ECO are an ideal solution for millions of products, such as food packaging, but also medical devices, durable household goods and flooring applications.
Produced in Antwerp, Styrolux ECO BC60 and Styroflex ECO BC60 were the world’s first specialty products where 100% of the fossil-based styrene is replaced by bio-attributed styrene. Today, we also offer SBC copolymer products based on 100% bio-attributed styrene and 100% bio-butadiene (currently only available in Europe).
Styrolux ECO BC100 and Styroflex ECO BC100 offers identical product characteristics as the conventionally-produced Styrolux and Styroflex. And using feedstock from bio-circular sources such as kitchen waste and wood waste results in a neutral to even negative carbon footprint. A negative footprint is possible because the bio-naphtha originates from plant material. Plants take in and store carbon from the atmosphere enabling it to be ‘locked’ within the bio-naphtha. The amount of carbon ‘locked’ is greater than the production processes and other feedstock creating a footprint that is below zero.
The bio-attributed approach enables an easy transition from fossil to renewables as it offers a drop-in solution. We ensure sustainable sourcing (avoiding competition with land use), as well as sustainable processing and, in that way, significantly reduce GHG emissions along the value chain and avoid the use of fossil fuel. Customers have no compromise in performance, no product development necessary, no need to adapt technology and no new regulatory approvals needed. The entire bio-attribution process including raw materials, supply chain and production is certified by ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification).
Our Styrolux ECO and Styroflex ECO products have also benefited from our Antwerp manufacturing site switching its entire power consumption to renewable energy in 2021. This means a further 11% reduction in global warming potential (GWP).
Today, we offer Styrolux ECO and Styroflex ECO with up to 100% bio-attributed feedstock depending on customer requirements and expectations. Our next step is to produce these two product lines using advanced recycling technologies.