BASF begins production of methanol according to biomass balance approach

BASF has started production of methanol on the basis of renewable raw materials according to the biomass balance approach. The product name is EU-REDcert-methanol.

The EU-REDcert-methanol is certified according to the REDcert standard. The certificate, which was founded by leading associations and organisations of the German agricultural and biofuel industry, proves the sustainable origin of the biomass used and the information on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is a standard for use as biofuel, recognised by the European Commission under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

BASF has replaced fossil raw materials with second-generation renewable raw materials besides waste and residual materials. As a result, BASF will be able to reduce emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases by at least 50% compared with conventionally produced methanol. In terms of its chemical and physical characteristics, biomass balanced methanol is identical to methanol produced from fossil resources. BASF markets the EU-REDcert-methanol to customers and also uses it itself as an intermediate for other biomass balanced products.

Methanol is an important raw material for many products, of which formaldehyde, acetic acid and methylamines are very important in terms of volume. Other important derivatives include methyl tert-butyl ether, methyl methacrylate, polyalcohols and silicones. Methanol also serves as an energy supplier and can be used as a raw material for chemical conversion into other fuels or fuel additives.