They claim the tool will be the first ever application to use e-certification to track bio-based content along the value chain.
AkzoNobel says many chemicals can be made either from fossil feedstock or bio-based raw materials, such as vegetable oils or sugars, but it is difficult to verify how much of each has been used.
The tool will verify how much of a product is made from bio-based raw materials, making it easier for producers and consumers to choose sustainable products.
Virtual marketplace
Roel Drost, senior manager Climate Change & Sustainability, EY, said the tool works like a virtual marketplace for the industry.
"Companies can sign up and exchange different types of bio-based material certificates, ranging from base ingredients to finished products. This turns the complexity of the chemical industry into an easy and cost-effective tool for bio-based products,” he added.
“We want to quickly make it available to other supply chains to get value across the industry."
Epicerol will be the first chemical to be tracked throughout the supply chain. The bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH) is produced by ABT and is used in AkzoNobel's sustainable epoxy coatings.
"This application will increase transparency and encourage companies to use more sustainable raw materials," said Thibaud Caulier, business manager, ABT.
Bio-based content
"Customers can demonstrate a positive impact by monitoring their consumption of Epicerol, showing that they are using the most sustainable epichlorohydrin on the market."
Peter Nieuwenhuizen, global RD&I director, Specialty Chemicals, AkzoNobel, added by being able to track bio-based raw materials the chemical industry will become more sustainable.
Bio-based raw materials are certified at the start of the supply chain. Companies can then transfer these via an online platform, which automatically keeps track of the bio-based content of any products made from them, he said.
This approach negates the need for separate, external certification further down the supply chain, giving producers quick insight into the bio-based content of their products.