A big step towards a smaller footprint
Raw material suppliers can play an important role in the development of “green” coating formulations by providing low-emission materials. Chemical company LANXESS is demonstrating how this can be achieved in practice with the introduction of a product range of iron oxide yellow pigments that offer a significant carbon dioxide savings potential.
Is there an increasing demand for emission-reduced pigments?
Daniela Schmitt: Currently, there is a big push in this area. This is particularly true when it comes to the specific nature of inquiries regarding the product carbon footprint (PCF) of our iron oxide pigments. In recent years, we have created transparency by providing verified environmental data including a stated CO2 footprint value in the form of environmental product declarations. However, our customers’ expectations are shifting towards a more medium-term sustainability strategy. The question to us as manufacturers and suppliers is: what are you contributing to make our supply chain more sustainable? This is where we are now, starting with the introduction of a new low-emission product line with our Bayferrox brand, which we are marketing under the label Scopeblue. The label identifies those LANXESS products manufactured using a high proportion of circular raw materials, or whose CO2 footprint is significantly lower compared to conventional products.
Can you tell us more about the properties of these new pigments?
Schmitt: The new Scopeblue product line is available soon and includes our micronised iron oxide yellow pigments Bayferrox 3910, 3910 LV and 3920, which are utilised in particular in high-quality coating applications due to their property profile. These products will be optionally available as a “green” variant – in their production we are using raw materials which are produced using renewable energy, and the PCF of this pigment product group can thus be reduced by around 35 %. Proof is provided by means of a life cycle analysis calculated and certified by an independent auditor. The end-products themselves are chemically identical to conventional products; the colour and functional properties of this pigment class remain unchanged. The allocation of raw materials to corresponding quantities of sustainable products is carried out by mass balancing – an ISCC PLUS certificate will prove that the requirements for reliable balancing are met.
Can sustainability be successfully integrated into business models?
Schmitt: We think so – and the introduction of the new Scopeblue product line is an important step. In the production of pigment pastes and more highly pigmented facade paints, the new yellow pigments offer considerable potential to easily reduce the PCF of the end product, a clear advantage over alternative counterparts. Ultimately, coating manufacturers decide on the economic value. It is important to recognise that increased sustainability is mostly associated with investments, especially in the manufacturing of iron oxides. Emission reductions can be achieved primarily by using alternative energies in production, or by using raw materials that are produced using green electricity. The LANXESS Inorganic Pigments business unit has set itself the goal of reducing emissions from production by 50 % by 2030 through measures which will continue to have a positive impact on the PCF of our pigment product groups
