#China #Ningbo #Sinopec #carbon footprint #BASF

Sinopec and BASF Collaborate on Carbon Footprint Methodology

The collaboration between China's leading oil and chemical company, Sinopec, and the German multinational BASF, has set a significant milestone in the realm of carbon footprint accounting. Announced during the 2025 China International Petroleum and Chemical Conference (CPCIC 2025) held in Ningbo, the companies revealed that they have mutually recognized their respective methodologies for calculating product carbon footprints. This new standardization initiative is poised to enhance transparency and comparability of carbon footprint data not just locally but also on an international scale.

The Importance of Mutual Recognition

By aligning their methodologies, Sinopec and BASF underscore the necessity for consistent and comparable carbon footprint assessments. This is critical in a global landscape where businesses are increasingly held accountable for their environmental impact. Through this coordination, these companies are leading an essential effort toward achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future for the petrochemical industry.

The agreement represents more than just a business arrangement; it acts as a beacon of standardization that could influence regulatory policies and corporate strategies across the sector. This move aligns with China's ongoing initiatives to establish a comprehensive carbon management system and to streamline product lifecycle carbon footprint standards by 2027.

Expert Validation

To ensure the methodologies are robust and reliable, Sinopec and BASF enlisted the services of TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognized third-party certification body. Following a thorough examination of their methodologies, TÜV Rheinland confirmed that both adhere to the international standard ISO14067:2018 and the Chinese national standard GB/T 24067–2024. This endorsement not only bolsters the credibility of their efforts but also encourages trust between various stakeholders in the industry, including governments and consumers.

Enhancing Industry Collaboration

The implications of this announcement extend far beyond Sinopec and BASF. By fostering an environment of mutual trust in carbon footprint reporting, this agreement encourages further collaboration across the chemical value chain. This is particularly vital as companies aim to achieve coordinated reductions in carbon emissions, an objective that is becoming increasingly central to corporate strategies around the globe.

Sinopec has been a leader in product carbon footprint management, being the first in China to launch research into carbon accounting for petrochemical products as early as 2015. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, evidenced by its automated carbon footprint accounting system implemented in 2023, which sets a precedent for the industry.

Moving Forward with Standards

Looking forward, China is taking significant steps to establish a systemic approach toward carbon accounting. Since 2021, the country has been gradually building a framework for carbon footprint management that targets a comprehensive full lifecycle approach to products by 2027. The overarching goal is to publish national general standards for product carbon accounting that align with international practices, paving the way for Chinese companies to compete effectively on the global stage.

In conclusion, the partnership between Sinopec and BASF not only showcases a commitment to sustainability but also serves as a crucial step in the larger narrative of industry-wide transformation towards lower carbon practices. The mutual recognition of their product carbon footprint methodologies is a framework that other companies may very well want to emulate, setting the stage for future innovations and collaborative efforts in the quest for a greener and more sustainable industry.