#United States #Kraton #The Woodlands, Texas #ISCC PLUS #CirKular+

Kraton's Commitment to Sustainable Innovation

Kraton Corporation, a trailblazer in the sustainable polymer industry, marked a significant milestone by announcing the ISCC PLUS certification for its HSBC Joint Venture plant located in Mailiao, Taiwan. This achievement highlights Kraton's unwavering dedication to advancing sustainability in the production of specialty polymers, contributing towards a more circular economy.

Established in 2020, Kraton has rapidly expanded its footprint beyond Europe and North America, bringing its innovative CirKular+™ ReNew Series to Asia. This series is integral for producing renewable styrenic block copolymers (SBC) that meet the ISCC PLUS certification standards. Specifically, the Mailiao facility can now create up to 100% ISCC PLUS-certified renewable SBC, utilizing a mass balance approach with certified inputs including butadiene, styrene, and isoprene.

The groundbreaking certification is not just a win for Kraton; it signifies a broader change in the global market. Pedro Lopes, Global Vice President at Kraton, expressed that this certification exemplifies their drive to enhance the circular economy through sustainable practices. This initiative is focused on reducing environmental impacts and carbon footprints while ensuring that customers have access to innovative, renewable materials. By leveraging their established global supplier network, Kraton tailors its offerings to include bio-circular, circular, and bio-based waste solutions.

Kraton's CirKular+ ReNew Series significantly lowers the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint when compared to traditional fossil-based products. The solution prioritizes not only environmental sustainability but has also been engineered to assist manufacturers in improving their product performance and emissions.

In addition, the company boasts an advanced internal lifecycle assessment (LCA) program that models product carbon footprints, ensuring that they can provide the precise needs of their customers as they transition towards renewable materials. Kraton's commitment to sustainability remains a core element of their operational philosophy and is reflected in their diverse portfolio aimed at enhancing performance while minimizing environmental impacts.

The ISCC PLUS certification of the Mailiao facility positions Kraton as a leader in the polymer industry, particularly in sustainable manufacturing practices. With an extensive range of applications, Kraton's polymers find their way into many sectors including automotive, consumer products, medical supplies, and packaging. Their position as the world's largest provider of pine chemicals and specialty products sets them apart as a powerhouse in this space.

Since the inception of CirKular+ initiatives in 2020, Kraton has continuously focused on supporting circular design principles to facilitate a smooth transition away from wasteful practices. By offering renewable and recycled feedstocks, we can meet customer requirements while encouraging responsible consumption and manufacturing methodologies.

As Kraton continues to pave the way for sustainable polymer solutions, the company reinforces its industry leadership and commitment to a greener future. Their innovations not only benefit the environment but also serve to keep their clients competitive in an evolving marketplace. Overall, the certification underscores the increasing relevance of sustainability in the corporate world and Kraton's proactive role in steering this change.