#Sustainability #Malaysia #Arkema #ISCC PLUS #Pasir Gudang

Arkema's Commitment to Sustainable Materials

Arkema, a prominent name in specialty materials, has recently announced a significant milestone in its sustainability initiatives with the attainment of ISCC PLUS certification for its facility specializing in acrylic and liquid polyester resins located in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. This pivotal certification is part of Arkema's broader strategy to enhance its bio-attributed offerings and align with global sustainability standards, supporting a diverse array of industries seeking eco-friendly solutions.

Significance of ISCC PLUS Certification

The ISCC PLUS certification serves as a benchmark for sustainability in the production of materials. It confirms that the bio-attributed content of Arkema’s liquid resins is tracked and verified against a robust mass balance methodology. This approach allows manufacturers to account for the use of renewable resources in their production processes while substituting traditional fossil raw materials, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint of their products.

Yoon Hock Chong, Managing Director of ACRM Coating Solutions Southeast Asia, emphasized that this certification expands the portfolio of renewable-origin resins available to customers, facilitating access to materials with lower environmental impacts. The range of materials now includes options with up to 100% biobased content, significantly contributing to sustainable practices in coatings, adhesives, green mobility, and infrastructure efficiency.

Expanding Sustainable Offerings Globally

Arkema's certification in Malaysia follows similar achievements in the United States, Europe, and China, illustrating the company's commitment to sustainability on a global scale. This strategic expansion enables Arkema to progressively roll out a full suite of bio-attributed specialty resins and additives, targeting high-demand sectors. These developments come in response to the rapidly growing market demands for sustainable and innovative materials across various applications, including automotive, construction, and consumer goods.

Beyond promoting sustainability, Arkema is also positioned to lead the industry in innovative materials that cater to emerging trends such as new energy sources and green technologies. With a projected goal of becoming a dedicated supplier of specialty materials by 2024, Arkema is enhancing its organizational structure to focus on three core resilient segments: Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions. Collectively, these segments represent 92% of the company’s sales, reinforcing its presence in the materials science sector.

Future of Sustainable Materials

As global demand increases for materials that support environmental stewardship, Arkema's focus on bio-attributed products positions the company favorably for future growth. The company reported approximately €9.5 billion in sales for 2023 and operates in around 55 countries with a workforce of more than 21,000 employees. The attributes of mass balance and certified bookkeeping play a crucial role in tracking the lifecycle of these innovative materials, ensuring both manufacturers and consumers can rely on the integrity of the eco-friendly claims associated with Arkema's products.

Arkema's commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable production processes sets a benchmark in the industry. As they progress with their strategy, the integration of biobased materials into mainstream applications will not only boost their sustainability initiatives but also cater to a market increasingly leaning towards eco-friendly solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arkema's recent achievement in obtaining ISCC PLUS certification marks a significant step forward in the company's sustainability journey. This progress not only enhances their product offerings but also strengthens their position as a leader in specialty materials. By aligning with global certifications and sustainability commitments, Arkema is paving the way for a greener future in materials science, benefiting industries and society at large.