#China #Ningbo #Sinopec #carbon footprint #BASF

Sinopec and BASF Forge New Ground on CO2 Footprint Measurement

In a significant move towards sustainability, Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation) and BASF have announced their mutual recognition of carbon footprint measurement methods for products during the China International Petroleum and Chemical Conference held from October 22 to 24, 2025, in Ningbo, China. This collaboration represents a pivotal step in establishing new benchmarks for industry standardization in carbon accounting.

The agreement is not just a corporate milestone but also exemplifies China’s commitment to facilitating international convergence and mutual acknowledgment of product carbon footprints between Chinese and global enterprises. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as it fosters trust and improves the credibility of carbon accounting data, essential for both domestic and international stakeholders.

Together, Sinopec and BASF have enlisted TÜV Rheinland, a leading global certification service provider, to conduct a consistency check of their measurement methods. Following several rounds of evaluations, TÜV Rheinland confirmed that both methods are in accordance with the international standard ISO 14067:2018 and the national Chinese standard GB/T 24067-2024, highlighting their compatibility in essential components. A formal statement affirming this consistency has solidified their mutual recognition agreement.

This groundbreaking agreement is poised to enhance the comparability and transparency of CO2 accounting data across various regions and value chains. Improved efficiency in data utilization will likely spur coordinated efforts in CO2 reduction throughout the industrial chain, furthering a path towards environmentally-friendly and high-quality development for both companies and the entire industry.

Sinopec has long been at the forefront of managing product carbon footprints; it was the first company in China to initiate research on product carbon accounting back in 2015. Initially, Sinopec developed a methodological framework specifically for petrochemical products. By 2023, the company successfully delivered the first automated CO2 accounting for oil and chemical products in China.

In a collaborative effort with other key players such as CNPC, CNOOC, and PipeChina, Sinopec established China’s first Carbon Footprint Alliance for the energy and chemical sectors in 2024. This coalition aims to collectively tackle emissions across the entire supply chain, marking a significant advancement in the region's sustainability efforts.

Since 2021, China has been gradually building a CO2 footprint management system, rigorously examining the introduction of standards that encompass the entire product lifecycle. The ultimate goal is to roll out this system by 2027, coinciding with the release of national standards for CO2 accounting that align with global practices.

This joint initiative between Sinopec and BASF sets a precedent for the chemical industry’s response to global climate challenges, showcasing collaboration and commitment toward sustainable practices that have the potential to inspire similar partnerships across other sectors. As the world continues to seek effective measures against climate change, Sinopec and BASF are undoubtedly leading the charge in creating a more transparent and efficient framework for carbon footprint measurement.