Clariant has joined the Renewable Carbon Initiative, which supports and speeds up the transition from the use of fossil carbon to the use of renewable carbon in the chemical industry.
Clariant has announced that it has joined the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI). The aim of this initiative, which was launched in September 2020 and is led by the nova-Institute, is to support and speed up the transition from fossil carbon to renewable carbon for all organic chemicals and materials. Switching to renewable carbon sources prevents further fossil carbon from entering the atmosphere and thus addresses a fundamental problem of climate change.
Over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions can be directly related to additional fossil carbon extracted from the soil. While full decarbonization may be a viable option for some industries, organic chemistry will always depend on carbon as it plays a fundamental role in the creation of essential chemicals and materials. The most promising solution is to reuse carbon already present in materials or in the atmosphere. For this reason, Clariant supports RCI in spreading the use of viable alternative sources of carbon, such as biomass, CO2 and recycling streams.
RCI includes members from start-ups to large enterprises and additional partners.
“I am convinced that the chemical industry plays a central role in addressing the climate challenge and in shaping progress towards a more circular and bio-based economy. This journey can only be achieved through a strong commitment to sustainability-driven innovation, ambitious goals and close collaboration with partners along the value chain”, said Conrad Keijzer, CEO of Clariant.
Clariant offers a range of bio-based solutions. Vita, for example, is the new range of bio-based surfactants that offer a 100% Renewable Carbon Index
score from a completely segregated supply chain, providing a viable alternative to their fossil-based counterparts. Licocare® RBW Vita range, used in plastics and coatings applications, is derived from a natural, non-food competing by-product of the rice oil production and is based on at least 98% Renewable Carbon Index content. Finally, sunliquid® technology helps decarbonise the transport sector by providing up to 96% CO2 savings compared to fossil fuels.
Partnering with RCI will allow Clariant to expand its renewable carbon solutions and collaborate more closely with partners, suppliers and the industry at large.