A comparable system to the mass balance approach, you probably know well, is green energy. There is an electricity grid through which all electricity flows, regardless of how it has been generated. However, customers can only purchase as much green electricity as has been produced. The increasing demand for green electricity ensures that more and more green electricity is being produced.
The increasing demand for green electricity ensures that more and more green electricity is being produced.
The mass balance approach offers a solution for gradually replacing fossil fuels with renewable resources.
Fossil and bio-based resources are processed together, i.e. mixed, in the same process. The amounts of the various raw materials are accurately recorded and monitored, from feedstock to finished product.
Using this accounting method, we can guarantee that only the equivalent amount of products are certified as bio-based material as bio-circular raw material was used in the manufacturing of plastic. It is guaranteed, that the bio-circular material is sourced and used within the supply chain. However, we cannot say how much bio-based material is physically contained in an individual product.
In the case of plastics manufacture, the amount of bio-circular material is traced throughout the entire value chain and attributed to the corresponding amount of feedstock (plastic pellets). This can then be used to produce certified end products (pens).
An independent certification body guarantees compliance with all ISCC PLUS guidelines and the monitoring of the supply chain. Every element of the supply chain must be ISCC PLUS certified, i.e., recognize and comply with the established requirements. This is verified in an annual audit.
As a result, we cannot say how much bio-based material is contained in an individual product, but we can guarantee that only as many products are certified as bio-based material was used.
The mass balance approach is not only used in the industrial and energy supply sectors but also in the food industry (e.g., certified cacao).
