Arkema Earns ISCC PLUS Certification for Waterborne Acrylic Resins

Arkema, a global leader in specialty materials, has earned the ISCC PLUS certification for its waterborne acrylic resins at its Saint Charles site. This marks a key step forward in its environmental progress.

What Is the ISCC PLUS Certification?

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) is a top global standard. It ensures that feedstocks—like plant-based or recycled materials—are tracked from start to finish. It uses a process called “mass balance.” This means that renewable materials are mixed with fossil-based ones, but the final product is still traced. It also meets strict rules for sustainability. 

Why It Matters to Arkema

Arkema’s goal is to cut carbon emissions and boost circularity. That means reusing materials, not just discarding them. By earning this certification, Arkema can say its Saint Charles resins have up to 90% bio-attributed content. That shows strong use of renewable materials.

Main Benefits

• Lower carbon footprint: Replacing fossil feedstocks with plant-based or recycled inputs helps reduce CO₂.
• Full traceability: Every raw material is logged and tracked through the supply chain.
• Regulatory compliance: Helps customers meet stronger environmental rules.
• Customer trust: Transparent and verifiable sustainability boosts brand value.

Neil Tariq’s Statement

“To address climate change and preserve resources, we are gradually substituting virgin fossil feedstocks with renewable and more circular sources. The mass balance approach lets industries speed up CO₂ emission cuts and improve circularity. This move also grows our certified sites network and helps companies reach their carbon goals.”
— Neil Tariq, Global Business Director, Coating Resins at Arkema 

How This Fits in Arkema’s Strategy

Arkema has been rolling out the ISCC PLUS certification at global sites. These include:

This wide coverage shows Arkema’s push to scale its Advanced Bio-Circular (ABC) portfolio. The company covers high‑solids, waterborne, UV‑LED‑EB, and polyester powder materials. 

Industry Impact

Waterborne acrylic resins are key in paints, coatings, adhesives, and more. They allow lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions. With ISCC PLUS certification, Arkema’s resins now deliver:

• Verified renewable content (up to 90%)
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Improved performance and durability
• Confidence through full traceability

Supporting Green Mobility and Infrastructure

These certified resins play roles in:

• New energies: solar panels, wind turbine coatings
• Green mobility: electric vehicle paints and sealants
• Infrastructure efficiency: long‑lasting construction coatings
• Living comfort: indoor paints with lower emissions

By using certified materials, producers can meet both performance and eco-targets. It helps build a future that is cleaner and more reliable.

What Is the Mass Balance Approach?

The mass balance method lets Arkema use renewable materials alongside fossil ones. It means:

• Renewable inputs go into a shared system
• The total amount used is tracked
• Certified books match input and output
• End products carry the correct bio-attributed share

This method is audited to meet ISCC PLUS standards. That ensures trust and transparency. 

What Comes Next?

With Saint Charles certified, Arkema plans to:

• Scale this success to more plants worldwide
• Develop new certified materials, including UV and powder resins
• Meet growing customer demand for traceable and sustainable products
• Help industries reduce their life‑cycle emissions

Arkema’s broader plan aims to:

1. Expand its Advanced Bio-Circular (ABC) materials
2. Align with science-based targets on greenhouse gas reduction
3. Offer verified solutions without compromising product quality
4. Build a trusted, eco-friendly supply chain

The official page gives more info: https://plu.us/arkema. It outlines Arkema’s full sustainability and mass balance plans.