In Germany, chemicals giant BASF has published its first Responsible Sourcing Report for its Care Chemicals division. The report noted that the company purchased 1.2 million metric tons of renewable raw materials in 2022, including coconut oil, castor oil, and biobased active ingredients.
The report is a “refinement” of BASF’s existing Palm Progress Report, which has been published annually since 2016.
“Shifting from fossil to bio-based starting materials can achieve positive effects like reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” BASF said in a press statement. “However, if not sourced responsibly, there is the risk of a negative impact to biodiversity, land use and working conditions. As part of BASF’s commitment to enhance sustainability along the entire value chain, the company is working with trusted partners to improve sustainability not only in the businesses oil palm supply chain but also in other crops where the company has expanded its certified-sustainable offerings.”