The global distributor for chemicals and ingredients Brenntag, switches Caustic Soda from conventionally produced to 100% sustainably produced Caustic Soda in the Netherlands and Belgium as the first distributor in the region. This once again demonstrates Brenntag's pioneering role in sustainable management in the chemical industry. These two countries in EMEA are the first ones, with more regions likely to follow.
Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide / lye) is essential for the production of everyday products such as aluminium, pulp, and paper, but it is also used in water treatment, the pharmaceutical and food industries and in the production of soaps for personal care. The new renewable energy based Caustic Soda is the result of a close collaboration with Nobian, a trusted partner and key supplier of Brenntag. Caustic Soda is industrially produced by chlor-alkali electrolysis of sodium chloride into caustic soda, hydrogen and chlorine gas. For the renewable energy based Caustic Soda, Nobian uses 100% renewable energy from wind and solar in the electrolysis process.
Green at a comparable price
Green Caustic Soda is a ‘drop in’-replacement, requires no reformulation and can be used with the proven Brenntag and customer infrastructure. Backed by the fact that green Caustic Soda can be offered at a comparable price to conventional one, it is a true undisputable alternative.
The sustainable Caustic Soda comes with a certificate confirming the credibility of the green product properties. The certification by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) contributes to Brenntag’s and its customers’ renewable energy goals. The Green Caustic Soda has a CO2e saving potential of ~65% compared to conventional Caustic Soda. The total savings amount to ca. 40.000 tons of CO2e per year for Brenntag and its customers in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The remainder to 100% reductions is remaining CO2e emissions equivalents for the raw material itself and for emissions mainly linked to transportation, warehousing and packaging, where Brenntag in most cases offers sustainable alternatives as well. Brenntag customers benefit from the Brenntag ‘CO2Xplorer’, which provides for alternative and certified CO2 offers and calculations.
Nicolas Lehmann, Regional President Brenntag Essentials EMEA West, states: „Sustainability is at the heart of our business endeavors. When business opportunities arise, we take the lead and act decisively, benefiting our customers, the environment, and Brenntag. We are proud that we are shaping the future of the industry.”
Markus Mingenbach, Senior Vice President Chlor-Alkali and Chloromethanes at Nobian: “We are very pleased to announce this agreement with Brenntag and further strengthen our partnership. Brenntag is one of our largest distribution partners, and this agreement therefore is a great opportunity to further drive sustainability throughout the value chain. At Nobian, we are committed to meeting the growing demand for low carbon products and helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrating our ambition to ‘Grow Greener Together’.”
