Evonik launches first isophorone product based on renewable raw materials

● The new eCO series can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help develop more sustainable solvents, composites and coatings

● Independently certified mass balance method to ensure a cost-effective production process

● Ready-to-use solution with the same performance as traditional products, customers do not need new product approval

Evonik successfully synthesized the isophorone chemical in the process of researching the reuse of acetone
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Since then, Evonik has continued to develop and expand its isophorone product range worldwide
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Now, on the 60th anniversary of isophorone chemistry, Evonik has achieved another major breakthrough with the launch of the world's first sustainable isophorone product made from 100% renewable acetone
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By using renewable acetone, the CO2 footprint of Evonik's isophorone products has been significantly reduced at all stages of production
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Evonik's crosslinkers business line will now include the new eCO series: VESTASOL® IP eCO is isophorone, VESTAMIN® IPD eCO is isophorone diamine, VESTANAT® IPDI eCO is isophorone Ketone diisocyanate
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In the future, according to market demand, Evonik will also launch more downstream products
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Christian Schmidt, head of the Evonik Crosslinkers business line, said: "The new renewable solutions will help our customers to meet the current challenges of sustainability and environmental regulation, and this development will also open up new business opportunities for us
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The new eCO family of products is chemically identical to similar fossil-based products, as are the processing, formulation and performance characteristics
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Compared with traditional isophorone products, eCO products can help the entire industry to significantly reduce global warming potential (GWP) and carbon dioxide footprint
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For example, VESTANAT® IPDI eCO contains 75% renewable carbon according to the mass balance method
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Christian Schmidt points out: “The VESTA eCO range is the first step in our journey towards climate neutrality
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Next, we will conduct a new life cycle assessment (LCA) of the entire isophorone range in 2022 to provide Customers provide reliable carbon footprint information to help them identify their existing options for reducing emissions
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”

The "mass balance method" reviews the inputs and outputs of the production process to ensure that the content of sustainable ingredients in the end product matches the amount of renewable raw materials purchased
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The entire production process is reviewed and certified by independent agencies, internationally-qualified ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and REDCert standards organizations to verify the use of renewable resources in all stages of production
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The "mass balance method", based on rigorous bookkeeping and external audits, helps Evonik to ensure the traceability of renewable raw materials while enabling mass production of mass-balanced products and providing cost-effective solutions to customers
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The VESTA eCO range of products has excellent mechanical strength, durability, chemical resistance, excellent adhesion and low CO2 emissions, and can be used as sustainable raw materials for the production of coatings, including varnishes and resins
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Relevant applications also include wind turbine blades based on high-performance composite materials, components such as dashboards and trims in automotive interiors, and some advanced chemical synthesis techniques
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