Silicone fluid based on biomethanol

Germany’s TÜV SÜD technical inspectorate has certified WACKER’s mass balance method for verifying the use of renewable raw materials in silicones manufacturing. The company thus has a recognized procedure for tracking renewable raw materials across its production process, right through to the end product. Given that WACKER included plant-based methanol as a production option this April, it can now offer silicone fluids that are exclusively biomethanol based. Silicones are chemically identical whether they are produced with biomethanol or with petrochemical methanol. But those based on biomethanol have a far better carbon footprint, since no fossil raw materials are used to manufacture the methanol.

The certificates issued in mid-March certify that the mass balance method used by WACKER to manufacture silicones meets the criteria of TÜV SÜD standard CMS 71 concerning the traceability of renewable raw materials. Moreover, several high- and low-viscosity silicone fluids were certified for use in the cosmetics and consumer goods industries. According to WACKER’s calculations, around 1.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide can be saved per metric ton of silicone fluid.

“WACKER is the first silicone manufacturer to track the use of biomethanol across all production steps, through to the end product,” stressed Executive Board member Auguste Willems. “Customers who use our bio-based silicone fluids can increasingly offer sustainable products and significantly improve a product’s carbon footprint.”