Nippon Shokubai has obtained biomass certification for super absorbent polymers (SAP) produced by its subsidiary Nippon Shokubai Europe N.V. (NSE) from ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

SAP, the key material for disposable diapers, is mainly made from acrylic acid produced from propylene. Nippon Shokubai Europe produces both acrylic acid and SAP. NSE has recently obtained ISCC PLUS certification (mass balance method) from ISCC for the production of SAP utilizing acrylic acid produced from biomass-derived propylene.

The company will establish a system to supply bio-based SAP in response to customers' requests. The quality of bio-based SAP is equivalent to that of conventional petroleum-derived products, and the use of bio-based SAP will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout the product life cycle.

In addition to bio-based SAP, Nippon Shokubai is engaged in the research and development of sustainable SAP that contributes to the reduction of environmental impact, such as biodegradable SAP and recycled SAP, which is separated from used disposable diapers and restored to almost the same level of functionality as new ones. The company will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by promoting research and development activities related to SAP.