Arkema announces a further reduction to 1.3 kg CO2e/kg for the global production of its bio-based polyamide 11 chain. A year ago, Arkema announced a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of its bio-based Rilsan polyamide 11 reaching less than 2 kg CO2e/kg. This milestone is achieved by using more renewable electricity sources and by making several additional energy efficiency improvements in its production sites. The new value applies to global production of Rilsan polyamide 11 beginning in January 2025.

Derived entirely from renewable castor seeds, Rilsan polyamide 11 is 100% segregated bio-based. Arkema produces these advanced polymers in all three major geographic regions – Europe, North America, and Asia.

Rilsan polyamide 11 is used extensively in very demanding markets such as new energy vehicles, 3D printing, consumer electronic or high-performance running shoes.

Commenting on the achievement, Laurent Tellier, Senior Vice President, Arkema’s High Performance Polymers, said: “The new carbon footprint value represents a reduction of around 80% relative to polyamide resins produced using fossil-based raw materials and conventional energy sources. As we explained last year, our lower carbon footprint value applies to our entire global production, not just a particular set of grades or a certain location.

“We are committed to a holistic sustainability approach – from the planting of the castor seeds to the manufacture of amino 11 monomer and ultimately the polymerization, distribution, and even recycling of our polymers. We are now well on track to deliver on our ambition to lower the PCF even further, to 1 kg CO2e/kg by 2030.”