Wetteren plant is Carpenter’s second to receive ISCC Plus Certification
In May 2024, Carpenter’s Wetteren plant in Belgium received the ISCC PLUS certification, reaffirming the company’s commitment to a reduced carbon footprint and the transition towards a circular economy. Wetteren is the second Carpenter plant to be awarded the certification, following the foaming plant in Langeac, France, which was certified in August 2023.
What is ISCC PLUS?
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS is an international certification that applies to diverse industrial applications and to the food, feed and energy markets. In Carpenter’s case, it recognises a commitment to achieving a circular economy by responsibly handling raw materials and waste and by using non fossil fuel-based raw materials. The certification means the company can offer customers global transparency with regard to the origins of its mass balanced materials used in its urethane products.
The importance of mass balancing
The Wetteren and Langeac foaming plants are recognized for their mass balancing approach, which allows tracking of the more sustainable materials used in their operations. In the chemical industry, the mass balancing methodology ensures physical and chemical traceability. It means that recycled or bio-based raw materials are used instead of fossil fuel-based raw materials at the beginning of the production process and allocated to specific end products. As a production method, it saves valuable resources and revalorises waste while cutting CO2 emissions and minimising the carbon footprint of manufacturing. The entire value chain benefits from high sustainability standards and climate protection without any impact on product properties or quality.
A voluntary and ongoing commitment
Participation in the ISCC PLUS scheme is voluntary, third-party verified and subject to a yearly audit. The initiative taken by the Wetteren and Langeac plants goes hand-in-hand with the company’s overall sustainability goals and has also set a precedent for other Carpenter plants which are currently working towards the certification.
Carpenter’s sustainability mission is to provide valuable solutions that enhance people’s lives while taking steps to preserve our planet. ISCC PLUS certification is just one part of its journey to becoming a circularity leader and resource for the industry.
Learn more about Carpenter’s environmental stewardship.