BASF is switching its eligible polyisobutene (PIB) portfolio produced in Europe for external customers to 100 percent renewable electricity. According to the company’s announcement of 10 November 2026, the full transition of eligible Oppanol® B and Glissopal® grades will be completed from January 2027. For converters using PIB in stretch films, adhesives and sealants, BASF says no requalification will be required.
What changes for customers
BASF describes the transition as seamless: renewable electricity becomes the new standard for eligible European PIB products, no product requalification is required and existing sales articles remain unchanged. The company’s release lists “no planned changes to product specifications or article number” among its key points.
For customers seeking further reductions, BASF also offers “ZeroPCF” Glissopal and Oppanol B grades with a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint of 0.0 kg CO2e per kg of product or below. BASF notes that this figure covers cradle-to-gate emissions only and excludes downstream emissions such as transport, use and end-of-life, as well as external offsetting.
How the power is sourced
BASF says the switch combines renewable power already used at its sites with additional volumes attributed through a mass-balance chain-of-custody approach. In Ludwigshafen and Antwerp, this includes electricity from the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm, which BASF co-owns, and long-term power purchase agreements. The move contributes to BASF’s target of sourcing more than 60 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Only eligible third-party products are covered; volumes for BASF’s own captive demand are excluded.
“By lowering the carbon footprint of Oppanol B and Glissopal, we are taking another concrete step to support our customers in achieving their sustainability ambitions,” said Sabrina Platzek, Senior Vice President Fuel and Lubricant Solutions at BASF.
Where PIB is used
According to BASF, PIB products are used in applications ranging from fuels and lubricants to chewing gum, window seals, stretch films, adhesives, automotive sealants, pipelines and electronics.
Sources
- BASF, “BASF to shift polyisobutene production in Europe entirely to renewable electricity starting in 2027”, P-26-189, 10.11.2026 — https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2026/11/p-26-189
Image: BASF
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