Asahi Kasei Starts Selling BR and S-SBR Made Using the Mass-balance Method

— Toward achievement of sustainability —

NEW YORK & DÜSSELDORF, Germany & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei, a diversified Japanese multinational company, will begin the sale of Tufdene™ S-SBR (solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber) and Asadene™ BR (butadiene rubber) made using the mass-balance method¹ at Asahi Kasei Synthetic Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd. and the Synthetic Rubber Plant of Asahi Kasei's Kawasaki Works in November 2022. The sale will be based on the ISCC PLUS² certification for S-SBR and BR acquired by Asahi Kasei's Synthetic Rubber Division in October 2022.

Asahi Kasei has gained a strong reputation for its high-performance grades of S-SBR that are optimal for eco-friendly tires with excellent fuel efficiency and wear resistance characteristics. In order to further contribute to reduced CO₂ emissions, Asahi Kasei will manufacture and sell S-SBR made using the mass-balance method with raw material derived from biomass and plastic waste along with other raw material.

There is also growing demand for reduced environmental burden in various other applications, including requests to decarbonize. For these applications, Asahi Kasei will similarly manufacture and sell BR made using the mass-balance method.

Asahi Kasei aims to be a sustainable partner for its customers through the manufacture and sale of these products, while reducing GHG emissions from manufacturing at each plant and contributing to reduced burden on the global environment.

¹ In the case of a mixture of sustainable raw materials and fossil fuel-derived raw materials in the production process, the portion of sustainable product produced is assigned to certain products based on ISCC PLUS System Documents and its recognized management methods.

² ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate) is an international certification system that offers solutions for the implementation and certification of waste and residue raw materials, non-bio renewables and recycled carbon materials and fuels. ISCC PLUS is a certification system that covers mainly bio-based carbon materials which are produced outside of the EU and supplied globally, and to manage and ensure sustainable raw materials in the supply chain.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 46,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Materials sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.