Tongsuh Petrochemical, a wholly owned South Korean subsidiary of global diversified company Asahi Kasei, secured “Reasonable Assurance” verification for the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of acrylonitrile (AN) produced at its Ulsan manufacturing site. This independent verification strengthens the credibility of its carbon footprint data and addresses growing customer demand for reliable environmental information.
Independent Verification of Carbon Footprint Data
Socotec Certification Japan conducted a rigorous audit covering the plant’s operations, data, processes, and documentation. The assessment examined the methodology, source data, and reporting procedures used to calculate the fiscal 2025 carbon footprint of acrylonitrile, from raw material procurement through production. The “Reasonable Assurance” verification provides a high level of confidence in the reported carbon footprint information, exceeding the assurance level offered by “Limited Assurance.” Consequently, customers can access independently verified data to support their sustainability assessments and decarbonisation strategies.
Acrylonitrile Supports Multiple Industrial Applications
Acrylonitrile serves as an important chemical intermediate across several industries. Manufacturers use it to produce acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resins, acrylamide, acrylic fibres, and precursor materials for carbon fibre. As industries increasingly focus on reducing supply chain emissions, verified product carbon footprint data helps businesses evaluate the environmental impact of materials and make more informed procurement decisions.
Advancing Lower-Carbon Acrylonitrile Production
Tongsuh Petrochemical has pursued lower-carbon production initiatives for several years. In 2021, the company obtained ISCC PLUS certification, an internationally recognised sustainability certification scheme that supports the traceability of bio-based and circular feedstocks. Furthermore, since 2022, the company has produced and marketed acrylonitrile using biomass-derived propylene through a mass-balance approach. This initiative supports the integration of alternative feedstocks into chemical manufacturing while maintaining established production processes.
Strengthening Decarbonisation Through Technology
Asahi Kasei plans to continue reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with acrylonitrile production. To achieve this goal, the company is improving its proprietary catalyst and manufacturing technologies while expanding the use of biomass-based feedstocks. As per the press release, by combining lower-carbon materials with independently verified environmental data, Asahi Kasei aims to deliver greater value to customers and strengthen its role as a sustainability partner for industries pursuing supply chain decarbonisation.
