Mainstreaming Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA) (PDF)

A solid concept, increasing acceptance and growing demand – with more than 50 certified polymers and multiple hundred thousands of kilotonnes produced in 2024, adoption is increasing across polymers, producers and applications

The acceptance and accessibility of mass balanced attributed (MBA) chemicals, building blocks and polymers is a major issue for the chemical and plastics sectors, as well as for brand owners. MBA products could provide more options, better availability and reduced costs for the defossilisation compared to dedicated bio-based solutions.
However, both the MBA concept and the political regulations are crucial for scaling up, but difficult to understand. Furthermore, discussions about potentially misleading communication on the concept are confusing stakeholders. In addition, no production volumes are available.

The new report “Mainstreaming Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA): A solid concept, increasing acceptance and growing demand – with more than 50 certified polymers and multiple hundred thousand tonnes produced in 2024, adoption is increasing across polymers, producers and applications” highlights this evolving landscape.
The first part of the report covers terminology, the historical development, the rationale and acceptance, and the latest regulatory environment in Brussels. The second part is dedicated to the underlying data.

It covers feedstock used for certified MBA products, as well as the most frequently produced MBA chemicals and polymers (PE is No. 1). The leading producers (BASF is No. 1) and regions are identified, with 60 % of demand from Europe, and the largest share stemming from Germany, Belgium and France.

DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/VDRG6920

Press release

https://renewable-carbon.eu/news/mainstreaming-mass-balance-and-attribution-mba-fast-growing-acceptance-demand-and-production/

Authors

Pia Skoczinski, Lars Börger and Michael Carus (all nova-Institute)

Date of publication

Aug 2025

Pages

22

Language

File type

PDF

Topics

Markets & Economy

Renewable Carbon Types

Bio-based, Recycling

Licences

Single-Site-Licence: Up to five (5) users of the Customer can access the study within one location for their own operational purposes.
Enterprise-Licence: The Customer and all subsidiaries can access the study at all company locations for their own operational purposes. Includes one hour Q&A with nova-experts.