Tongsuh Petrochemical, a wholly owned South Korean subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, has received “Reasonable Assurance” verification for the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of acrylonitrile (AN). The company’s Ulsan manufacturing site underwent an audit to check its data, processes and documents. This independent review helps confirm the reliability of its carbon footprint information.
Independent Verification of Acrylonitrile Carbon Footprint
Socotec Certification Japan conducted the audit. It reviewed the methods, source data and reporting process used to calculate acrylonitrile’s fiscal 2025 Product Carbon Footprint. The assessment covered the entire production process, from raw material procurement to manufacturing.
Acrylonitrile is an important chemical used in many industries. For example, manufacturers use it to produce ABS resins, acrylamide, acrylic fibres and carbon fibre precursor materials.
The “Reasonable Assurance” verification provides a high level of confidence in the reported carbon footprint data. It also goes beyond the requirements for “Limited Assurance.” As a result, customers gain access to independently verified environmental information.
Progress in Lower-Carbon Acrylonitrile Production
Tongsuh Petrochemical has worked to reduce the carbon impact of its production over the past several years. In 2021, the company obtained ISCC PLUS certification. This globally recognised scheme supports the traceability of bio-based and circular raw materials.
Since 2022, the company has produced and marketed acrylonitrile using biomass-derived propylene through a mass balance approach.
These steps support the company’s efforts to use alternative raw materials and develop lower-carbon chemical products.
Asahi Kasei’s Emissions Reduction Efforts
Asahi Kasei plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from acrylonitrile production further. To achieve this, the company will continue improving its proprietary catalyst and manufacturing technologies.
In addition, the company has expanded its use of biomass-based raw materials. By combining lower-carbon materials with reliable environmental data, Asahi Kasei aims to provide greater value to its customers.
These efforts also support customers seeking better environmental information across their supply chains. Furthermore, Asahi Kasei aims to strengthen its role as a sustainability partner for industries working to reduce supply chain emissions.