Base chemical with reduced CO2 footprint: Vinnolit to offer “green” caustic soda

Vinnolit, a Westlake company, will launch climate-friendly “green” caustic soda in 2021. This product will enable customers to reduce their own carbon footprint and in turn develop more climate-friendly products.

Caustic soda is an important base chemical, of which more than nine million tons are needed per year in Europe alone. From 2021, the PVC and caustic soda manufacturer Vinnolit will offer certified climate-friendly caustic soda utilizing renewable energy Guarantees of Origin (GOs). The CO2 footprint of this low-carbon caustic soda from the Gendorf and Knapsack (Hürth) sites – which is introduced to the market under the brand name GreenVin® – is reduced by more than 30% compared to conventional Vinnolit caustic soda. The CO2 footprint taken as a basis was calculated by sustainable AG in accordance with the ISO 14067 standard. Review and certification are carried out by TÜV Rheinland.

“We pay special attention to the quality of the renewable energy certificates through recognized additional labels. These guarantee the purchase of 100% renewable energy, excluding publicly subsidized plants, as well as the application of additional ecological criteria, such as the promotion of new green power plants as well as innovative energy transition projects,” says Jürgen Luderer, Vinnolit Director Sales. “In this way, we want to contribute to a steering effect towards the energy transition.”

Focus on sustainability

Vinnolit has been producing caustic soda in chlor-alkali electrolysis exclusively with the energy-saving and environmentally friendly membrane process since 2009. Since the central process step is electrified, power from renewable sources can be used to save CO2 emissions by displacing fossil fuels.

“Vinnolit is clearly committed to climate protection and supports the European political ambition of greenhouse gas-neutral chemical production by 2050,” says Managing Director Dr. Karl-Martin Schellerer. “With the product launch of climate-friendly low-carbon caustic soda, we are supporting the energy transition and the fight against climate change. At the same time, we are supporting our caustic soda customers in achieving their own sustainability goals and in turn offering more climate-friendly products. Chlor-alkali electrolysis offers great potential here, also with regard to green hydrogen to support environmentally friendly mobility solutions. This complements our commitment to VinylPlus®, the European PVC industry’s voluntary commitment that focuses on the sustainable development of the plastic PVC.”