EPDLA endorse mass balance method as a credible, transparent, and well-established chain-of-custody method. This approach is already recognized in other sectors, such as the wood and biofuel industries, and is crucial for processing sustainable feedstocks alongside fossil feedstocks in existing chemical production networks.

Without the mass balance approach, the requirement for dedicated production systems for each product would necessitate significant time, investments, and raw material volumes. This could lead to de-industrialization, as individual plants per product would be economically unfeasible. The mass balance method offers a practical solution to avoid such a scenario, ensuring the continued supply of sustainable (construction) materials and chemicals.

The chemical industry urges the European Union to recognize the mass balance credit method in European standards and for EPD program operators. This recognition is vital to avoid shortages in intermediate products, construction materials, leverage existing infrastructures, and contribute to the EU Green Deal and Renovation Wave ambitions. The industry also calls on the EU to honor the promise for an industrial deal that supports sustainable and innovative technologies.

By adopting the mass balance approach, the EU can ensure a smooth transition to a circular economy, providing immediate environmental benefits and supporting the long-term sustainability of the construction sector.

For further information, see Cefic position: https://cefic.org/library-item/cefic-position-paper-on-chemical-recycling-delivering-recycled-content-to-meet-the-eus-circular-economy-ambitions-the-single-use-plastics-directive-implementing-act-and-the-packagi