PTAir: BP launches new low carbon and carbon neutral PTA solution

LONDON, 14-Sep-2016 — /EuropaWire/ — BP today launched PTAir^TM, a new low carbon¹ and carbon neutral PTA brand with three products that offers a more sustainable solution for the polyester value chain through a combination of world-class technology and carbon management expertise.

A feature of PTAir^TM is its use of proprietary PX and PTA technology which supports a 29% lower global warming potential than the average European PTA production².This low carbon benefit has been independently assured by ERM CVS³.

In addition to this BP will also be launching PTAirTM Neutral, the world’s first certified carbon neutral PTA. PTAirTM Neutral offers customers the opportunity to purchase a carbon neutral product where associated CO₂ equivalent emissions are mitigated through the investment in carbon projects providing equivalent CO₂ benefits and delivering a net zero position. These projects, located around the world, provide economic, social and environmental benefits to the communities they serve.

Furthermore, through PTAir^TM Neutral Products customers have the opportunity to offset all of their product footprint – over and above their PTA use – to achieve full carbon neutrality across their product portfolio. This unique offer is made possible through BP Target Neutral, BP’s longstanding, not-for-profit carbon management programme.

PTAir^TM is available in Europe today and BP plans to roll out in the US and Asia in due course.

“Our exciting new PTAir^TM product offer is an important stepping stone towards a more sustainable polyester chain,” said Luis Sierra, CEO, BP Aromatics. “PTAir^TM is available today in large quantities and seamlessly fits into the current supply chain as a ‘drop in’ substitute for higher carbon, conventional PTA. Moreover it allows our customers to economically achieve a meaningful carbon footprint reduction using a raw material whose eco-profile has been independently measured and verified by respected environmental consultants.”

At today’s product launch, Rita Griffin, BP’s COO, Petrochemicals, said, “Social responsibility and carbon reduction are both high on the public agenda. Retailers and brand owners are seeking more environmentally-friendly solutions that will help reduce the carbon impact of their products and are choosing brands that reflect their concerns for the environment. Through the new BP PTAir^TM product suite and collaboration with our customers and our customers’ customers BP are taking an important step to improving sustainability in the polyester industry and moving towards a lower carbon future.”

Notes

1. Based on an independent cradle-to-gate Eco-profile by IFEU reviewed by ERM Certification and Verification Services (ERM CVS). The study conducted by IFEU uses Plastics Europe Methodology to compare the environmental impact of 1 Kg of BP Geel PTA manufactured with BP integrated PX (integrated production) to PTA produced in Europe as published in the Environmental Product Declaration of the PET Manufacturers in Europe February 2016.The study is in accordance to ISO 14040-44 requirements. Data for both studies are based on 2013. Mass balance approach based on proportion of integrated PX versus total consumption. PTAirTM is a trade mark of BP p.l.c
2. Compared to the Global Warming Potential (100 years) per 1 kg PTA as published in the Environmental Product Declaration of the PET Manufacturers in Europe February 2016. PTA produced by BP Aromatics NV in Geel is included in the European study average and represents ~30% of the total installed production capacity in Europe in the input
3. The full assurance opinion of ERM CVS can be found on www.bp.com/bp-geel/ptair/assurance

Note to editors

• BP is one of the world’s largest producers of purified terephthalic acid (PTA), paraxylene (PX) and metaxylene (MX). As a global leader in the aromatics business, BP maintains a high level of customer satisfaction and hold leadership positions in cost and technology.
• BP invented purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is used in both clothes and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for water, soft drinks and many other food and non-food packaging products.
• BP Target Neutral is administered by BP as a not-for-profit scheme – and BP covers BP Target Neutral’s operating costs. BP Target Neutral’s work is governed by an independent advisory panel of prominent environmental and industry experts. The panel ensures that all policies and activities conform to best practice in carbon management, and where possible will set new standards for that best practice.

Further information

BP press office London: +44 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com

SOURCE: BP p.l.c.