Innospec will perform carbon footprint analysis for products
The company claims to have been measuring the carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas impacts of its manufacturing operations since 2004 and it is now extending that to products.
Taken into account in the analysis is the impact of the raw materials involved in production, the transportation of the raw materials to Innospec’s manufacturing sites and the manufacturing of the product itself.
However, company CEO Patrick Williams said that the analysis would also look at any environmental benefits that may come about from using the product.
“This will be part of a process to look at the environmental impact of many of our products, with a view to defining not only the greenhouse gases created in their manufacture, but also the benefits they bring about in use,” he said.
The example the company gives in its 2009 Sustainable Development Report published this week is for a fuel additive DCI-11.
DCI-11 is a corrosion inhibitor that can help prolong engine life and improve fuel efficiency, according to the company. In addition, it contributes to the biofuel market as it can prevent the formation of corrosive acids in the alcohols derived from renewable sources that could otherwise affect their practical application.
Investigating these applications lead the company to calculate the potential benefits to be had from the product’s manufacture.
Water savings
Innospec’s Sustainable Development Report also highlights some improvements in the company’s use of water and carbon and other emissions.
Water use fell by 27 percent in 2009 compared to 2004 levels company wide, and there was a 6.2 percent reduction in carbon dioxide produced from the site in Spencer, North Carolina, US, the company claims.
Commenting on the report, Williams said: “While it is satisfying to look back on what we achieved in 2009, we know that we must not be complacent. Our people are continually looking at how further improvements can be made, and we look forward to reporting these next year.”
