Evonik and Steinbeis Papier have signed an agreement for the supply of Evonik’s carbon-neutral hydrogen peroxide for recycled paper production. The use of this “Way to GO2”-certified H2O2 will enable Steinbeis Papier to further reduce emissions along its value chain, in accordance with the company’s ambitious sustainability strategy. In return, Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line will use the proceeds of the sale to further invest in ongoing measures to drastically cut carbon emissions from its production footprint.
Hydrogen peroxide is essential in the production of recycled paper. A powerful bleaching agent, it prevents discoloration and boosts brightness. Because it breaks down into only oxygen and water, it represents a greener alternative to other bleaching chemistries. In fact, the use of hydrogen peroxide fulfills the high environmental standards of the German “Blue Angel” ecolabel.
Evonik’s Way to GO2 certification is based on a lifecycle analysis of the Active Oxygens business line’s total production network in Europe. As Active Oxygens continues to implement emissions-slashing measures, like the switch to renewable electricity, across its production sites, a portion of its output can already be considered carbon-neutral. This portion is assigned a certain number of Way to GO2 certificates. The sale of these certificates is then invested back into the business line’s ongoing efforts to achieve full carbon neutrality in its global production network by 2040. The approach and calculation have been externally evaluated and certified by TÜV Rheinland, and are revalidated on a yearly basis.
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals.
Steinbeis Papier GmbH is the European market leader in recycled graphical papers made from 100% recovered paper.
