Nippon Shokubai Obtains ISCC PLUS for Superabsorbent Polymers Derived from Caustic Soda Produced from Renewable Energy

TOKYO,March 7,2022 -- Nippon Shokubai Co.,Ltd. (hereinafter "Nippon Shokubai"),working to achievecarbon neutrality by 2050,announces that it has obtained ISCC PLUScertification from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certificationsystem (ISCC) (*1) for superabsorbent polymers (SAP) made by its subsidiaryNippon Shokubai Europe N.V. (hereinafter NSE) from caustic soda produced usingelectricity generated from renewable energy.

Logo:

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SAP,commonly used in disposable diapers,is mainly made from acrylic acidproduced from propylene and caustic soda. In May 2021,NSE received ISCC PLUScertification (mass balance method (*2)) from ISCC for the production of SAPutilizing acrylic acid produced from biomass-derived propylene. It has nowobtained ISCC PLUS certification for sustainable SAP made from caustic sodaproduced using electricity generated from renewable energy. Combining thesecertifications will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions throughout the productlife cycle. Furthermore,Nippon Shokubai will establish a system that cansupply bio-based/sustainable SAP in response to customer demand.

In addition to these ISCC PLUS-certified SAP,Nippon Shokubai is engaged in theresearch and development of sustainable SAP that contribute to mitigatingenvironmental impact,such as biodegradable SAP and recycled SAP from useddisposable diapers. The Company will contribute to realizing a sustainablesociety by promoting these research and development activities.

Notes:

(*1) ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification): ISCC is oneof the world's largest certification organizations and widely recognized inEurope and many other parts of the world. It has a track record of over 4,000certifications in more than 100 countries for sustainable raw materials likebiomass and waste plastics as well as recyclable products.

(*2) mass balance method: When biomass-derived raw materials andpetroleum-derived raw materials are mixed,the ratio of the biomass-derived rawmaterials used is assigned as the biomass ratio of the specific end product.For example,if 30% of the propylene used in the production of acrylic acid andSAP is bio-based propylene and the rest is petroleum-based propylene,the massbalance method can be applied to allocate 30% of the bio-based propylene toSAP. Therefore,biomass-derived and petroleum-derived raw materials can bemanufactured up to completion of the final product without distinguishingbetween them,and the extent of the contribution to the reduction of CO2emissions during the life cycle of the product can be shown.

Photo1: SAP plant

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Photo2: Aerial view of NSE site

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- Corporate outline of NSE

Company name: Nippon Shokubai Europe N.V.

Established: February 1999

Location: Antwerp,Belgium (headquarters and plant)

Representative: Tomiyuki Sawada,President

Capital: 243 million euros (100% owned by Nippon Shokubai)

Business: Production and sales of acrylic acid and SAP

Number of employees: 191 (as of December 31,2021)

About Nippon Shokubai Co.,Ltd.:

Since its establishment in 1941,Nippon Shokubai has expanded its business withunique catalyst technology at its core. Nippon Shokubai has supplied ethyleneoxide,acrylic acid,automobile catalysts,process catalysts and otherproducts. It commands a top global share of superabsorbent polymers. NipponShokubai is a global chemical company operating under its corporate mission of"TechnoAmenity -- Providing affluence and comfort to people and society,withour unique technology."

https://www.shokubai.co.jp/en/

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