The nova-Institute has released its first in-depth report on Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA), presenting comprehensive data on intermediates and polymers attributed through the mass balance approach. The report identifies 180 MBA building blocks and 50 MBA polymers produced by 49 companies across 189 sites worldwide.
MBA is emerging as a significant tool for the chemical and plastics industries, offering scalable pathways to defossilisation by blending renewable or recycled feedstocks into existing fossil-based systems. While dedicated bio-based solutions remain important, MBA products offer broader availability, cost advantages, and flexibility for brand owners and manufacturers.
The report, titled “Mainstreaming Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA): A solid concept, increasing acceptance and growing demand – with more than 50 certified polymers and multiple hundred thousand tonnes produced in 2024”, highlights rising demand, increasing production, and expanding acceptance.
Key findings include:
- Polyethylene (PE) is the most frequently produced MBA polymer.
- BASF is identified as the leading MBA producer.
- Europe accounts for 60% of demand, with Germany, Belgium, and France leading the adoption.
- Production volumes reached several hundred thousand tonnes in 2024.
Despite the growing market, uncertainties in EU regulation remain the main obstacle to further scaling. Stakeholders also highlight concerns around communication clarity regarding the MBA concept.
Michael Carus, Managing Director of nova-Institute, stressed that despite limited political support, the growing number of companies, sites, and polymers demonstrates clear industry demand for more sustainable solutions. The institute calls for stronger policy support for MBA and renewable carbon technologies to accelerate market adoption and contribute to a climate-neutral future.
The full report is available for purchase via renewable-carbon.eu.