> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.packagingeurope.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Encina and BASF establish partnership for circular raw materials supply - URL: https://www.packagingeurope.com/encina-and-basf-establish-partnership-for-circular-raw-materials-supply/ - Published: 2024-06-20T14:12:00.000Z - Updated: 2024-06-20T14:12:50.000Z - Author: Packaging Europe staff writers - Tags: Business, Collaboration, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:50 **Chemical manufacturer** [**Encina**](http://www.encina.com/?ref=packagingeurope.com) **and** [**BASF**](https://www.basf.com/global/en.html?ref=packagingeurope.com) **have announced a long-term supply agreement for chemically recycled circular benzene, derived from post-consumer end-of-life plastics.** BASF says it is aiming to strengthen the circular economy by integrating more chemically recycled, circular-based raw materials into its production processes. BASF will use the chemically recycled benzene for its broad Ccycled product portfolio. Apparently, in the production of Ccycled products, conventional fossil raw materials required to manufacture BASF products are replaced with recycled feedstock from the chemical recycling of plastic waste along BASF’s integrated production chain. The corresponding share of recycled feedstock, such as benzene, is attributed to the specific Ccycled product via a certified mass balance approach. BASF sites and Ccycled products are third-party certified according to internationally recognized certification schemes including [REDcert2](https://www.redcert.org/en/?ref=packagingeurope.com) and [ISCC PLUS](https://www.iscc-system.org/certification/iscc-certification-schemes/iscc-plus/?ref=packagingeurope.com) and meet the definitions set out by ISO 22095:2020\. Encina states its ‘circular chemicals’ are key ingredients used in the production of everyday and novel plastics, and its proprietary catalytic technology produces drop-in quality and high yield circular feedstocks. BASF’s approach towards achieving circularity encompasses the increasing use of recycled and renewable feedstocks, shaping new material cycles and creating new business models. “The use of benzene derived from post-consumer plastics as raw material in BASF’s value chains underscores our ongoing commitment to transition towards non-fossil and circular alternatives,” stated Thomas Ohlinger, vice president of Traded Products at BASF. “Through our partnership with Encina, we drive BASF’s transformation by increasing recycling-based feedstocks to offer more Ccycled products to our customers, for example in the packaging, textile and automotive industries.” “Encina is proud to partner with BASF, an industry leader renowned for its commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said David Roesser, PhD and chief executive officer of Encina. “This agreement is a big step on the transformative journey towards a truly circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are maximized for a more sustainable future.” This month, BASF revealed it was [researching](https://packagingeurope.com/news/basf-researching-co2-neutral-production-of-bio-based-fumarate/11466.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) the bacterium Basfia succiniciproducens to transform sugar and carbon dioxide into fumaric acid - an intermediate for chemical production. Conducted in collaboration with [Saarland University](https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/home.html?ref=packagingeurope.com), the [University of Marburg](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en?ref=packagingeurope.com) and the [University of Kaiserslautern-Landau](https://rptu.de/en/?ref=packagingeurope.com) in a joint research project, FUMBIO, the bacterium will reportedly be genetically modified by researchers so that it produces large quantities of bio-based fumaric acid during fermentation. In April, [PAPACKS](https://www.papacks.com/?ref=packagingeurope.com) and [European Material Bank](https://www.material-bank.de/?ref=packagingeurope.com) signed a [strategic cooperation agreement](https://packagingeurope.com/news/agreement-between-papacks-and-emba-to-advance-renewable-raw-materials/11214.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) aiming to advance the exploration, development, processing, and production of renewable raw materials worldwide, including sugar cane, eucalyptus, and bamboo. The collaboration hopes to produce virgin pulp materials directly applicable in the paper-making and moulded fibre packaging industries. **If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:** [*How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?*](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-how-are-the-top-brands-progressing-on-packaging-sustainability/10890.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) [*The ultimate guide to global plastic sustainability regulation*](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-the-ultimate-guide-to-global-plastic-sustainability-regulation/11084.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) [*How bad is ‘greenwashing’ in fast fashion packaging?*](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-brief-how-bad-is-greenwashing-in-fast-fashion-packaging/11316.article?ref=packagingeurope.com) [*A conversation with P&G’s Chief Sustainability Officer*](https://packagingeurope.com/sustainable-packaging-summit-on-demand/sustainable-packaging-summit-fireside-chat-with-pandgs-chief-sustainability-officer/10696.article?ref=packagingeurope.com)