EU adopts first union-wide mass balance rules — Perstorp endorses

What the EU adopted

The EU has adopted the first harmonized definition and calculation rules for mass balance accounting under the Single‑Use Plastics Directive, introducing requirements for chemical and physical traceability to attribute sustainable feedstocks to products across Europe.

Key principles

The framework establishes chemical traceability (only raw materials actually used may support product claims), no overcompensation (a sustainable feedstock can only replace the share it chemically contributes), physical traceability at site level (preventing transfer of sustainability credits between sites and requiring operational process‑level data), and a fuel‑use exclusion (material attributed to fuels cannot be counted toward sustainable material claims).

Industry response and Perstorp’s approach

Perstorp and PCG SC describe the decision as increasing robustness and credibility of mass balance. Perstorp says its Pro‑Environment portfolio is built on a Traceable Mass Balance that combines chemical and process‑level physical traceability to ensure sustainability claims are supported by actual raw material use; the company also references ISCC PLUS‑certified products and transparent sustainability documentation.

Implications for the supply chain

The rules aim to create a harmonized approach and common language for sustainability claims, providing greater confidence for customers, brand owners, investors and certification bodies. Mass balance is presented as a practical method to scale renewable and recycled feedstocks within existing production assets, support investment in sustainable supply chains and reduce dependence on fossil carbon ahead of fully segregated systems.