Siemens Smart Infrastructure and BASF have unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in electrical safety products by incorporating components made from biomass-balanced plastics. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker, utilized in industrial and infrastructure applications, now features Ultramid® BMBcertTM and Ultradur® BMBcertTM from BASF, replacing fossil feedstock with biomethane derived from renewable sources like agricultural waste. This material transition not only maintains quality and performance but also significantly reduces carbon dioxide equivalents by approximately 270 metric tons per year, contributing to a circular economy model for a more sustainable future.
The integration of biomass-balanced plastics in the SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker aligns with Siemens' sustainability objectives, particularly in decarbonization and resource efficiency as outlined in the DEGREE framework. Siemens has set ambitious targets, including a 1.5°C science-based decarbonization goal and a 90% reduction target for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. By applying a Robust Eco Design to 100% of relevant product families by 2030, Siemens demonstrates its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Siemens plans to expand the use of sustainable materials across its broader SIRIUS industrial controls portfolio in the near future. Beyond product design and manufacturing processes, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker, meeting the stringent criteria of the Siemens EcoTech label, offers customers comprehensive insights into product performance across key environmental parameters. With a significant portion of the product components made from biomass-balanced plastic, the circuit breaker also boasts lower power consumption throughout its lifecycle compared to previous models.
Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, emphasizes the role of their products in enhancing asset performance and reliability through resource-efficient and circular solutions. The partnership with BASF, a leader in sustainable plastics innovation, underscores Siemens' commitment to optimizing energy use and production chains. BASF's dedication to the circular economy and de-fossilization is evident in its gradual transition from fossil to bio-based and recycled raw materials, aligning with the mass balance approach to sustainable production.
Martin Jung, President of BASF Performance Materials, highlights the game-changing nature of the mass balance approach, enabling the gradual replacement of fossil raw materials with sustainable alternatives in complex production processes. By integrating renewable and recycled raw materials into its value chain, BASF contributes to a circular economy and strives for net-zero operations. The collaboration with Siemens not only enhances the sustainability of BASF's production but also reinforces the circuit breaker's role in boosting motor efficiency and reliability, aligning with shared sustainability objectives.
Through the mass balance approach, BASF integrates various alternative raw materials like biomethane and bio-naphtha into its production network, certified as sustainable by established systems such as ISCC PLUS and REDcert. This strategic shift towards renewable and recycled feedstock marks a significant step towards achieving a circular economy and reducing environmental impact, showcasing the transformative potential of sustainable practices in the manufacturing industry.
