We strive to maximize the sourcing and use of sustainable raw materials that contribute to the resource-efficient design of products with minimal environmental impact without compromising performance. We are phasing out the use of conventional fossil-based polycarbonates in our flush and surface-mounted products and are replacing them with ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification)* certified bio-circular material, as well as with recycled materials, resulting in improved environmental performance.

* Link to the ISCC Plus document https://www.iscc-system.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ISCC-PLUS-System-Document_V3.4.pdf

According to ISCC, “bio-circular” refers to waste and residues of biological origin from agriculture, forestry, and related industries including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste (e.g. UCO, tall oil, food waste, etc.)” and therefore does not compete with food production. https://www.iscc-system.org/markets/feedstocks/bio-circular/#:~:text=refers%20to%20waste%20and%20residues,%2C%20food%20waste%2C%20etc.

The use of bio-circular material does not have any negative impact on the quality, appearance or functionality of the product, since the properties of the raw material are identical to primary fossil-based plastics, it is only the feedstock source that differs.

The ABB factory as well as our supplier and the material are ISCC PLUS certified to ensure end-to-end transparency. This includes annual audits of the ABB factory and the supplier's factory to verify compliance with ISCC PLUS regulations and that ISCC PLUS material is actually used in the products sold as claimed. Regarding the material, ISCC PLUS is “applicable for the bioeconomy and circular economy for food, feed, chemicals, plastics, packaging, textiles and renewable feedstock derived from a process using renewable energy sources.” - https://www.iscc-system.org/certification/iscc-certification-schemes/iscc-plus/

The use of this bio-circular material saves more than 80% of CO₂ equivalent, cradle to gate (from raw material production to the material supplier’s warehouse), compared to primary fossil-based plastics.
By comparing the use of bio-circular to conventional plastics in our Busch-balance® AP products multiplied by the projected sales volume, we expect to reach yearly savings of 78 tons of CO₂ equivalent.

* https://solutions.covestro.com/en/highlights/articles/cases/2024/abbs-saga-series-uses-makrolon-re-for-switches-and-sockets