BMW Group Uses Sustainable Paints

BMW Group Uses Sustainable Paints Derived from Biological Waste BMW Group is employing innovative technologies in its efforts to improve sustainability and taking advantage of new options to conserve resources and reduce paint-related emissions. BMW Group is the world's first automotive manufacturer to use matt paints derived from biomass instead of crude oil in its European factories. Additionally, BMW Group facilities in Leipzig and Rosslyn (South Africa) use sustainably produced corrosion protection. Renewable raw materials such as biological waste or waste from sewage treatment plants serve as starting materials for paints. CO2 savings determined in a TÜV-certified process correspond to over 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from today through 2030. "By reducing our use of fossil raw materials, we can also protect natural resources and reduce CO2 emissions. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network at BMW AG, stated: "To achieve this, we are increasingly relying on sustainability innovations in our supplier network. Innovative paints based on renewable raw materials represent a significant step in this direction."

Organic Waste Replacing Fossil Resources

BASF's innovative production process makes it possible to replace petroleum-based raw materials such as naphtha with renewable raw materials derived from organic waste, starting from the initial stages of paint production. This not only reduces the consumption of fossil resources but also prevents CO2 emissions associated with the production, transportation, and processing of crude oil. The corrosion protection and matt paints used in BMW Group's Leipzig and Rosslyn factories possess the same properties as conventionally produced body coatings and are chemically identical to previously used paints. Since bio-based and conventional coatings are produced on the same line, BASF adopts an externally approved mass balance approach. The volume of paint purchased by BMW Group is calculated to exactly equal the quantity of bio-naphtha and bio-methane required for 100 percent oil-free production. The sustainable production process reduces CO2 emissions from paint production by more than 40 percent. The two BMW Group factories in Leipzig and Rosslyn produce an average of 250,000 vehicles per year.