Polymer Bio Mass Balance

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact caused by the use of raw materials derived from finite fossil resources and to integrate sustainable solutions into production processes — without compromising on quality or performance.

In this context, STR Automotive launched in 2019 an innovation project in collaboration with BASF, the world’s leading chemical company and a global reference point in the development of advanced materials based on renewable raw materials.
From STR’s strategic input and BASF’s research laboratories, the BMB (Bio Mass Balance) polymer was born.

After years of study and technical validation, since May 2025 this innovative techno-polymer has become a stable part of our production processes, marking a decisive step toward an industrial model that combines performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

 

The Biomass Balance Approach

The Biomass Balance (BMB) Approach is an innovative method that intervenes at the very beginning of the polymer manufacturing process. Instead of fossil-based raw materials traditionally used in production — such as naphtha and natural gas — renewable resources like vegetable oils or organic by-products are employed.

From a chemical perspective, the polymer obtained is identical to that derived from fossil-based sources: the molecular structure and polymerization reactions remain unchanged, ensuring the same mechanical, aesthetic, and processing properties, fully compatible with existing industrial technologies and processes.

The real added value of BMB lies in the environmental impact of its supply chain: by replacing fossil feedstocks with renewable and natural resources, the material’s overall carbon footprint is reduced by 66%, while simultaneously limiting fossil resource consumption.

 

BMB Products Certified According to REDcert² Standard

The BMB method is also certified according to the REDcert² scheme — an international standard that guarantees the sustainable origin of renewable raw materials. This certification provides tangible proof of the use of renewable resources in production and ensures that our customers can rely on materials meeting globally recognized sustainability criteria.

A Strategy for the Future

For STR Automotive, adopting the BMB polymer is not merely a technological evolution but a long-term strategic decision.
The Biomass Balance approach represents a concrete response to the sustainability challenges faced by the automotive industry and confirms our commitment to supporting the world’s most prestigious brands in their journey toward carbon neutrality.

For car manufacturers, it offers a tangible way to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable mobility while meeting increasingly stringent decarbonization targets and environmental regulations.

The BMB journey began five years ago and is now a reality in our daily production — a testament to how collaboration with excellent partners and a clear vision can translate into real and lasting innovation.