In the pursuit of a low-carbon future, small decisions regarding material sourcing can have a significant impact on the entire value chain. One of the latest tools in this shift is mass balance, a method for integrating renewable content into existing production systems while ensuring complete traceability. At Diab, mass balance now enables the use of fossil-free PVC in our Advanced kits, providing customers a lower carbon footprint without compromising performance or process efficiency.
What is mass balance?
Mass balance is a chain of custody model that tracks the amount of renewable or recycled feedstock entering a production system and allocates it across finished products based on strict bookkeeping. Rather than physically separating fossil-free materials at every stage of production, manufacturers utilize certified accounting systems to ensure that the correct proportion of sustainable content is accurately matched to the final output. It’s similar to how renewable electricity is tracked and verified on the energy grid. For customers, this means that while the material they receive may look and perform the same, they can be confident it has been accounted for as part of a verified, fossil-free input stream.
What is ISCC PLUS?
ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is one of the leading certification systems for renewable and circular materials. It includes a wide range of non-fossil inputs, such as bio-based waste, recycled feedstock, and other sustainable sources. It serves to verify the environmental integrity of mass balance claims.
To ensure transparency, every participant in the supply chain must be ISCC PLUS certified, from raw material suppliers to manufacturers and sales offices. Certification ensures traceability and compliance with defined sustainability criteria, providing customers the assurance they need when switching to more climate-friendly alternatives.
Fossil-free PVC in Diab’s Advanced kits
Diab’s Advanced kits are pre-cut foam core kits developed for high-end composite applications. They are designed for minimal resin absorption, high surface quality, and a precise fit, making them ideal for demanding manufacturing processes such as infusion and prepreg.
Now, these kits are also available with ISCC PLUS-certified, mass-balanced fossil-free PVC. The PVC is produced from renewable, bio-based waste using 100% renewable energy, which lowers the overall climate impact of the final product.
Each kit includes a sustainability declaration and an estimated Global Warming Potential (GWP) value. Customers transitioning from standard to fossil-free kits can also receive a comparison of resin consumption and total emissions, which makes it easier to track the benefits of the switch.
Supporting customers in reducing Scope 3
For many companies, purchased materials account for a significant portion of their Scope 3 emissions—those that occur outside their direct control. By offering certified, lower-impact alternatives with complete documentation, Diab helps customers reduce their indirect emissions while maintaining the mechanical performance and process efficiency they depend on. The introduction of fossil-free PVC in Advanced kits is part of Diab’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes verified carbon reduction targets, transparent reporting, and a long-term goal of reaching net-zero. With certified mass balance, we now provide another concrete step in that direction—one that benefits both the environment and the bottom line.
