Siemens Smart Infrastructure and BASF have introduced the first electrical safety product to contain components made from biomass-balanced plastics. The Siemens Sirius 3RV2 circuit breaker used in industrial and infrastructure applications is now made with Ultramid BMBcert and Ultradur BMBcert from BASF, replacing fossil-based raw materials at the beginning of the value chains with bio-methane from renewable sources such as agricultural waste. Both materials offer the same quality and performance as conventional plastics. The material changeover in the production of the circuit breaker will save around 270 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per year.

In the coming months, Siemens plans to extend the use of sustainable materials to the entire Sirius portfolio for industrial controls. In addition to product design and functions as well as manufacturing and supply processes, the choice of materials plays a major role in further reducing_{CO2 emissions} and conserving natural resources. The Sirius 3RV2 circuit-breaker meets the criteria of the recently introduced Siemens EcoTech label, which is intended to give customers a comprehensive insight into product performance with regard to selected environmental criteria. The product, whose housing and functional parts are largely made of biomass-balanced plastic, offers lower energy consumption over its entire service life than its predecessor, according to the manufacturer.

Sirius circuit-breaker © Siemens

"The use of such an innovative material in an important safety component without compromising safety functionality and performance is a complete success for Siemens," emphasized Andreas Matthé, CEO Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Circuit breakers are used in factories and buildings worldwide and protect machines or electrical lines in the event of short circuits. They help to prevent major damage, for example from fires. "With our products, we help customers to improve the performance, availability and reliability of their plants through resource-efficient, recyclable products that optimize energy consumption, production and supply chains over the entire life cycle. In BASF, we have found a strong partner who supports us with innovations in the field of sustainable plastics," Matthé continues.

BASF is increasingly relying on renewable and recycled raw materials for the manufacture of its products. This is achieved, among other things, through a special process that gradually replaces fossil raw materials with bio-based and recycled raw materials. According to the mass balance approach, renewable or recycled raw materials are introduced into the production network right at the beginning of BASF's complex value chains. If customers opt for a certified product from such a value chain, BASF feeds sustainable raw materials into the BASF Verbund.

"The mass balance approach is a pioneering solution that enables the gradual replacement of fossil raw materials, even in complex production processes. The advantages of this approach are obvious: the greater the demand for alternative products, the higher the proportion of alternative raw materials in the production network. This is in line with our goal of achieving a circular economy and net-zero operations as quickly as possible," explains Martin Jung, President BASF Performance Materials. "What is also special about this project is that the Sirius 3RV2 circuit breaker is also used in our production plants. It not only protects the motors, but also increases their efficiency and reliability, thus making a double contribution to our sustainability goals."

Using the mass balance approach, various alternative raw materials such as bio-methane, bio-naphtha or pyrolysis oil can be integrated into the value chains. The bio-naphtha and bio-methane used by BASF is certified as sustainable according to systems such as ISCC PLUS and REDcert.