The nova-Institute has released its first comprehensive report on Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA) products, providing unique data on 180 MBA building blocks and 50 MBA polymers produced by 49 companies at 189 sites worldwide.
The growing acceptance of MBA chemicals, intermediates, and polymers marks a turning point for the chemical and plastics industries, as well as brand owners seeking affordable and scalable pathways for defossilisation. MBA products are increasingly recognized as a practical alternative to dedicated bio-based solutions, offering better availability, cost efficiency, and wider adoption.
However, regulatory complexity and inconsistent communication around the MBA concept remain major hurdles. Uncertainty over EU policy and the risk of misleading claims have slowed broader acceptance, even as production volumes grow.
The nova-Institute’s new report, “Mainstreaming Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA): A Solid Concept, Increasing Acceptance and Growing Demand”, provides an in-depth analysis of terminology, historical development, political context, and market adoption. It also delivers detailed data on:
Certified MBA feedstocks and products
The most frequently produced polymers (with PE at No. 1)
Leading producers (with BASF topping the list)
Regional trends (Europe drives 60% of demand, with Germany, Belgium, and France leading production)
The findings confirm that MBA has moved into the mainstream. The number of products, sites, and companies is rapidly increasing, showing strong market demand for sustainable solutions despite limited policy support. The biggest challenge for continued growth remains regulatory clarity in the EU.
Conclusion: MBA adoption is accelerating, driven by leading chemical producers and European demand. While currently more focused on specialized applications, the report shows clear potential for scaling. Policymakers are urged to support MBA and renewable carbon approaches to speed up the industry’s transition to climate neutrality.
The full report is available at nova publications.
