PCC Subsidiary Becomes First Silicon Producer to Receive ISCC Certification, Setting New Standards in Sustainable Supply Chains
Duisburg, Germany/Húsavík, Iceland – PCC BakkiSilicon hf., an Icelandic silicon metal producer, has become the first company in the world in its sector to receive certification of its greenhouse gas balance of silicon metal in accordance with the new ISCC Carbon Footprint Certification (CFC) standard. This certification, issued by the renowned International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system, attests to PCC BakkiSilicon hf.’s commitment to sustainable business practices.
After undergoing an audit at their production site in Húsavík, the company was awarded a certificate confirming a greenhouse gas footprint of just 3,102.56 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per metric ton of silicon metal produced in the twelve-month reference period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. This is a significant achievement, considering that PCC BakkiSilicon hf. produces silicon metal exclusively using electricity from renewable energy sources, primarily geothermal energy.
Dr. Peter Wenzel, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of PCC SE, the parent company of PCC BakkiSilicon hf., stated, “The fact that our subsidiary has been audited in line with the ISCC standard for carbon footprint certification (CFC) confirms the validity of our strategy of setting global standards in climate protection with PCC BakkiSilicon hf.” This certification further solidifies PCC’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
While this achievement is commendable, PCC BakkiSilicon hf. is facing strong economic pressure due to operating in direct competition with China, where silicon is produced with much higher CO2 emissions and under conditions of forced labor. In addition, China has been exporting silicon at dumping prices, creating an unfair playing field for companies like PCC BakkiSilicon hf.
Silicon is a crucial material for the production of photovoltaic modules and other high-tech and climate protection applications. However, its production is energy-intensive, making the emissions associated with energy supply a significant factor in its overall climate impact. With its low carbon footprint, PCC BakkiSilicon hf. has set a new benchmark for sustainable silicon production.
However, PCC is calling for political support to address the issue of unfair competition from cheap silicon produced under harmful and unethical conditions. Wenzel also points out that the German government supported the construction of PCC’s plant in Iceland due to its importance for a raw materials strategy geared towards the needs of German industry.
The analysis of the carbon footprint, on which the ISCC Carbon Footprint Certificate awarded to PCC BakkiSilicon hf. is based, was conducted in accordance with the ISCC guidelines for greenhouse gas calculations and the new certification approach for the carbon footprint of products from silicon metal production. The certificate covers the entire production process, including raw material and energy supply, transportation, and manufacturing, for one metric ton of silicon metal produced in 2022 and 2023.
PCC SE, headquartered in Duisburg, Germany, is the parent and investment holding company of the globally active PCC Group, with around 3,300 employees. The group’s core competencies include the production of chemical feedstocks and specialty chemicals, silicon and silicon derivatives, and container logistics. PCC SE is committed to continuously increasing the enterprise value of its portfolio companies through sustainable investments and the creation of new value. The PCC Group’s largest chemical producers are PCC Rokita SA, a major chlorine manufacturer and Eastern Europe’s leading producer of polyols, and PCC Exol SA, one of Europe’s most advanced surfactant manufacturers. PCC was founded in 1993 by Waldemar Preussner, who currently holds the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board. In fiscal 2023, the PCC Group generated consolidated sales of € 994 million and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of approximately € 112 million, with capital expenditures amounting to € 142 million. For more information on PCC, please visit: https://www.pcc.eu.
Press Contact
Susanne Biskamp, Head of Marketing & Public Relations
PCC SE | Moerser Str. 149 | D-47198 Duisburg | Phone: +49 2066 20 19-35 | susanne.biskamp@pcc.eu
