BASF launches novel digital system to help ethanol industry reduce carbon emission

Global chemical company BASF has launched a new digital platform called Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops to help the ethanol industry reduce carbon emissions.

BASF said that the new system connects farmers, agronomists and ethanol producers, allowing them to record and verify farm practices that lower carbon intensity (CI). This is especially important as the USA prepares to implement the Clean Fuel Production Credit under Section 45Z, which rewards low-carbon fuel production.

The platform uses BASF digital tools, xarvio FIELD MANAGER and xarvio BIOENERGY, to collect farm-level data. Many farmers already follow conservation practices such as planting cover crops, reducing tillage and improving nutrient management. These practices can reduce the carbon intensity of crops used to produce ethanol. However, until now, it has been difficult for ethanol producers to collect consistent and verified data from farms.

Circalo solves this problem by turning farm data into verified reports that ethanol plants can use to qualify for low-carbon fuel incentives. The system gathers information through trusted agronomy advisors, standardizes the data across grower networks, and allows third-party verification to meet regulatory requirements.

According to BASF officials, carbon intensity is no longer just about reporting emissions; it has become a key business factor for ethanol producers. Lower CI feedstocks can improve competitiveness, increase margins and ensure long-term market access.

Chad Asmus, Sustainability Market Development Manager for BASF Agricultural Solutions, said, “We have developed Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops to combine agronomic expertise with economic opportunity, so farmers can potentially receive new revenue and recognition for their conservation practices.”

“45Z changes the conversation for ethanol,” Jeff Carver, xarvio BIOENERGY Key Account Manager for BASF, explains. “Carbon intensity is no longer just a reporting exercise, it’s a business driver. Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops is built to help ethanol plants work directly with the agronomy partners and farmer networks to document real, measurable ag practices so the data flows seamlessly and securely.”

Benefitting All Stakeholders

The platform is designed to benefit the entire ethanol value chain. Farmers can receive recognition and potential financial rewards for their sustainable practices, while biorefineries can secure verified low-carbon feedstocks and maximize tax credit benefits. BASF says the system is ready to help the ethanol industry move from theory to practical, measurable carbon reductions.

Recently. BASF also launched the world’s first biomass-balanced polyethersulfone (PESU) to all industries relying on high-performance thermoplastics.