The Mass Balance Question: Where It Delivers and Where It Distracts

How can you thoughtfully evaluate mass balance claims as the accounting method spreads across applications, including agricultural feedstock sourcing and chemical recycling? In what  cases does mass balance accounting add real value?

Mass balance accounting lets companies claim sustainable inputs, like certified agricultural feedstocks or recycled content, without physically segregating them from conventional supply. That’s why leading procurement teams draw clear lines between acceptable mass balance use and required segregated sourcing, pushing suppliers for third-party verification before counting volumes toward sustainability targets. In this session we’ll explore how mass balance works, and share a framework to help you understand when it’s a legitimate bridge to sustainable supply chains versus when it just adds complexity.