In today’s world, consumers are increasingly conscious about the origins and sustainability of the products they purchase. For businesses committed to ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing, various models exist to ensure the integrity of certified ingredients. Among these, the “mass balance” model stands out as a practical and scalable approach. But What Is Mass balance in the context of sustainable sourcing, and how does it work?
Mass balance is a sourcing method that provides a pathway for companies to support certified sustainable agriculture, even when physical segregation of certified and non-certified ingredients throughout complex supply chains is not feasible or cost-effective. Imagine a system where certified and non-certified ingredients are mixed during shipping or manufacturing. This is essentially mass balance in action. Despite this mixing, the system ensures that for every unit of certified product claimed, an equivalent amount of certified ingredients has been sourced. Major international sustainability initiatives recognize and utilize mass balance as a valid traceability model.
Infographic explaining mass balance sourcing with Rainforest Alliance Certified seal
To illustrate the breadth of its application, the Rainforest Alliance, a leading sustainability certification organization, offers mass balance traceability across a range of sectors.
| Mass balance allowed at supply chain level | Mass balance allowed at farm certificate holder and supply chain level |
|---|---|
| 1. Cocoa 2. Processed fruits: orange and pineapple juice, mango and banana puree, canned pineapple and any other processed fruits 3. Rooibos and selected herbs and spices: bay leaf, pepper, cardamom, Ceylon cinnamon, chili pepper, clove, coriander, dill, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, saffron, tarragon, thyme and vanilla | 1. Hazelnuts 2. Coconut Oil 3. Flowers 4. Cashew 5. Almond |
| For detailed information, refer to the Traceability Guidance, Annex Mass Balance requirements, chapter c. | For deeper insights, consult the Traceability Guidance, Annex Mass Balance requirements, chapter d. |
How Mass Balance Works: The Chocolate Bar Example
Let’s consider a chocolate bar to understand the practical application of mass balance. If a chocolate bar carries the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal under a mass balance system, it signifies that the total amount of cocoa purchased from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms is equivalent to the total amount of cocoa used in producing that chocolate bar. In simpler terms, for each gram of cocoa in the chocolate bar, you can be assured that one gram of cocoa has been sourced from a certified farm. This system ensures that the overall demand for certified cocoa is met, even if the certified cocoa isn’t physically traceable to that specific chocolate bar.
Why is Mass Balance Important for Sustainability?
Mass balance plays a crucial role in scaling up sustainability efforts across various industries. Its primary advantage lies in its affordability and practicality for companies compared to the “segregated model.” In a segregated system, certified ingredients are kept physically separate from non-certified ones throughout the entire supply chain. While segregation is ideal for traceability and is often used for products like coffee and tea, it can be significantly more expensive and complex to implement for certain supply chains, particularly those involving commodities like cocoa, orange juice, and coconut oil.
Encouraging Wider Adoption of Certified Ingredients
The higher costs associated with segregation, such as the need for separate storage tanks and processing lines, can divert resources away from direct investments in sustainable farming practices. Mass balance offers a viable alternative, encouraging more companies to commit to sourcing certified crops by making it economically feasible. This increased demand, in turn, benefits farmers directly.
Benefits for Farmers and Communities
By making certified sourcing more accessible to companies, mass balance drives up the demand for certified crops. This increased demand translates to significant benefits for farmers who adopt sustainable practices and obtain certification. These benefits can include higher incomes, improved working conditions, and access to resources that enhance their livelihoods and communities. From a farmer’s perspective, the critical aspect is selling their crops as certified; the eventual physical mixing of ingredients in the supply chain does not diminish the positive impact they experience.
Ensuring Credibility in Mass Balance Systems
A key question is how to ensure the credibility of product claims under a mass balance system. The credibility stems from robust traceability systems that guarantee the volumes of certified ingredients claimed for products bearing sustainability seals have indeed originated from certified farms. These systems meticulously track the flow of certified materials within the supply chain, ensuring accountability and preventing over-claiming. Therefore, consumers can have confidence that by choosing products with mass balance certification, they are contributing to positive change in agricultural practices and farmer livelihoods.
Furthermore, initiatives like “Origin Matching Mass Balance,” particularly in the cocoa sector, are enhancing transparency and impact. Origin matching ensures that even when certified cocoa mixes with non-certified cocoa, the country of origin remains consistent. This means if a chocolate brand claims to use cocoa from a specific region like Papua New Guinea under origin mass balance, they must purchase the equivalent volume of certified cocoa from Papua New Guinean certified farms. This approach provides more direct support to farmers in specific regions of production.
By understanding what is mass balance sourcing, consumers and businesses can appreciate its role in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting farmers globally. It’s a pragmatic and effective approach to scaling up sustainability in complex supply chains, driving positive change where it matters most.
