Sparks AS, a subsidiary of the Diersch & Schröder Group, has established itself as a key player in the transition toward sustainable chemical distribution. Founded in Norway over a decade ago, the company operates as a lean and agile trading house with a clear mission: to help clients reduce their carbon footprint through sustainable raw materials and innovative technologies.
A Vision Rooted in Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Sparks’ operations. The company supplies environmentally conscious chemical products to heavy industries across Northern Europe, including smelters, water treatment, biogas, oil and gas, waste-to-energy, CO₂ capture, and road and infrastructure sectors.
With a trusted network of nine suppliers, Sparks ensures that all products meet strict environmental standards, often supported by certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
We work systematically with continuous improvement to ensure that our processes and reporting align with international standards and best practices.
Marianne Engebretsen, Sparks’ Quality and Operations Manager
From Fossil to Bio-Based: Real Impact in CO₂ Reduction
Sparks actively supports its clients in transitioning from fossil-based raw materials to bio-based alternatives, contributing to reduced Scope 3 emissions and lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).
One impactful case involves a client collaboration where a product substitution led to an estimated CO₂ reduction of 1,000 tonnes annually. In the aluminum sector, Sparks has supplied CO₂-neutral raw materials combined with carbon credits for one plant, while another facility transitioned to 100% bio-based materials. These examples highlight Sparks’ adaptability and technical expertise in applying new sustainable technologies.
Innovative Projects with Tangible Results
Sparks is engaged in a variety of forward-looking projects:
Biochar for Agriculture: By converting timber waste into biochar and combining it with liquid byproducts from biogas production, Sparks enables farmers to sequester up to 3.8 kg of CO₂ per kg of biochar applied to soil. This not only replaces synthetic fertilizers but also enables access to regulated CO₂ credit markets in countries like Denmark and Sweden.
Water Treatment Solutions: Sparks provides activated carbon made from coconut shells, delivering high purification efficiency with a reduced carbon footprint. In Norway, Sparks recently secured a contract with a public water utility, enabling them to upgrade treatment performance without costly infrastructure investments—achieving strong results in public tenders thanks to superior technology and low GWP.
CO₂ Capture: In Norway, Sparks supports the country’s first facility to capture CO₂ from flue gases. The captured emissions are injected into North Sea reservoirs for permanent storage. The facility began operations in February 2025.
Infrastructure and Asphalt Innovation: Together with our subsidiary Esti Chem, Sparks replaces diesel in asphalt production with ester-based alternatives. This not only reduces emissions but also improves workplace safety.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While sustainable materials often come at a higher cost, Sparks emphasizes the long-term economic and regulatory advantages. With CO₂ credit prices increasing, early adoption of low-GWP materials positions clients to stay ahead of future compliance requirements.
Sparks also offers RSPO-certified palm-oil-based products to help customers meet growing sustainability expectations and prepare for upcoming EU regulations, such as the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). While RSPO is not an official EU standard, it can support compliance efforts and reduce regulatory risk.
From Fossil to Future
Global energy demand continues to rise, even as the effects of climate change become more immediate and severe. Our responsibility is to help meet that demand while enabling our clients to lower their carbon footprint.
Geir Markussen, Partner
Sparks demonstrates how a specialized distributor can actively contribute to decarbonizing industrial value chains. Through close collaboration with suppliers and its sister company Esti Chem, Sparks supports the replacement of fossil-based inputs with low-emission, future-ready alternatives.
