SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL — Braskem SA, the leading thermoplastic resin producer in the Americas and world's largest biopolymer producer, staked its claim Wednesday as the first chemical company to publish a carbon footprint of its products.
The company's study, released at the Feiplastic trade show in São Paulo, details the volume of greenhouse gases released from the extraction of raw materials, transportation and Braskem's entire production process.
"In addition to seeking alternatives to reduce emissions, measuring a carbon footprint helps verify potential cost reductions and enhances the reputation of companies," said Jorge Soto, Braskem's sustainable development director. "This is information that will certainly influence the purchase decision."
Based on figures released, Braskem reduced its GHG emissions by 12.8 percent between 2008 and 2012. The carbon footprint data indicates that Braskem's products, including polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC, were better for the environment than equivalents produced in Europe and the United States, the company said.
Braskem's carbon footprint study only measures the lifecycle of plastics while in the company's possession. Converters, distributors, retailers and recyclers are being encouraged by Braskem to measure their combined carbon footprint to the end consumer.