Braskem, the Brazil-based largest polyolefins producer in the Americas, first introduced bio-based polyethylene in 2010 under the "I'm Green" portfolio. Now it has launched a project that could see it producing a plant-based polypropylene.
Braskem officials said the transition to more sustainable raw materials would include production in the U.S., home to the largest ethanol industry production in the world and therefore able to offer the ample technology, infrastructure, and supply availability needed for a project in the polymers’ value chain.
The project would utilize Braskem’s proprietary technology to convert bioethanol into physically segregated bio-based polypropylene at an industrial scale. As well, Braskem is exploring partnership opportunities for this project with several clients, brand owners, and suppliers.
The bio-based PP would be a drop-in solution that has the same technical properties and recyclability found today in Braskem’s current PP portfolio, with the additional benefit of a negative carbon footprint.
“As an established leader in the innovation and production of bio-based materials, we have seen the demand for Braskem’s bio-based materials grow significantly since our initial product launches. This new U.S.-based project would not only serve a growing market for sustainable solutions but also reduce Braskem’s reliance on fossil feedstock,” said Mark Nikolich, Braskem America CEO. “Expanding our portfolio to include bio-based PP supports Braskem’s goal of 1million metric tons of biopolymers capacity by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”
Braskem aims to be among the global leaders in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and a key player in carbon capture through the production of materials with renewable, bio-based raw materials. Its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 15 percent in 2030; the company will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.