Braskem expands biopolymer production from sugarcane
In Brazil, Braskem, the largest resin producer in the Americas and the world’s leading biopolymer producer, expands its production of I’m greenTM biopolymers; biobased plastics made from sugarcane. This exemplifies Braskem’s commitment to the circular economy and its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050 and marks an important step towards a global change in the entire industry. To date, around 200,000 tons of biopolymers per year are produced in Brazil but will expand to 260,000 tons. In 2030, this amount is expected to increase to one million tons.
Braskem is investing a total of around $60 million in expanding its I’m greenTM biopolymer production capacities by 30%. The company is also examining the possibility to build a new I’m greenTM biopolymer factory in Thailand. The partner in this ambitious project is SCG Chemicals, a leading chemical company in the South-East Asian country. The partners are currently working together on studies into the feasibility and optimal location of such a production facility. A corresponding memorandum of understanding (MOU) has already been concluded in 2021. This cooperation on its own can help to up to double the existing capacity for ” I’m greenTM” products.
In addition, there are numerous collaborations in other areas – such as the one with Lummus Technology for the licensing of biopolymer technologies, which in turn leads to increased development of new bio-based materials. Lummus is one of the leading licensors in the field of ethylene and now has added ethanol dehydration to ethylene to its portfolio. This sustainable solution will contribute significantly to the transition to a carbon-neutral circular economy.
Another significant step from Braskem towards a low carbon circular economy is the joint venture with the Japanese supplier Sojitz to produce bioMEG (monoethylene glycol) for PET and bioMPG (monopropylene glycol) for a range of applications, including cosmetics sends a clear signal in this regard.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
