‘This new project in the US would not only serve a growing market for sustainable solutions, but would also reduce Braskem’s dependence on fossil raw materials.’
Brazil-based Braskem has said that it is ‘actively evaluating’ the feasibility of investing in production of the world’s first bio-based polypropylene (PP) on an industrial scale. Set to be located in the US, the company says that any production plant would be based on its proprietary technology which can convert bioethanol into bio-based PP. Braskem said that since it first launched its bio-based PP, it has seen demand grow significantly.
The company said that its new product is a drop-in solution, having the same technical and recycling properties found in its current PP portfolio. The company added that it is exploring partnership opportunities for the project with several clients, brand owners and suppliers.
Commenting, Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America said: ‘This new project in the US would not only serve a growing market for sustainable solutions, but would also reduce Braskem’s dependence on fossil raw materials. Expanding our portfolio to include bio-based PP supports Braskem’s goal to bring one million tonnes of biopolymers to market by 2030, and to become carbon neutral by 2050.’
In a separate development Braskem has signed a ‘definitive 10-year commercial agreement’ with Nexus Circular, for the supply of ‘circular raw materials’ from a new recycling plant. Nexus Circular has developed a proprietary technology that transforms flexible packaging, once destined for landfill, and other difficult-to-recycle plastics, into raw materials which can be used to produce sustainable plastics of the same quality as conventionally produced plastic.
Braskem said the contracted volumes of raw materials from Nexus Circular would help it meet its goal of selling 300,000 tonnes of products with recycled content by 2025, and one million tonnes of such products by 2030. The company added that the resins produced from the circular feedstock will be used in food contact applications as well as automotive, durable goods and consumer household items.
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