São Paulo-based Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in Latin America, is escalating the production of its circular products that utilize renewable or recycled resources.
Following a 30% capacity increase at its biopolymer (bioplastics) plant in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, the company aims to boost its production of these eco-friendly materials significantly.
Walmir Soller, Braskem’s Vice President of Olefins and Polyolefins for Europe and Asia, outlined the company’s target of generating nearly 25% of their portfolio from circular materials by 2030.
The increased production of “green” ethylene derived from sugarcane ethanol involved an investment of US$87 million.
Braskem’s ability to create such environmentally friendly inputs is garnering significant attention from market players.
The Triunfo plant, which began operation in 2010, now operates at a capacity of 260 thousand tons.
The company is targeting a total production capacity of one million tons of biopolymers by 2030, exploring the possibility of establishing new manufacturing facilities beyond Brazil.
For instance, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to build a production unit in Thailand with a capacity of 200,000 tons of biopolymers, with investment approval expected in the next year.
Plans for a biological polypropylene production plant in the United States are also under evaluation.
Soller explained that while bioplastics and fossil fuel-based resins offer similar performance, biopolymers consumers seek a lower carbon footprint.
Braskem’s commitment to sustainable alternatives is responsive to global demands for eco-friendly solutions.
The company’s initiative is in tune with the escalating decarbonization movement worldwide.
Bioplastics present a promising alternative to traditional polymers, with the global market for bioplastics and biopolymers predicted to hit US$17.1 billion by 2025.