Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading global producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale, has announced a project to evaluate an investment in producing carbon negative bio-based polypropylene (PP) in the US. The project would utilise Braskem’s proven, proprietary technology to convert bioethanol into physically segregated bio-based polypropylene.

Braskem is exploring partnership opportunities for this project with several clients, brand owners, and suppliers. The company’s 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, according to a press release.

Braskem’s bio-based PP is touted to be a first-of-its-kind solution to address brand owners’ and OEMs’ transition to a more sustainable future. The polyolefins producer aims to be among the global leaders in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and a key player in carbon capture through the production of materials with renewable, biobased raw materials.

By 2030, Braskem seeks to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 15 per cent; and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“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 US-based project would not only serve a growing market for sustainable solutions but also reduce Braskem’s reliance on fossil feedstock. Expanding our portfolio to include bio-based PP supports Braskem’s goal of 1MM tons of biopolymers capacity by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050,” commented Mark Nikolich, Braskem America CEO.