Braskem Launches Next-Generation Bio-Based Polymer Solutions at K 2025 Fair

Braskem, one of the world’s largest biopolymer producers, used the K 2025 trade fair in Düsseldorf to present its latest innovations in sustainable materials. The company showcased advancements in its I'm green™ product line, including polymers derived from sugarcane ethanol and new mechanically and chemically recycled resins. These developments highlight Braskem’s long-term commitment to replacing fossil-based plastics with renewable or circular alternatives.

The new bio-based polyethylene and polypropylene products are designed for high performance while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure. They offer comparable strength, flexibility, and thermal resistance to conventional polymers but significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions over their life cycle.

Expanding Renewable Feedstock Use

Central to Braskem’s presentation was the expansion of renewable feedstock sourcing. The company’s bio-based polyethylene, produced from sugarcane ethanol, already helps avoid over 3.6 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. At K 2025, Braskem announced its intention to broaden its renewable material base beyond sugarcane to include waste biomass and other second-generation feedstocks.

This approach reflects a growing industry trend toward non-food biomass to address sustainability and land-use challenges. Braskem also confirmed it is investing in partnerships to secure a resilient supply chain for renewable ethanol and biogenic feedstocks, particularly in Latin America and Europe.

Circularity and Chemical Recycling

In addition to bio-based products, Braskem unveiled several new resins made with recycled content. These materials combine mechanical and chemical recycling technologies to achieve high-purity polymer chains suitable for demanding applications in packaging, consumer goods, and automotive sectors.

Braskem’s chemical recycling program converts post-consumer plastic waste into circular feedstock through advanced pyrolysis. This feedstock can then be used to produce virgin-quality resins, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while supporting circular production loops.

The company’s initiatives align with EU and global policies encouraging recycled content targets and producer responsibility schemes. Braskem highlighted ongoing collaborations with European converters and brand owners to design packaging that integrates bio-based or circular polymers without compromising performance or recyclability.

Integration with Global Decarbonisation Goals

K 2025 provided a platform for Braskem to communicate how its innovation strategy contributes to broader climate goals. The company aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Its circular economy roadmap focuses on eliminating plastic waste leakage, scaling recycling capacity, and expanding bio-based production.

Braskem also reiterated the role of material science in helping industries transition to net-zero. Lightweight, recyclable polymers contribute to lower transport emissions and energy-efficient manufacturing, while renewable feedstocks support decarbonisation of raw material supply chains.

Collaboration and Market Outlook

During the exhibition, Braskem called for deeper collaboration across the plastics value chain. The company emphasised that achieving climate and circularity goals will depend on joint action between polymer producers, packaging manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers.

Braskem’s bio-based and recycled products already serve global brands in the packaging, automotive, and consumer goods sectors. With growing policy incentives such as the EU Green Deal, the company expects demand for low-carbon polymers to accelerate rapidly.

Looking ahead, Braskem’s focus will be on scaling renewable production capacity, developing regional recycling partnerships, and expanding lifecycle traceability through digital certification systems.

Source: worldbiomarketinsights.com