May 11, 2025 – Braskem, the Brazilian chemical giant, is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its groundbreaking bio – based polyethylene brand, “I’m green™”. To mark this milestone, the company has officially announced an expansion of the production capacity of its bio – ethylene plant in Triunfo, Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil.
Currently, the annual output of bio – ethylene at this plant has been increased from 260,000 tons to 275,000 tons. Although the increase may seem modest, it holds great significance. Notably, all of this ethylene is derived from sugarcane – based ethanol, providing a renewable and low – carbon alternative to traditional fossil – based raw materials.
From the initial 200,000 tons to the current 275,000 tons, Braskem has been steadily advancing on the path of sustainable development. The current production capacity has increased by 37% compared to the original output when it first entered the green plastics market. In 2021, with a substantial investment of $90 million, the plant’s production capacity achieved a leap – forward growth. And this latest capacity expansion once again demonstrates Braskem’s firm determination to continuously expand the production scale of renewable materials.
At the Triunfo plant, bio – ethylene is used to produce bio – based polyethylene (Bio – PE) and ethylene – vinyl acetate copolymer (Bio – EVA). These materials have the same properties as traditional fossil – based materials and are widely applicable in various fields such as packaging and consumer goods. At the same time, they can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Braskem’s development blueprint is not limited to the Brazilian domestic market. The company has joined hands with the large Thai enterprise SCGC. Through the joint venture Braskem Siam, they are preparing to build a second bio – ethylene plant in Asia. According to AsiaMB, this new plant is expected to add 200,000 tons of renewable ethylene production capacity per year to meet the ever – increasing global market demand.
Looking ahead to 2050, Braskem has an even more ambitious goal – to achieve carbon neutrality. Walmir Soller, Vice President of Braskem in North America, Europe and Asia and CEO of Braskem BV, said, “In 2025, we are not only celebrating the 15 – year journey of the ‘I’m green™’ brand, but also commemorating Braskem’s remarkable journey in the field of sustainable chemistry. The capacity expansion in 2023 is a crucial step towards our 2050 carbon – neutrality mission.”
Braskem’s series of strategic measures show the world how large – scale industries can successfully transform to a more sustainable circular economy model with the power of innovation and renewable resources. Its experience also provides valuable reference for the sustainable development of the global chemical industry.