Braskem's bioethylene-derived drop-in polymers have had success in niche applications

August 16, 2018 | Case Study

Braskem introduced its flagship bio-based ethylene facility in 2010, where it started producing bio-based polyethylene at a capacity of 200,000 tpa. Its technology produces ethylene from the dehydration of sugarcane-based ethanol. Braskem's primary value proposition is reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, claiming that its process removes 3.09 kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere due to a variety of factors, including growing the sugarcane and generating electricity from sugarcane bagasse. However, while the ethylene may be more environmentally friendly, it costs more than fossil-based ethylene.