What are the latest developments regarding Braskem’s green PE production capacity?

JS: Braskem is the global leader in biopolymers production, with two main products: green polyethylene and green EVA. Both utilize ethanol from sugarcane as a raw material. In addition, we continue to invest in the development of new solutions. Recently, we announced our first solvent made from renewable resources; made from sugarcane, HE-70S is the result of a R$1 million investment. The new bio-based oxygenated solvent features lower toxicity and greater solvency power compared to traditional hydrocarbon solvents. The solution has already been adopted in clients' production processes and others are in the test phase to customize the product to the specific needs of each application.

Furthermore, in early 2019, Braskem an Haldor Topsoe announced the commissioning of a pioneering demonstration unit for the development of monoethylene glycol (MEG) from sugar. From 2020, clients will receive samples to test it.

Do you expect green PE to become the norm in the future?

JS: Renewable based chemicals will be part of the future. It is too early to determine whether this kind of product will become the norm, but we are confident that we are moving in the right direction. A carbon neutral society is needed to keep the temperature change below 2°C, the target of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, solutions that capture CO2 from the atmosphere, or that have a very low level of greenhouse gases emission, are needed.

Global warming is a chief concern facing humanity today. How can the petrochemical industry minimize its emissions towards the atmosphere?

JS: Braskem is committed to being part of the solution to this challenge, and is already working on several fronts. First, we have improved our carbon intensity by 21% from 2008 to 2018. In 2018 our intensity was 0,61 tCO2e/t (very close to our 0,6 tCO2e/t 2020 target). We are confident that our team can continue to improve our processes. Our 2030 carbon intensity target includes a further reduction of 30%. Besides, we are developing new products with lower carbon intensity or that can even capture CO2 from the atmosphere, and we are also supporting society with new solutions such as lighter packaging and spare parts for cars. Nonetheless, we cannot overcome this challenge alone, hence our support for business engagement through the main industry associations and multi-sectorial organizations such as Global Compact.

As society struggles to improve its recycling capacity, the debate is shifting towards the reduction of material usage. Can you elaborate on Braskem’s approach through Wecycle?

FQ: Recycling projects are one of our initiatives underpinning our commitment to our circular economy position, which is based on eight pillars. One of them is the design optimization of plastic products with our clients and partners for more efficient recycling and reuse. In this respect, we developed a recycled portfolio with quality products for our clients, and we recently signed partnerships with Tramontina for the use of our PCR resin in their chairs and with Colormaq for use in its washing machines. We have also been working with our clients to increase product recyclability, for instance with 100% polyethylene packaging that eliminates the use of multiple materials.

We are also expanding the use of science based tools (like Life Cycle Assessment or Design for Environment) to support our decision process and choose the most sustainable solutions. Another pillar is the development of new technologies, methodologies and business models for recycling, including chemical and mechanical recycling platforms and reverse logistics projects. Related to this is our effort to promote conscious consumption and recycling among the population. Finally, we are also supporting private, governmental and academic partnerships aimed at understanding, preventing and solving the problem of marine waste. For example, we are members of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, and we are working with other associations, like PlasticsEurope, Abiquim, Plastivida and ACC to support other players’ engagement.

What are some of the certifications Braskem has obtained on the sustainability front over the last years?

JS: Since 2005, Braskem has been listed on the ISE (Index of Sustainability) from B3 (Brazilian Stock Exchange); in 2014, Braskem listed on the UN LEAD Global Compact. More recently, in 2016 Braskem was listed on the CDP Climate A List, and in 2017 on the CDP Water A List.

Can you share a final message for APLA members?

JS: Our industry and our products are part of the solution. We have improved resource use efficiency, and we have supported the access to basic needs to billions of people. Through more innovation, we will be helping meet the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda and the targets of the Paris Agreement.

FQ: On the other hand, all the positive aspects of our products have not been perceived by the society due to the mismanagement of municipal solid waste. Therefore, it is crucial for the future of our sector to engage in the circular economy movement.