Global biopolymer producer Braskem, and SCG Chemicals (SCGC), a petrochemical company in Thailand and Southeast Asia, have signed a joint venture agreement to produce bio-ethylene from bio-ethanol dehydration and to commercialise Braskem’s ‘I’m Green’ bio-based polyethylene, using the EtE EverGreen technology.
The companies say this technology results from the partnership agreement between Lummus Technology LLC and Braskem BV to develop and license this technology.
The bio-ethylene plant, which will enable the production of I’m green bio-based polyethylene, is the first of its kind outside of Brazil. The companies say the new plant in Thailand will almost double the existing capacity of ‘I’m green’ bio-based polyethylene, to meet the growing global demand for biopolymers, with a particular fast-growing demand for sustainable products in Asia and Europe. The plant will also supply to Australia.
‘I’m Green’ bio-based polyethylene is a plastic made from ethanol, which is produced from agricultural sources. Braskem says this sustainably sourced, renewable raw material can be used for the production of plastics instead of traditional fossil feedstock, such as naphtha from oil. Bio-based polyethylene also reportedly promotes a significant reduction of CO2, making a positive contribution to the planet.
The polyethylene can be used in a variety of products, including packaging for food and beverages, personal and home care products, toys, houseware, and plastic bags. It can also be mechanically or advanced recycled, just as regular Polyethylene, the company claims.
Roberto Bischoff, CEO of Braskem said, “We are always looking for opportunities to expand the ‘I’m Green’ bio-based PE offer to deliver circular low carbon alternatives to our customers to meet their increasing demand for sustainable solutions. This partnership with SCGC is aligned with our commitment to produce 1 million tons of green products by 2030, replacing fossil with renewable feedstock, and contributing to lowering the carbon footprint of our industry.”
Tanawong Areeratchakul, CEO and president of SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited or SCGC added, “This joint venture and partnership between SCGC and Braskem for bio-ethylene production of Green Polymer is one of the essential strategies of SCGC to expand our sustainable business. Through the collaboration, we aim to satisfy the soaring demand for environmentally friendly plastics, which has robust growth rates particularly in Asia and Europe. The business of the joint venture is in accordance with the BCG model of Thailand; the guidelines for the development of a bio-circular green economy”.
The project will be located in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand.
