Technological watch

Braskem, the leading global biopolymer producer, and SCG Chemicals, a leading petrochemical company in Thailand and Southeast Asia, have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to create Braskem Siam Company Limited. Subject to clearance from the relevant anti-trust authorities and final investment decision by the partners, this joint venture aims to produce bio-ethylene from bio-ethanol dehydration and to commercialize I’m greenTM bio-based Polyethylene, using the EtE EverGreenTM technology. The technology results from the partnership agreement between Lummus Technology LLC and Braskem B.V. to develop and license this technology.

I’m greenTM bio-based Polyethylene is a plastic made from a sustainably sourced renewable raw material (ethanol from sugar cane) instead of traditional fossil feedstock (e.g., naphtha from oil). This promotes a significant reduction of the plastic’s carbon footprint which helps combat Climate Change. I’m greenTM bio-based Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, from packaging for food and beverage to personal and home care products, toys, houseware, and plastic bags, to name a few. It can also be mechanically or chemically recycled just as regular polyethylene.

The bio-ethylene plant, that will enable the production of the I’m greenTM bio-based Polyethylene is the first of its kind outside of Brazil. The new plant in Thailand will almost double the existing capacity of I’m greenTM bio-based Polyethylene to meet the growing demand for biopolymers globally, with focus on the fast-growing demand for sustainable products in Asia.

The combination of Braskem’s bio-based plastics know-how with SCG Chemicals’ position in the Asian market and expertise in PE production provides a solid business basis for the joint venture. Braskem will contribute with a proven technology through its partnership with Lummus Technology, operational experience in ethanol dehydration process and the I´m greenTM brand strength in key global markets. SCG Chemicals will provide the expertise in high quality Polyethylene grades for different applications, operational excellence in Polyethylene manufacturing and market reach in Southeast Asia.

Roberto Bischoff, CEO of Braskem said: “We are always looking for opportunities to expand the I’m greenTM bio-based PE offer to deliver circular low carbon alternatives to our customers to meet their increasing demand for  sustainable solutions. This partnership with SCG Chemicals 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, Chief Executive Officer and President of SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited or SCGC adds: “SCGC aims to develop Green Innovation, for example, environmentally friendly polymer (Green Polymer) and innovation for Low Carbon solution through increasing Green Polymer product portfolio to reach 1 million tons annually by 2030 following ESG standards (Environmental, Social, and Governance).    

This joint venture and partnership between SCGC and Braskem for bio-ethylene production for Green Polymer is one of the essential strategies of SCGC to expand green business, satisfying the soaring demand from megatrend of environmentally friendly plastic which has robust growth rate especially in Asia and Europe. Thus, this joint venture aims to produce sugarcane-derived bio-ethylene instead of fossil ethylene, by world leading technology from the collaboration of Braskem-Lummus. The business of the joint venture is in accordance with the guidelines for the development of Bio-Circular-Green Economy: “BCG model of Thailand”.

The project will be located in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand.

About Braskem With a global vision of the future, guided by people and sustainability, Braskem is engaged in contributing to the value chain to strengthen the Circular Economy. The petrochemical producer’s 8,000 team members are dedicated every day to improving people’s lives through sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics. With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a complete portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for various industries, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, health and hygiene, and more. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, United States, Mexico and Germany and net revenue of R$58.5 billion (US$11.4 billion), Braskem exports its products to clients in over 100 countries.  

About SCGSCG Chemicals or SCGC is a leading integrated chemical player in ASEAN with strategic bases in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, offering a full range of petrochemical products ranging from upstream production of olefins to downstream production of 3 main plastics resins: polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride.

SCGC focuses on inventing “Innovation That’s Real” to drive the ASEAN economy and elevate the quality of life in accordance with ESG and circular economy. SCGC develops technology and innovation toward HVAs in infrastructure, consumable packaging, automotive, health and well-being, and energy solutions, while ensuring sustainable environmental stewardship.