Braskem Announces REMADE Institute Grant Award for Advanced Manufacturing of Sustainable and Recyclable Multilayer Plastic Films

Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK) (“Company”), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, today announced its polymer recycling technology research partnership has been awarded a $671,000 Research, Demonstration, and Development (RD&D) grant from the Reducing Embodied Energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute, a public-private partnership established by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The winning RD&D project is focused on new advanced manufacturing technology to produce sustainable and recyclable multilayer plastic films with outstanding properties for challenging applications. The project is a partnership between Braskem America, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Dow Chemical, and Aquapak, all of which are providing additional foundational project funding. REMADE is the first institute in the U.S. dedicated to accelerating the nation’s transition to a Circular Economy.

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“Braskem is honored to have been selected among this partnership of incredibly talented innovators who are all committed to having a positive impact on our planet and our industry,” said Amanda Zani, Technology Platform Manager, Braskem. “As a leading producer of advanced polymer solutions in the United States, with a commitment to significantly expanding the availability of sustainably focused offerings, Braskem firmly believes that this project has incredible potential for advancing our commitment to a more circular economy, which also includes Design for Recycling technology.”

Braskem RD&D Partnership Project Awarded Funding by REMADE:

Remaking of Recyclable Multilayer Barrier Films

• This research project seeks to develop new technologies such as a unique poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) polymer, ultrasound-assisted extrusion, and water-based material separation to create high-performance films that are easily separable. In collaboration with material suppliers, the University of Massachusetts Lowell aims to reduce packaging material consumption and bolster recycling efforts. The two-year project's deliverables include processing protocols for recyclable films and separation methods via aqueous dissolution. This project positions to reshape the packaging industry's economic landscape by facilitating 100% material recovery.

Meg Sobkowicz Kline, University of Massachusetts Lowell Professor in the Plastics Engineering Department commented, “Our advanced film processing and recovery approach will enable low-cost separation and recovery of film components for more circular packaging. We are excited to work with Braskem and other industry partners to deliver these high-barrier multilayer films with inherent recycling advantages. It is critical that major materials suppliers and converters support and participate in this research so that innovations can be rapidly translated to industry.”