FKuR, a producer of biopolymer resins for rigid and flexible packaging applications, and Braskem, a global producer of thermoplastic resins and biopolymers, have entered a partnership for compounding of Green PE, BioPE.
Braskem is the first producer of HDPE and LLDPE from renewable resources in the world. Ethanol from Brazilian sugarcane is used for production of Green PE. Every ton of green polyethylene that is produced can capture nearly 2.5 t of CO2 and help decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Green PE can be recycled completely using current processes. It is not biodegradable and the CO2 that it captures during cultivation period remains within the plastic during its life. Green PE has equivalent processability and technical properties as that of the fossil-based polyethylenes. Hence, it can be manufactured with the existing equipment.
The CEO of FKuR, Dr. Edmund Dolfen, stated that the agreement was an initiation towards expanding the company’s renewable plastics portfolio.
Braskem’s Renewable Chemicals Commercial Officer, Fabio Carneiro, explained that Braskem chose FKuR for its compounding experience with bioplastics and polyolefins. The company’s knowledge of the market for renewable plastics as well as its reputation led to its choice as a partner, he added.
The joint agreement between Braskem and FKuR will lead to the first customized green PE compounds in Europe.