Braskem and Cromex enter into a partnership to develop additives and colors for the green plastic

The products were specially developed to deliver performance in productivity, quality, and safety, preserving the environmental aspects of the polyethylene from renewable sources.

April 2009 - Braskem and Cromex announce the first partnership for developing special products to be used with the green polyethylene - a Braskem innovation produced from sugar cane ethanol. The joint operation of the two companies has allowed Cromex to develop a range of colors and additives that will deliver characteristics to the green polyethylene, such as anti-blocking, barrier for UV rays, antistatic and anti-fog features, respecting the fundamental sustainability properties of the product.

Braskem’s green polyethylene is the first one produced from worldwide-certified sugar-cane ethanol. The company is now investing R$ 500 million in a new plant at the Triunfo Petrochemical Complex, state of Rio Grande do Sul, for the annual production of 200,000 tons of product. "We are selectively investing in a high-return project, and also confirming Braskem’s commitment with innovation and sustainable development", says Luiz de Mendonça, vice-president in charge of Braskem’s Polymers Unit.

With the partnership, Cromex will develop a range of colors, from opaque and transparent to more elaborate ones, with pearled and metalized special effects. In addition to the colors, Cromex will supply special additives to optimize resin processing and final product performance. The goal is to serve the main markets that demand green plastic, such as automobile, toy, cosmetic and personal care industries, as well as packaging, among others.

For Cromex, this is a strategically important partnership in terms of innovation and sustainability for the plastic chain. As stated by Sergio Wajsbrot, the company’s president, Cromex wants to expand operations, being present in high added value segments. “The demand for green polyethylene has already been identified as a huge business opportunity and we are accompanying this evolution”, concluded the executive.

The partnership between Braskem and Cromex, one more time, places Braskem in a leading position in terms of pioneering approach, innovation and sustainability. Braskem's green plastic is worldwide recognized as an important innovation for society. The project was granted the Bioplastics Awards 2007 in Cologne, Germany, the most important award of the sector in bioplastic innovation. “The interest shown by major national and international companies in developing partnerships regarding this project demonstrates the strong demand for sustainable products”, adds Luiz de Mendonça. Cromex, which already exports its additives and colors to over 40 countries, sees in this partnership an opportunity to leverage even more its business in the global market.

Braskem, a world-class petrochemical company, is the Latin American leader in thermoplastic resins, and the third largest producer in the Americas. With 18 industrial plants throughout Brazil, the company produces 11 million ton/year of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemical products.

Cromex is Brazil’s market leader in color masterbatches and additives for plastics. With two industrial units (Sao Paulo and Bahia) it has a production capacity of 132,000 ton/year and annual average invoicing of over R$ 300 million. It exports to more than 40 countries.


Information for press:

Braskem
Fernanda Zanichelli/CL-A Comunicações
Phone: 11 3082-3977 R. 37
fernanda.zanichelli@cl-a.com

Marcelo Xavier
Phone: 11 3576-9099 / 11 8238-6948
marcelo.xavier@braskem.com.br

Cromex
Yellow Comunicação
Phone: (11) 3061-4074
Roberta Provatti, Sandra Cruz