PHILADELPHIA, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Braskem
(BM&FBOVESPA: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX:
XBRK), the largest thermoplastics resins producer in the Americas
and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world, along with
Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE: SEE), an innovative packaging,
cleaning and hygiene solutions company, and Naturepedic, the
leading manufacturer of certified organic mattresses and bedding
products for the whole family in the U.S., are pleased to announce
their partnership to create a new-to-world formula for renewable
polyethylene foam.
With this initiative, Sealed Air aims to advance their strategy
to create a better way for life by re-imagining the industries they
serve around the globe, and develop a more efficient and
sustainable supply chain for them. "Renewable polyethylene foam
technology is a patent pending innovation which is helping us
re-think the polyethylene foam industry. By using innovation,
creativity and bio-based polymers we are promoting sustainability
and creating a better value for life," says Dr. N.S. Ramesh, Senior Engineering Fellow, Product
Care R&D.
This innovation was first announced by Sealed Air in
Frankfurt, Germany, in April of
2017. Now Braskem and Sealed Air will attend the Sustainable Brands
Conference, in Detroit, from
May 22 through 25, to share this
breakthrough product at Braskem's booth in the Good Materials
section in the Activation Hub.
Braskem's I'm Green™ Polyethylene (PE) is a
bio-based resin made from ethanol, a renewable and sustainable
resource produced from Brazilian sugarcane, and a drop-in
substitute for conventional oil-based polyethylene. Cultivation of
sugarcane utilizes CO2 and releases O2, which means the material
has a negative carbon footprint. The use of Braskem's Green
polyethylene in the production of one ton of Sealed Air's foam
equates to 3.09 tons of CO2 captured from the atmosphere from a
cradle to Braskem gate life cycle perspective.
"Sealed Air's vision perfectly aligns with our purpose at
Braskem, which is to improve peoples' lives by creating sustainable
solutions in chemicals and plastics. The renewable polyethylene
foam is a phenomenal achievement and we are proud to partner with
Sealed Air and be involved with this innovation," said Gustavo Sergi, director of Renewable Chemicals
at Braskem.
"We have been watching the industry moving more and more toward
renewable materials and noticed a great deal of energy being
dedicated specifically to bio plastics," said Chad Stephens, VP of Research and Development
for Sealed Air. "For Sealed Air, the next logical strategic step
was to progress the advancement of renewable polyethylene foams in
our product offerings, enabling our clients to further reduce their
packaging footprint with more sustainable and enviro-friendly
solutions while still providing superior protection against
damage."
The first application of the renewable polyethylene foam will be
in Naturepedic's mattresses. Naturepedic was responsible for
introducing Sealed Air to Braskem while searching for an
alternative to polyethylene made from petroleum for its crib
mattresses. Barry Cik, Founder of
Naturepedic, strongly believes in the importance of responsibly
sourcing the company's raw materials. "I firmly believe that making
choices with the future in mind is the right, responsible behavior
we all should strive for. Using renewable materials decouples us
from fossil based plastics, and this is a key tenant of our
company's purpose."
Having pioneered the use of bio-based materials in the mattress
industry, Naturepedic never uses polyurethane foam or associated
flame retardants in any of its products and has now been able to
eliminate virtually all petroleum-based materials from its
products. Using polyethylene foam made from non-GMO sugarcane
sourced from existing plantations also provides the company with a
lightweight alternative to latex or steel coils.
For more information about I'm Green™ Polyethylene
(PE) bio-based resin please visit:
http://www.braskem.com/site.aspx/plastic-green
ABOUT BRASKEM
Braskem is one of the world's leading plastics and chemical
companies with 41 industrial plants in Brazil, the United
States, Germany and
Mexico.
Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the
Americas and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world,
creating more environmental-friendly, intelligent and sustainable
solutions through chemicals and plastics. Known for innovative
solutions such as I'm green Polyethylene™ made from renewable
sugarcane and UTEC®, the company's own trademarked Ultra High
Molecular Weight Polyethylene for high performance applications,
Braskem's products and technologies enable the automotive,
packaging, healthcare, and construction industries to produce goods
that enhance quality of life for people around the world.
Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading
producer of polypropylene in the United
States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and an Innovation and
Technology Center in Pittsburgh.
For more information, visit braskem.com.
ABOUT SEALED AIR
Sealed Air Corporation creates a world that feels, tastes and
works better. In 2016, the Company generated revenue of
approximately $6.8 billion by helping
our customers achieve their sustainability goals in the face of
today's biggest social and environmental challenges. Our portfolio
of widely recognized brands, including Cryovac® brand food
packaging solutions, Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning and Diversey®
cleaning and hygiene solutions, enables a safer and less wasteful
food supply chain, protects valuable goods shipped around the
world, and improves health through clean environments. Sealed Air
has approximately 23,000 employees who serve customers in 171
countries. To learn more, visit sealedair.com.
ABOUT NATUREPEDIC
Naturepedic, based in Chagrin Falls,
Ohio, was founded by environmental engineer Barry A. Cik and his sons. Naturepedic
specializes in the design and manufacturing of mattresses that
promote natural, renewable and organic materials for healthier
sleep and a healthier planet. Naturepedic pioneered the use of
food-grade polyethylene in crib mattresses as a healthier
waterproofing alternative to vinyl or PFCs and also as a lighter
weight, healthier core alternative to polyurethane foam. To learn
more about Naturepedic, visit naturepedic.com.
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SOURCE Braskem