Braskem and SCG Chemicals join forces to advance in the bio-based Ethylene project in Thailand

Rhea-AI Summary

Braskem and SCG Chemicals have signed a joint venture agreement to create Braskem Siam Company Limited, aiming to produce bio-ethylene and commercialize I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene. The joint venture will almost double the existing capacity of I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene and meet the growing demand for sustainable products in Asia. The project will be located in Thailand.

The project in Thailand is planned to produce 200kt of I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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 green™ bio-based polyethylene (PE), using the EtE EverGreen™ technology. The technology results from the partnership agreement between Lummus Technology LLC and Braskem B.V. to develop and license this technology.

Braskem and SCG Signing Ceremony (Photo: Business Wire)

I’m green™ 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 green™ 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 green™ 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 green™ bio-based polyethylene to meet the growing demand for biopolymers globally, with a 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 proven technology through its partnership with Lummus Technology, operational experience in the ethanol dehydration process and the I´m green™ brand strength in key global markets. SCG Chemicals will provide 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 green™ 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 our green business, satisfying the soaring demand from megatrend of environmentally friendly plastic which has a 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 the 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 almost 9,000 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, Braskem exports its products to clients in over 70 countries.

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www.braskem.com
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About SCG
SCG 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.
More information: https://www.scgchemicals.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230817494233/en/

For press information, please contact:

Braskem North America

Stacy Torpey – (215) 841 3194 – stacy.torpey@braskem.com

Source: Braskem

FAQ

What is the joint venture agreement between Braskem and SCG Chemicals?

The joint venture agreement between Braskem and SCG Chemicals aims to create Braskem Siam Company Limited for the production of bio-ethylene and commercialization of I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene.

What is I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene?

I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene is a plastic made from sustainably sourced renewable raw material, ethanol from sugar cane, instead of traditional fossil feedstock. It has a significantly reduced carbon footprint and can be mechanically or chemically recycled like regular polyethylene.

Where will the project be located?

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

What is the purpose of the joint venture?

The joint venture aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable products in Asia by almost doubling the existing capacity of I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene.

What are the benefits of I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene?

I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene has a reduced carbon footprint and can be used in various products, including packaging, toys, and plastic bags.