Bio-based PP to be available by end of 2013

Braskem Rio Grande do Sul complex

Braskem America Inc. is expanding its biopolymer portfolio with a new line of bio-based polypropylene products targeted for the rigid and flexible packaging markets.

The technology to produce the bio-based PP is slightly different from how Braskem makes its bio-based polyethylene. But it, too, will be made with ethanol derived from sugarcane.

According to Mark Mendelson, marketing portfolio director, various grades will be developed for target markets, although those markets have yet to be determined. The products will be made on a single manufacturing line at a new chemical facility located at the company's complex in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Annual capacity is expected to be at least 50 kilotons (about 100,000 million pounds), with availability by the end of 2013.

Mendelson will talk about the company's bio-based PP at the Sustainability in Packaging Conference, Mar 12-14, 2012, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, FL. The event is organized by Pira Intl. in association with Packaging Digest and Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News.

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