Braskem, a global leader and pioneer in bio-polymer production, announced the release of updated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies for its I’m green™ product line. The studies cover HDPE, EVA, and PE WAX, reaffirming Braskem’s dedication to transparency and environmental responsibility. They also highlight ongoing innovation toward a more sustainable future.
Conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/44 and ISO 14071 standards, these LCAs offer comprehensive cradle-to-gate analyses of environmental impacts. They focus on materials derived from responsibly sourced sugarcane ethanol. The new assessments incorporate improved methodologies, robust primary datasets, and the latest scientific modeling techniques, including the Environmental Footprint 3.1 method recommended by the European Commission.
Key findings reveal significant carbon footprint reductions. HDPE offers a net benefit of approximately 5 kg CO₂e per kilogram when replacing fossil-based plastics. EVA provides a benefit of about 4.5 kg CO₂e per kilogram, and PE WAX offers roughly 4.7 kg CO₂e per kilogram. All products demonstrate negative carbon footprints, confirming their role in carbon removal and climate change mitigation.
These bio-based materials find applications in footwear, packaging, cosmetics, sporting goods, and industrial sectors. Walmir Soller, Vice President of North America, Europe, and Asia at Braskem, emphasized, “These updated LCAs demonstrate our commitment to data quality, stakeholder transparency, and sustainable innovation.” He added, “Quantifying the environmental benefits of our products helps customers make more informed, climate-conscious choices.”
The studies underwent independent review and auditing to verify data accuracy and objectivity. Data from 2020 to 2023 was incorporated to ensure relevance and reliability.
