Braskem once again takes the lead and places the first ultra-clarified polypropylene resin on the Brazilian and Latin American markets. The resin is called Prisma 3410 and it opens a new frontier for applying polypropylene in parts that require great transparency. "With this development, Braskem reaffirms its commitment to innovation as a means to create value for its clients and the sector’s entire productive chain," explains Rui Chammas, Braskem polypropylene business director.

The new resin is geared towards the cosmetic, portable electronic, household appliance, office material, package and lid segments. Braskem estimates the potential market for this resin at approximately 10 thousand tons. "For 2008, the objective is to reach a sales volume of more than 1,200 tons," says Chammas, underscoring that polypropylene is one of the fastest growing resins in the world. "In 2007, PP grew more than 10%, which proves its versatility and potential to replace other materials," adds the executive.

With the development of Prisma 3410, Braskem expands the Prisma family portfolio of premium resins that have a differentiated performance in applications involving parts with great transparency and mechanical resistance. According to Luis Fernando Cassinelli, technology and innovation director, ultra-clarified PP’s main differential is that it sets a new performance level in transparency and mechanical resistance for the final part. Its high transparency, 50% greater than conventional polypropylene, and its strong rigidity make the product especially indicated for manufacturing transparent parts with thick walls. "Its differentiated technical performance and its cost competitiveness also make it feasible for replacing styrene-based engineering plastics as well as other alternatives, such as crystal polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic and glass," underscores the technology director.

"We are at the worldwide forefront in using this technology. Our commitment to technological innovation allows us to anticipate our clients' needs and influence market trends," concludes Chammas.

The resin was developed in record time at the Braskem Technology and Innovation Center in Triunfo/RS, the most complete and best equipped of its kind in Latin America. The center has a highly specialized team comprised of PhDs, researchers and skilled technicians, as well as cutting edge equipment and pilot plants.