Braskem
-
English
- Languages
- Portuguese
- English
- Spanish
- Worldwide Sites
- United States
- Mexico
- Europe & Asia
Braskem sees sustainable development as a way to do business that considers the needs of all stakeholders, now and in the future.
And how are we addressing this enormous challenge? In 2018, we stayed focused on acting and thinking sustainably, which produced important advances.
Based on three pillars – more sustainable operations and services, a portfolio of more sustainable products and solutions for a more sustainable life – the policy establishes the priorities and aspects to be considered in planning and work dynamics in all areas of Braskem.
In 2018, we defined and announced our commitment to drive the Circular Economy in the plastic converters production chain. The documents establishes eight key initiatives that range from investments in new bio-based resins to participating in industry commitments to promote the reuse, recycling and recovery of all plastic packaging by 2040. Another work front is seeking solutions to end the improper disposal of plastic waste in the environment, especially in marine environments. On this front, Braskem joined the global initiative “Alliance for the End of Plastic Waste,” which has set a target to invest US$1.5 billion over the next five years, and the Plastics Industry Forum – For a Clean Ocean, which was created by the Plastics Social and Environmental Institute (Plastivida) and the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (USP).
The continuous efforts to strengthen our positive environmental and social impacts and to control any adverse effects led, in 2018, to Braskem being named a LEAD Company by the UN Global Compact and include in the Change the World List of Fortune magazine, which recognizes the companies that most drive positive impacts through their actions. In early 2019, Braskem was featured in “The Sustainability Yearbook” published by RobecoSAM, a global sustainability consulting firm.
Our business strategy is aligned with the 10 macro goals with targets set for 2020 and is linked to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The results are accompanied regularly by Braskem’s Board of Directors. See below the status of our progress on each one:
Be a reference in the world chemical industry in chemical, occupational and process safety.
Be one of the world’s three largest thermoplastic resin producers, and guarantee profitability levels that sustain the perpetuity of the business and its investment grade rating from the three main international rating agencies.
Be one of the world’s five largest sellers of polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene with recycled content among the petrochemical companies that manufacture polyolefins. And become a relevant driver of growth in plastic recycling in Brazil, supporting the achievement of the targets of the Packaging Industry Agreement.
Reach an "excellent" level of reputation in the Citizenship Dimension of the RepTrak® Pulse, demonstrating recognition by local communities and society in general for the contributions made to improving human development.
Be a reference in the use of water resources in the global chemical industry in water consumption and water reuse.
Be one of the world’s best large chemical producers in terms of greenhouse gas emissions intensity, maintaining the use of renewable feedstocks.
Be recognized as a company that supports its Clients in the development of environmental and social solutions in Chemistry and Plastics, achieving a “strong” level of reputation through its products and services.
Be a reference in Brazil's business community for contributing to Sustainable Development. And be a global reference in the industry for contributing to Sustainable Development.
Be a leading producer of chemicals and thermoplastic resins made from renewable feedstocks. And remain the world’s largest producer of thermoplastic resins made from renewable feedstock.
Be one of the world’s best chemical producers in energy consumption intensity and a major consumer of renewable energy.
Meet the details of each macro goal in: http://www.braskem.com.br/sustainable-strategy
The perpetuity of our business is closely linked to ethics and integrity. As such, Braskem’s initiatives in governance and compliance are aligned with market demands and continually reinforced.
Conclusion of the second year of the monitorship and submission of the report, which was filed with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
37 team members of 5 nationalities, 10 more than in 2017.
The Internal Controls department created 13 new documents and reviewed 120 documents.
95% of all actions implemented in the program’s pillars of prevention, detection and remediation.
Improvement in the integrity indicators of Instituto ETHOS, with an overall score of 8.7, above the industry average of 6.7.
A highlight of the period was the record-high free cash flow, despite the challenging external scenario.
R$7.1 billion, 187% higher than in 2017
R$11.3 billion
Creation of the Braskem 5.0 Program to align the business challenges with new technologies and processes, such as Industrial Internet of Things, Virtual Reality applied to Industry, Robotic Process Automation, Data-Lake Analytics and more.
3.4 million tons of resin* and 2.9 million tons of chemicals
1.3 million tons of resin* and 571,000 tons of chemicals exported
*PE, PP and PVC
1.9 million tons
799,000 tons
Braskem’s Board of Directors approved the incorporation of a new company in India to capture new growth and sales opportunities.
Construction of Braskem’s new PP plant in the United States reached 48.3% completion at the end of 2018, with investments of US$382 million already realized.
Incorporated into Braskem’s business model and strategy, innovation is key to developing solutions that can transform people’s lives. As such, every year we update our investments in people and infrastructure, which are key factors for creating an environment with the capacity to drive innovation.
Developed in partnership with the U.S. shoemaker Allbirds, the bio-based EVA, which is part of Braskem’s I’m Green™ brand, will be used in its SugarFoam line.
Braskem has been working to develop polymers that change color after external stimulus. The innovation has applications in sectors such as food packaging, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
In Brazil, new resins expanded the portfolio of polyethylene for caps (new HDPE | LLDPE resins – LL2402N) and flexible packaging (LLDPE metallocene Proxess1509XP). In the United States, we launched a polypropylene impact copolymer for the North American and European rigid packaging markets (Prisma 6810).
Brazil launched production of a polypropylene used in the United States in the tubing market and with applications in Brazil in the production of extruded sheets. Braskem also launched a new resin for the bucket market with improved mechanical properties and a higher flow rate.
The market of rigid profiles for ceiling panels now has a new grade with superior processability and the capacity to incorporate mineral fillers, in alignment with the new standard ABNT NBR 14285.
During the Sustainable Brands event, Braskem presented promising results in the development of a new recycled resin with higher quality and high content of material recycled from post-consumer thermoformed packaging made from polyethylene. The project is part of the Wecycle Platform, which works to increase the value of plastic waste.
I’m green™ Polyethylene now is being used in the botanical elements of toys made by the Lego group.
A pilot project led by Braskem is testing the use of plastic in the protection and thermal insulation of pipeways, which would replace metal sheets and offer advantages such as longer useful life, better performance and lower cost. The technology is being studied by Braskem’s Market Development team in partnership with Rochling Plásticos de Engenharia do Brasil and UCA Engineering Plastics.
The oxygenated solvent HE-70S was launched to enhance the hydrocarbons portfolio. Made from sugarcane ethanol, it increases the sustainability and lowers the toxicity of the final product.
Changes driven by new technologies and lifestyles are trends monitored by Braskem’s teams, especially the new developments in Mobility and Digital Manufacturing. Accordingly, in 2018, Braskem created squads, which are interdisciplinary working groups to develop innovative solutions in these fields.
Braskem’s sustainable entrepreneurship platform is an initiative that already is well consolidated, with three unique programs and over 400 companies and startups registering in 2018. The platform figured in the ranking 100 Open Startups Brasil 2018 that was created and is maintained by over 70 leading global organizations, which classified Braskem as one of the world’s most attractive companies for startups.
From 2006 to 2018, 109 LCA studies were concluded. The year’s highlights include the study of the newest resin in the I’m Green™ portfolio, EVANCE Verde, the comparison of carton and flexible packaging for frozen foods and the study comparing the best ways for team members to commute to and from their homes and Braskem units.
As a people-oriented company, we believe it essential to create value for all our stakeholders.
Supporting the development of people and creating an environment that fosters their professional and personal growth are key aspects of Braskem’s People & Organization strategy.
Defining Braskem’s value proposition led to a series of initiatives developed collaboratively by team members from all countries in which the company operates. The flexibilization of the workplace and the integration and sharing of corporate spaces are examples of actions implemented through this process that strengthens the relationship of trust between professionals, while paving the way for new experiences.
With five work fronts – Women, LGBTQI+, Blacks, Socially Vulnerable People and People with Disabilities – in 2018, the program carried out various actions in Brazil focused on raising awareness on the topic and mobilizing people. In the United States, 2018 was the first year of implementing the local diversity strategy, with the creation of a committee dedicated to the topic and training programs administered at all sites.
Braskem was recognized by Love Mondays as one of the 50 companies most loved by team members and interns, by Cia de Talentos as one of the Dream Companies for Young Professionals, and by Você S/A as one of the Best Companies for Launching a Career.
Our positioning is based on maximizing Braskem’s positive social and environmental impacts, building lasting relationships and contributing to the sustainable development of local communities.
Em 2018 foi realizada a revisão da nossa estratégia com o objetivo de ampliar a conexão com o negócio e com a Política Global de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Braskem. O novo modelo considera três causas prioritárias: consumo e pós-consumo sustentável, inovação e empreendedorismo sustentável e desenvolvimento local.
Focusing on communities located near Braskem’s industrial sites, the program, which aims to improve quality of life, made progress on important indicators in 2018:
The program works to promote the social inclusion and socioeconomic development of recyclable material collectors and cooperative members. In 2018, Ser+ supported 37 picking centers and co-ops, which resulted in a 26% increase in the monthly income of the project’s beneficiaries, or more than twice the target.
Conducted in Mexico, the event promotes recycling and educates the community on how to identify and separate plastic waste, which is exchanged for coins called PlastiPesos. The coins are used to purchase cleaning products and food at prices subsidized by Braskem. In 2018, the drive benefitted 800 households and collected 28 tons, 304% more than in the previous year.
In 2018, Braskem became an official partner of The Franklin Institute, one of America’s largest and preeminent centers of science, technology, education and development to foster initiatives in the area through programs such as “Color of Science,” “Women in Science” and “Introduce a Girl to Engineering.”
An essential component of our operations, Braskem’s Suppliers are managed on a decentralized basis in aspects such as cost analysis, product and service quality, compliance with the Code of Conduct for Contractors and Health, Environment and Safety requirements. The Due Diligence process and tools such as the Supplier Radar and Supplier Evaluation Score support the management of Braskem’s 4,636 registered suppliers.
Identification of opportunities for development in its Suppliers with a global presence and contractual tools that allow for capturing synergies while simultaneously respecting the needs of each country.
Implementation of the Sustainable Procurement tool, which improves the assessment of social and environmental risks in the technical assessment phase of bid processes. The project, which is supported by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), helps the various procurement areas to incorporate sustainability criteria into their decision-making process. In 2018, a pilot project was launched for industrial services and inputs, with the next steps including validation by leaders and the Legal and Compliance areas.
In 2019, the project will be rolled out in procurement categories with high socioenvironmental impact.
In 2018, Braskem was the Brazilian highlight in the CDP Supply Chain ranking, which recognizes companies that best engage their supply chains to adopt new approaches for climate change and water management.
Braskem made progress on a series of projects for transforming processes, customer service and strengthening global actions for better management practices. To ensure that all partners are up-to-date on Braskem’s processes in Health, Environment and Safety, we periodically conduct meetings and audits. Another work front is Braskem’s participation in a series of initiatives related to traffic safety:
We work with our clients and value chains to develop new products and solutions that are more efficient and have high recycling and reuse potential.
The Plastics Chain Incentive Plan (PICPlast) is a Braskem initiative in partnership with the Brazilian Plastics Industry Association (ABIPLAST) to support exports of plastic goods, foster competitiveness and innovation in the converter industry and promote the benefits of plastics. In 2018, PICPlast held another edition of PlastCoLab, an interactive space accessible by the public to show how plastics, combined with innovation, technology and responsibility, can transform the future.
Braskem’s platform to support businesses that increase the value of post-consumer plastic waste and strengthen the recycling chain carried out various projects during 2018 involving partnerships with clients, recyclers, cooperatives and companies that own consumer goods brands.
Our operating model is based on open dialogue and a commitment to management guided by ethics.
Issues on our agenda with the government include an ICMS tax incentive granted by the State of Alagoas under the Alagoas State Integrated Development Program (Prodesin), as a result of Braskem’s US$500 million investment in the new PVC plant built in 2012 at the Marechal Deodoro Industrial District. In 2018, the amount calculated was R$81.9 million, which was allocated to the fiscal incentive reserve, in accordance with Article 195-A of Federal Law 6,404/76.
Since its creation, Braskem always has sought to continually improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of production processes
Global management
Global rollout of Intelius, Braskem’s new Integrated Management System.
Investments:
Investment in HES improvements amounted to R$145.4 million, around 14% higher than in 2017.
Product safety:
100% of products and services were subjected to analysis with regard to health and safety impacts.
Water efficiency:
Braskem was one of the 27 companies to figure on CDP A List for the second straight year in the ranking of the Carbon Disclosure Program.
26.3% of the water used in Braskem operations came from reuse processes. At units in the ABC region of Greater São Paulo, 97% of the water consumed is recycled water.
Energy efficiency:
A commitment was signed to invest in the purchase of electricity from wind power under a 20-year agreement, which will support the expansion of the EDF Renewables wind complex in Bahia and consequently the development of the state’s renewable energy sector. The initiative will reduce Braskem’s emissions by 325,000 tons over the period.
Another energy efficiency project is the modernization of the power system of the ABC Petrochemical Complex in São Paulo, which involves an investment jointly with Siemens of R$600 million. The modernization will reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while improving the safety and reliability of processes.
Climate change:
Braskem was one of the 126 companies to figure on the A List of the ranking of the Carbon Disclosure Program (CDP).
For the seventh straight year, Braskem was selected as a component of the Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2) of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3).
For the eighth straight year, Braskem obtained Gold classification in the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program.
For the second straight year, we featured on the Water A List of the ranking compiled by the Carbon Disclosure Program (CDP), figuring among the 27 companies that achieved maximum scores.
We were one of the 126 companies featuring in the Climate Change A List of the CDP ranking.
In 2018, we were featured as the Brazilian highlight in the CDP Supply Chain ranking. For the first time, we were named to the Supply A List and, for the second time, to the Supplier Climate A List.
We featured on Change the World list compiled by Fortune magazine as one of the companies that most promote positive impacts through their actions.
For the eighth straight year, we were classified in the Gold category of the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program.
We featured among the 50 Brazilian companies most loved by their employees according to Love Mondays.
Based on a survey of over 70,000 people, we received the Dream Career Award in the Young Professionals category.
We were elected one of the Best Companies to Launch a Career by the magazine Você S/A.
We were selected for the seventh straight year as a component of the Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2) of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3).
In 2018, we won the Excellence Out and Equal Award for our actions to promote the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people.
In early 2019, Braskem was featured in “The Sustainability Yearbook” published by RobecoSAM, a global sustainability consulting firm.
Read the reports for previous years: