Braskem's I'm greenTM bio-based Polyethylene Drives 470,000-Ton Carbon Reduction in Japan's Retail Packaging
Braskem is the world's first producer of bio-based plastic and has significantly increased capacity since its launch in 2010

Braskem, Inc. (Headquarters: Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil, CEO: Roberto Ramos)- Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5, and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and a global pioneer in large-scale biopolymer production, announced today that demand for bio-based shopping bags is increasing in the Japanese market.
In Japan, bio-based polyethylene (PE) is gaining attention as a sustainable material, particularly because CO2 emissions from its incineration can be counted as zero in the case of a biomass plastic-an attribute that aligns with the calculation of the effects in the Japanese government's global warming countermeasures plan.
In May 2025, a new initiative in Japan introduced shopping bags made with 95% bio-based plastic in select regions, building on the trend since 2020, where bio-based PE has been used at concentrations of more than 30% in shopping bags across convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers. These bags are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3,900 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, considering the amount of bioplastics expected to be sold in 2025. This development reflects the Japanese government and companies' growing commitment to renewable materials and a more sustainable society.
"We are fully aligned with Japan's Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastic and Design for Environment guidelines and are actively integrating them into our innovation strategy. We believe the adaptability of bio-PE presents a significant opportunity-not just for us, but for companies across various sectors-to lower the carbon footprint of their products and packaging, while meeting the growing demand for eco-design compliance," stated Walmir Soller, Vice President for North America, Europe, and Asia - NAMEA, and CEO of Braskem BV.
Over the past three years, Braskem's bioplastics shipped to Japan and used mainly to produce shopping bags contributed to reducing about 460 kt of CO2 equivalent emissions throughout the life cycle. The reduction is due to the replacement of traditional fossil-based polyethylene bags by I´m greenTM bio-based polyethylene that has a negative carbon footprint. This reduction in CO² emissions is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed annually by 17.4 million cedar trees over a span of three years.
"Our I'm greenTM bio-based polyethylene delivers the same high performance as traditional plastics but enables a negative carbon footprint (carbon removal from the atmosphere) from cradle to Braskem's gate compared to traditional plastics. Since launching our first commercial grade in 2010, we've witnessed a growing global demand for bio-based materials, and Japan is no exception. It's inspiring to see more companies choosing solutions that support a carbon neutrality, circular economy," shared Soller.
Braskem will continue to collaborate with partners in Japan to advance sustainable development and support initiatives that contribute to a carbon-neutral future, with a focus on expanding its presence in key sectors such as flexible and rigid packaging for food, home care, and personal care, as well as more recently in the development of sustainable materials for sneaker shoe soles. To learn more, visit https://www.braskem.com/imgreen/home-en.
ABOUT BRASKEM
With a global vision of the future oriented toward people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to contributing to the value chain for strengthening the Circular Economy. The petrochemical company's almost 8,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people's lives through sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare, and hygiene, among others. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in more than 70 countries. Braskem has been a pioneer in bio-based solutions for about 15 years and aims to produce 1 million tons of bio-based plastics per year by 2030.
Braskem on social media: www.facebook.com/BraskemGlobal www.linkedin.com/company/braskem
For press information, please contact:
Braskem North America, Europe, and Asia Stacy Torpey - (215) 841 3194 - stacy.torpey@braskem.com
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding future events. These statements reflect Braskem's current beliefs and expectations with respect to Braskem's business, the economy and other future conditions and are based on assumptions, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: (i) the contraction or lack of growth in the market segments in which Braskem competes and in which its products are sold (ii) unexpected delays or other problems in production at Braskem facilities, (iii) increased competition from imports or in the export markets, (iv) inability to anticipate future market trends and the future needs of Braskem's customers, (v) the impact of natural disasters on Braskem's facilities, its suppliers and customers; (vi) the development of alternate products, and (vii) other factors detailed in documents Braskem S.A. files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
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