Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in the Americas, has entered into a partnership with A. Schulman, Inc., a leading global producer of high-performance plastic compounds and resins, to produce and market a new Green Polyethylene application: a solution for the rotomolding process. A. Schulman will bring this solution to the market by featuring the "I'm greenTM" seal, which indicates its helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

After identifying a market demand for more sustainable solutions in rotomolded products, Braskem started to develop a solution to enable the rotational molding of general-purpose parts, with applications ranging from toys and furniture to agricultural tools that can contain more than 50% of Green Plastic in their composition. 

A. Schulman, which contributes to the partnership through its industrial and commercial expertise in serving clients directly with products that meet market needs, will introduce the product at Rotoplas 2017, the largest trade fair of the rotomolding industry, which takes place from September 26-28 in the United States.

 "The partnership with A. Schulman will benefit a market that requires innovative products. The new compound is another step of the petrochemical industry towards reinforcing the commitment of companies to new solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Gustavo Sergi, Director of Renewable Chemicals, Braskem.

"A. Schulman is honored to have a long-standing collaborative relationship with Braskem and we are equally pleased to play a part in helping drive green innovation the specialty chemical industry and specifically for the rotomolding market," said Gustavo Perez, Senior Vice President and General Manager - Latin America, A. Schulman.

Innovation
In March 2017, with investments of US$ 540 thousand, Braskem inaugurated the Brazilian Technology and Innovation Center of Triunfo, RS, a complete rotomolding laboratory that includes a commercial-size Rotoline equipment. "With the investment, we'll be able to develop new solutions for the market, while focusing on increasing the diversification of applications and continuing to deliver innovations in this segment," said Fabiano Zanatta, leader of the company's rotomolding segment.

About Braskem
With a human-oriented global vision of the future, the 8,000 Team Members of Braskem strive every day to improve people's lives by creating sustainable chemical and plastic solutions. It is the largest resin producer in the Americas, with annual production of 20 million tons, including chemical products and basic petrochemicals, and revenues of R$55 billion in 2016. It exports to clients in approximately 100 countries and operates 41 industrial units, located in Brazil, USA, Germany and Mexico, the last in partnership with the Mexican company Idesa.

About Green Plastic
I'm greenT Polyethylene is made from ethylene derived from sugarcane. Its big differential is in helping to reduce greenhouse gases emissions by capturing carbon dioxide during the production process. It also has the same properties of conventional polyethylene, which means it does not require adaptations to machinery, while being 100% recyclable. Braskem's Green Plastic plant has production capacity of 200 kton/year.

About A.Schulman
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio.  Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others.  The Company employs approximately 4,900 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally.  A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately US$2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com .