Braskem, a global petrochemical company focused on developing sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics, is expanding the presence of its renewable portfolio in the durable goods industry through the application of I'm green^TM bio-based polyethylene in the ELO+ circular mattress line developed by Innovak. The solution enables the incorporation of a plant-based raw material into the product's composition and reinforces the potential of renewable materials for long-life applications such as mattresses.

ELO+ mattresses feature ZeeFlex technology, based on expanded polyethylene (EPE), which makes it possible to replace part of the polyurethane (PU) foam and reduce the product's overall weight. Key benefits include recyclability, lower carbon emissions, and up to a 60% reduction in mattress weight. According to the solution's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the mattress delivers 12% lower environmental impact compared to the conventional model evaluated and reduces total product weight by 2.1 kg, helping decrease transportation and logistics-related impacts.

The use of Braskem's I'm green^TM bio-based polyethylene represents an additional step forward in the evolution of the solution by enabling the use of a renewable-source resin within the mattress structure. Produced from sugarcane, which captures carbon during its growth cycle, renewable polyethylene has a negative carbon footprint. As a result, approximately 5 tons of CO²e emissions are avoided for every ton of renewable material that replaces a fossil-based alternative.

For Braskem, developing solutions in partnership with customers is part of its innovation strategy and helps expand the use of sustainable materials across different industrial segments. "The application of renewable-source resin in long-life products such as mattresses reinforces the evolution of renewable resin applications and the potential for new uses of renewable materials. Together with our customers, we continue investing in innovation to enhance industrial competitiveness and develop solutions that contribute to more sustainable and efficient business models," said Alex Duarte, Commercial Leader for I'm greenT bio-based in South America.

Targeted especially at the hospitality sector, the new solution was showcased at Innovak's booth during Equipotel, held from September 15 to 18 at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo.

"Our partnership with Braskem reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Incorporating I'm green^TM bio-based into ZeeFlex technology represents another step forward in our journey to develop mattresses that combine circularity, performance, and lower environmental impact. We are expanding the possibilities for renewable solutions in a segment that increasingly seeks efficiency and sustainability," said Francisco Fernandes, Director of Innovak.