Launched in 2009, Braskem's Ser+ Program-an initiative by the global petrochemical company that develops sustainable chemical and plastic solutions to improve people's lives-has been transforming the reality of recycling cooperatives in Brazil. Over the years, the program has supported more than 70 cooperatives and approximately 1,200 cooperative members annually. Currently, it supports 23 organizations across different regions of the country, reaching R$15 million in technical and infrastructure investments since 2018, including emergency actions during the pandemic.

The project aims to provide training, improve working conditions and infrastructure for cooperatives, and enhance the value of the recycling chain and its workers.
"Cooperatives are at the heart of Brazil's recycling chain, but they still face major challenges such as poor infrastructure and vulnerability to market fluctuations. That's why the program seeks to transform this reality by strengthening cooperatives, improving working conditions, and increasing income generation for cooperative members," says Gabriela Rehem, Social Responsibility and Volunteering Analyst at Braskem.

In 2024 alone, Ser+ allocated R$900,000 in donations (equipment and infrastructure) and R$1 million in services (consulting and training), establishing itself as a structural project focused on promoting autonomy and sustainability for sorting units. During this period, participating cooperatives commercialized 17,000 tons of waste and 4,000 tons of plastic, directly impacting the average income of the 720 cooperative members involved.
"The program was born with the mission of promoting not only increased productivity and income for waste pickers, but also dignity and recognition for these professionals, who are the most vulnerable yet essential link in the recycling chain," Gabriela adds.

Strategic Partnerships and Technological Innovation

Ser+ relies on partnerships that expand the reach and efficiency of cooperatives. One example is the collaboration with BASF, which provided the trinamiX PAL One-a portable spectrometer that quickly and accurately identifies different types of plastics-to two cooperatives in the program, helping optimize sorting and increase the added value of recycled materials.

Another highlight is the partnership with Banco do Nordeste's Territorial Development Program (Prodeter), which promotes the circular economy through local governance, training for waste pickers, and the incorporation of technological innovations aligned with ESG practices.
"We take care to understand the needs of cooperatives and workers in order to develop solutions that improve people's lives. We also rely on partners who make a difference in project outcomes. Ser+ operates through personalized diagnostics, close monitoring, and targeted investments, always aiming to accelerate the development and maturity of cooperatives," explains Gabriela.

Last year, Braskem deepened its understanding of cooperatives, low-circularity packaging, and the recycling value chain through the Cooperatives Project. The initiative integrated different areas of the company and, as one of its deliverables, established direct connections between Ser+ sorting units and recyclers such as Wise-a Brazilian mechanical recycling company-to reduce the number of intermediaries in the chain. The project also helped identify bottlenecks such as lack of equipment, storage space, and documentation regularization, promoting more effective and sustainable alternatives.

Training and Tangible Results

The Ser+ Program offers biweekly in-person technical consulting, quarterly leadership forums, health and safety workshops, Excel and administrative/financial management training, and improvements to the cooperatives' production layout. These efforts provide not only resources but also knowledge and tools for organizations to achieve independence in the medium and long term.

These actions have led to significant improvements in internal organization, average income for cooperative members, and documentation regularization-results that exceed the national average.
"The impact of Ser+ goes beyond numbers. It strengthens the role of waste pickers as agents of socio-environmental transformation, recognizing their work as key players in the circular economy," Gabriela concludes.

About Braskem

Braskem is a global petrochemical company, human-centered and future-oriented, that builds strong relationships and generates value for all. Offering sustainable chemical and plastic solutions to improve people's lives, the company has a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for various segments, including food packaging, civil construction, industrial, automotive, agribusiness, health, and hygiene. Braskem believes that disruptive innovation is the only path to redefining our relationship with the planet. That's why it chooses to act now-promoting plastic circularity and driving the revolution of bio-based materials. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the U.S., Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports products to clients in over 71 countries through its 8,500 team members who operate globally under a management model committed to ethics, compliance, and responsible competitiveness.
More information: https://www.braskem.com.br

Press Contacts
Fato Relevante Agency - imprensa.braskem@agenciafr.com.br