The agreement provides for the development of catalyst processes to produce renewable products

Braskem, the leading petrochemical company in the Americas and the world's leading biopolymer producer, and the U.S. company W.R. Grace & Co., have formed a partnership to develop process technologies and catalyst systems to obtain green chemicals. The agreement aims to develop processes to convert renewably sourced feedstocks into value-added products.

The use of more sustainable feedstock is already a growing trend in the global chemical industry. The technology under development by both companies is based on carbon sources from renewable agricultural processes that contribute to lower carbon emissions than traditional feedstocks.

"Braskem believes innovation is fundamental to consolidating its global leadership in biopolymers by expanding its portfolio of products made from renewably sourced feedstocks. The partnership with Grace will help us reach our target faster and more effectively," said Marcelo Nunes, director of Renewable Chemicals at Braskem.

W.R. Grace is recognized worldwide for its innovative catalyst technologies and its leading position in the petroleum refining and polyolefin market segments. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to work in cooperation with the world leader in green plastics," said George Young, Vice President of New Businesses Development at Grace.

Since September 2010, Braskem has produced on an industrial scale polyethylene made from sugarcane ethanol, a 100% renewable material. Braskem's green plastic is a milestone in global innovation, making Brazil the leading producer of biopolymers on the planet. Identified by the "I'm greenTM" seal, this Brazilian green polyethylene is present in a variety of products in Brazil and around the world.