Braskem takes an important step in enhancing the chemical . Braskem has signed a cooperation agreement for the next research phases with its ongoing research partners (Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores (FCC S.A.), SENAI CETIQT and COPPE/UFRJ) as well as with the company Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores (FCC S.A.).

The contract was obtained after Braskem participated in a selection process conducted by National Industrial Learning Service (Senai) through a public competitive bid process. The investments in this research phase are estimated at R$2.7 million, which includes the financial and human resources of the institutions and companies involved.

Project to Develop Catalysts for Improved Products
Since 2018, Braskem has been working on capturing efficiency gains in the technology for pyrolysis, a process that breaks down plastic resin molecules with heat to transform them once again into raw material that can be reintroduced into the plastics production chain. The project aims to develop catalysts to improve the quality of the products created in the chemical .

Braskem identified, last year, after the initial first studies into chemical recycling, the need to develop new catalysts. After evaluating some options, the company reached out to FCC S.A. to get involved in the studies already in progress with SENAI CETIQT and COPPE/UFRJ.

With a more complete body of research and access to adequate technologies, Braskem will be able to accelerate progress in the development of a chemical recycling solution that is technically and economically viable. The project, which for now is experimental, already shows great potential for causing a positive impact on society, the .

"The strategic planning of FCC S.A. covers explicitly the development of new products and markets. We have identified priority applications in the circular economy and in the bioeconomy, which are areas with enormous growth potential. We are very confident in the results of this project in conjunction with Braskem, SENAI CETIQT and COPPE/UFRJ for the chemical recycling of plastics that are not urban solid waste," said Sidney Martins, new business coordinator at FCC S.A.

Advantage of Investing in Chemical Recycling
Fabiana Quiroga, head of the circular economy at Braskem in South America, highlights the main advantage of investing in chemical recycling. "With the process, discarded plastic waste is processed and transformed into raw material once again, which is used to make new plastic resins. We are moving forward on this path of connecting research and innovation to create sustainable solutions. We want to constantly be developing new businesses and initiatives that increase the value of plastic waste in order to close the cycle as a whole," she concluded.

Braskem's partner research and academic institutions in the effort also are aligned with the goal of contributing to the circular economy. "We have the mission of promoting the sustainability and competitiveness of Brazil's chemical industry through the development of new products and processes. In the circular economy, we are positioned as a strategic link for the development of solutions that have positive impacts on the businesses of our partner companies and on society as a whole," said Paulo Coutinho, manager of the SENAI Innovation in Biosynthetics and Fibers Institute of SENAI CETIQT.

» Publication Date: 18/09/2020

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