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Braskem Opens Innovation Center in Lexington to Accelerate Early-Stage Research on Renewable Materials, Reinforcing Company Goals and Innovation Structure.
Braskem celebrated the opening of a new innovation center in Lexington, Massachusetts. This venture aims to boost early-stage research on renewable chemicals and materials, aligning with the corporation’s environmental commitments. The inauguration of this center not only strengthens Braskem’s innovation structure but also solidifies its position as a leader in the production of thermoplastics in the Americas.
With this initiative, Braskem demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable and advanced solutions. The company expects the center to significantly contribute to the development of innovative technologies, supporting its ecological goals. This strategic movement also highlights Braskem’s commitment to exploring new frontiers within the chemical industry, always with an eye on sustainability and the future. Sustainable growth and continuous innovation are fundamental pillars guiding this corporation toward a greener and more innovative future.
New Research Center of Braskem in Lexington
In Lexington, Massachusetts, Braskem opened a new research space, covering 3,252 m² and dedicated to accelerating innovation in the field of renewable chemicals and materials. This investment represents a significant step for the corporation’s global presence in innovation and technology. Braskem invested approximately US$ 20 million in the new facility, reinforcing its commitment to technological development.
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The purpose of this new center is to expand Braskem’s capacity in the areas of biotechnology, catalysis, and process engineering. The focus of the research will be on early-stage activities related to the conversion of biomass-based feedstocks, such as sugars, ethanol, vegetable oils, cellulose, and lignin into chemical products and materials with a low carbon footprint. This focus contributes to the achievement of the company’s goals in combating climate change.
‘h2>Excitement About the Inauguration
‘We are very excited about the opening of our innovation center in renewables and the expansion of our global presence in research and development. We hope to attract new talent to contribute to our ambition of creating a more sustainable future for all’, stated Antonio Queiroz, Vice President of Innovation, Technology, and Sustainable Development at Braskem.
The Lexington center has been strategically positioned in the biotechnology and innovation ecosystem of Boston, which is close to more than 60 universities. ‘This is a great moment for the corporation, which continues to excel as one of the leaders in CO2 removal through the production of renewable materials. This center further strengthens our ability to create solutions that meet current and future needs’, said Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America.
Commitment to Innovation
Braskem remains committed to reducing its carbon emissions and investing in promoting plastic circularity and the production of materials and chemicals from renewable sources. The company has a strong track record and is a pioneer in bio-based products at an industrial scale, producing since 2010 the I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene, made from sugarcane ethanol, the world’s first polyethylene derived from a renewable source.
Braskem maintains a robust innovation structure, with scientific work being conducted globally by around 400 collaborators who have contributed to the registration of over 1,000 patents over the years.
Technology and Research Centers
Additionally, the company has two Technology and Innovation Centers (in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, and in Pittsburgh, USA), two Technical Centers focused on polymers (in Wesseling, Germany, and Coatzacoalcos, Mexico), one Process Technology Development Center (in Mauá, São Paulo), and two Renewable Chemicals Research Centers (in Campinas, São Paulo, and now in Lexington, USA).
About Braskem
Braskem is a people-oriented and sustainability-focused company, committed to contributing to the strengthening of the circular economy through its value chain. With 8,500 members, the company is dedicated daily to improving people’s lives through sustainable solutions in the field of chemistry and plastics.
Braskem has an innovative DNA and offers a wide portfolio of plastic resins and chemicals for various segments, such as food packaging, construction, industrial, automotive, agribusiness, health, and hygiene, among others. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, USA, Mexico, and Germany, the corporation exports its products to customers in over 70 countries.
Source: © Braskem Press
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