• A Sustainable Solution for the Restaurant and Snack Food Industries
• Derived from used cooking oil, Braskem's new mass-balanced Bio-Circular PP represents a significant step towards a circular economy, helping to displace fossil fuels

September, 16, 2024 - Braskem today announced the launch of its innovative bio-circular polypropylene (PP), which it sells under the brand name Wenew. The company says Wenew represents a relevant advancement in sustainability for the restaurant and snack food industries. Derived from used cooking oil (UCO), this certified bio-circular ISCC Plus mass-balanced product represents a significant step towards a more sustainable economy, helping to displace fossil fuels, Braskem claims.

Braskem's bio-circular PP is designed to promote circularity in the food industry by repurposing UCO. This approach not only reduces the reliance on fossil fuels but also supports environmental sustainability. Bio-circular PP is identical to traditional PP in properties and performance, ensuring a seamless transition for Braskem´s clients.

Bill Diebold, Vice President, Braskem America Polyolefins, stated, "Our bio-circular PP is currently being supplied to various converters which support the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. Ideal users include QSR chains, retail food suppliers, traditional restaurants, and snack food companies especially those seeking to enhance circularity from their cooking oil usage. This versatile material is suitable for a wide range of applications, including food packaging, flexible packaging (such as films), and consumer goods."

UCO is collected and repurposed upstream to produce certified bio-circular ISCC Plus propylene. Braskem has partnered with several suppliers in the value chain who, through their production facilities, convert bio-circular feedstock into polypropylene, creating a sustainable loop. As a mass-balanced product, Braskem's bio-circular PP retains the same properties and performance as traditional PP, allowing continuous integration into existing downstream converter production and end-of-life recycling processes.

"The launch of our bio-circular PP marks a pivotal moment in pursuing sustainability within the restaurant and snack food industries. By adopting this innovative solution, companies can play a crucial role in promoting circularity and reducing their environmental impact. " commented Courtney Keller, Sustainability Commercial Manager, Braskem America.

Source: Braskem