Braskem has just launched a specific grade of LDPE in the international market for making film to protect fruit during the ripening process: LD3001A. Proper protection of fruit ensures the final quality demanded by the European and American markets, which are the main importers. This grade will initially be sent to the Andean and Central American regions.

Proper protection of bananas impedes insects that cause dark stains on the peel, reducing commercial value for export. The use of protection films significantly reduces insecticide use since it is limited to the film rather than direct application on the fruit, and thus the worker is less exposed to the pesticide.

Besides the specific additive use, this grade has excellent processability and can be used to make thin films in the blowing process. Grade characteristics permit processing at relatively low temperatures, a prerequisite for added insecticides not to suffer thermal degradation during the film extrusion process, making it a specialty. "Our commercial strategy is to offer 750 tons/month, and due to market volume, seek a greater share over time," adds Marco Cione, Commercial Manager at Braskem, and responsible for the Andean and Central American Regions.

Development of this resin contributes significantly towards local banana producers meeting the quality standards for export while also representing growth in the company's international business. "The entire chain gains with the development of new materials and the growth of our business. And LD3001A resin is a great example of that," says Cione.

The tropical fruit producer market in the Andean and Central American Regions is responsible for most of the bananas exported to the United States and Europe. Besides the favorable climate, the region's countries also have the highest productivity per hectare. In Ecuador and Costa Rica, the world's biggest exporters, productivity is 3 and 4 times greater, respectively, than in Brazil, and part of this result is related to the protection the fruit receives during growth and ripening.

Braskem has been firmly present in the global market of thermoplastic resins through developments such as this one, always counting on its innovation and on seeking to know each region's needs and characteristics.

Source: Braskem