Braskem Launches Bio-Circular Polypropylene

Braskem, the largest polyolefin producer in the Americas, global market leader and pioneer producer of industrial-scale biopolymers, has launched its innovative Bio-Circular Polypropylene (PP), marketed under the WENEW brand.

WENEW is a groundbreaking advancement in sustainability for the foodservice and snacks industry. Derived from used cooking oil (UCO), this certified Bio-Circular ISCC Plus mass-balanced product represents an important step towards a more sustainable economy, helping to replace fossil fuels.

Braskem’s Bio-Circular PP is designed to promote circularity in the food industry by repurposing waste cooking oil. This approach not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also supports environmental sustainability. Bio-Circular PP is identical in properties and performance to conventional PP, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.

"Our bio-cycled PP is currently being supplied to a variety of processors supporting the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry," said Bill Diebold, Vice President of Braskem Polyolefins USA. "Ideal users include QSR chains, retail food suppliers, traditional restaurants and snack companies, especially those looking to increase circularity in their use of cooking oils. This versatile material is suitable for a variety of applications, including food packaging, flexible packaging (such as films) and consumer products."

Braskem works with multiple suppliers in the value chain to transform bio-cycled feedstock into polypropylene through production facilities to form a sustainable cycle. As a mass-balanced product, Braskem's bio-cycled PP retains the same properties and performance as traditional PP and can be continuously integrated into existing downstream production and end-of-life recycling processes.

"Our launch of bio-cycled PP marks a critical moment in the foodservice and snack industry's pursuit of sustainability. By adopting this innovative solution, companies can play a key role in promoting circularity and reducing their impact on the environment. Join us in embracing a greener future with bio-cycled PP," commented Courtney Keller, Braskem's Business Manager for Sustainability USA.