Is Post-Consumer Recycled Polypropylene being utilized in the industry?

Braskem America, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and a leading producer of biopolymers globally, has made significant strides in advancing sustainable materials with the official launch of its I'm green™ Recycled Polypropylene (PP) in the United States. This announcement, made in October 2019, marked a pivotal moment in Braskem's commitment to transforming the plastics industry from a linear economy to a Circular Economy.

The roll-out of Braskem's I'm green™ Recycled PP represents one of the first offerings under the expanded I'm green™ product portfolio, which now encompasses the company's full range of circular economy products. This innovative product utilizes plastic waste that was destined for landfills, particularly polypropylene twine commonly used in the agricultural sector for hay bales. By redirecting these waste streams, Braskem is able to repurpose the twine as a raw material, offering a sustainable source of feedstock with consistent material characteristics.

The process involves collecting the polypropylene twine, processing it, dying it black for product color uniformity, and then testing it for purity and quality. The resulting homopolymer polypropylene pellets are well-suited for use in compounding and packaging applications, including automotive, housewares, and consumer goods. I'm green™ Recycled PP boasts properties similar or as good as virgin polypropylene, making it an attractive option for manufacturers seeking sustainable alternatives.

Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America, commented on the launch, stating, "In launching Braskem America's first ever 100% post-consumer recycled product, we are working closely with our partners to create innovative new solutions to promote the Circular Economy. Today, our new I'm green™ Recycled polypropylene utilizes plastic destined for landfills to produce new alternative materials for manufacturing. This will create improved sustainable solutions for clients, consumers, and the environment."

Braskem's vision aligns with a broader global push towards sustainability, with a goal of ensuring that 100% of plastic packaging is reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. The launch of I'm green™ Recycled PP is a tangible step towards achieving this ambition, demonstrating Braskem's dedication to driving innovation and creating sustainable solutions in the chemicals and plastics industry.

As consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products continue to rise, the adoption of post-consumer recycled polypropylene and other sustainable materials is expected to accelerate. Companies like Braskem are at the forefront of this movement, leading the charge towards a more circular and sustainable future.