Braskem, Biowash and Greco & Guerreiro collaborate on bio-based and PCR plastic homecare containers

20 Dec 2019 --- Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem has announced a partnership with Biowash and plastic fabrication supplier Greco & Guerreiro to leverage the development of sustainable packaging solutions. All 1-liter and 5-liter packaging of the Brazilian company Biowash, a pioneer in the development of 100 percent biodegradable natural homecare products, will be made from a mixture of renewable plastic made from sugarcane and post-consumer resin (PCR). The combination of resins used in the solution for homecare products reduces CO2 emissions by up to 168 percent, Braskem indicates.

“The initiative reinforces the movement towards the circular economy, which is very important to Braskem and depends substantially on working together with our clients, partners and society in general,” comments Rafaela Baldin, the client's main interface at Braskem.

“In this context, we are seeking more partnerships to develop new solutions that meet market trends, considering important aspects such as the prior selection of raw material, design and the product's reintroduction into the production cycle through recycling,” Baldin adds.

Reinforcing the importance of collaboration, the partnership also includes the converter Greco & Guerreiro, which is responsible for producing and supplying the new sustainable packaging to Biowash.

The containers, which are used for concentrated multipurpose cleaners, laundry detergent and dishwashing soap, will contain 60 percent of Braskem's bio-based plastics and 40 percent PCR obtained from recycled plastic products.All 1-liter and 5-liter Biowash packaging will be made from a mixture of renewable plastic made from sugarcane and PCR.

Since more than half of the composition of the containers is the bio-based “I'm green” plastic, which during its production captures an estimated 6.30 tons of CO2 every year, the packaging achieves a reported reduction of up to 168 percent in emissions compared to conventional packaging solutions. According to Braskem, the volume of CO2 captured every year by the product is six times larger than the amount of CO2 absorbed by 1,000 new trees grown over ten years.

The packaging’s sustainability credentials are further enhanced because it contributes to plastic waste being used as raw material and gaining a new use in the production chain. “Using 40 percent natural PCR incorporates more sustainability into the packaging, while improving, without the use of dyes, the visual impact, which makes a difference at the point of sale,” explains Marcelo Guerreiro Mason, Sustainability Director for Greco & Guerreiro.

“This is Biowash's first step in delivering sustainable packaging, but we are still counting on consumers to do their part by always sending their bottles for recycling,” adds Becky Weltzein, Managing-Partner for Biowash.. 

In addition to signing partnerships for developing and improving its “I'm green” portfolio, which includes bio-based and post-consumer solutions, Braskem continues to invest in actions to strengthen conscientious consumption and the contribution of plastics to the sustainable development of society. 

“The packaging addresses important issues, such as the safety of the final product, but it also represents the face of the brand and reinforces its identity in the market and with consumers, which leads us to believe that the partnerships we forge in this segment will help us convey a positive message to society. More importantly, we believe that engaging in the value chain will help us to advance in our purpose, which is to improve people's lives by creating sustainable solutions in chemicals and plastics, such as the new packaging for Biowash,” Baldin concludes.

During K 2019 in Dusseldorf, Germany, October 16 to 23, thermoplastic resin producer Braskem launched a new stretch film solution, which is aligned with the company’s commitment to promoting the circular economy. The launches of Braskem Flexus 3600 and PP RF70 are the result of the company’s efforts to develop new solutions in multi-layer stretch films. With good processability and high yields during application, the company says that the solutions have a major advantage in terms of sustainability. This is because they reduce the amount of raw material needed for their production. In addition to productivity gains, the stretch film also reduces waste during transport, offering benefits in all links of the company’s value chain.

In cooperation with Braskem, Tetra Pak became the first company in the food and beverage industry to responsibly source plant-based polymers using the Bonsucro standards for sustainable sugarcane in November.

Edited by Joshua Poole