Braskem, Sealed Air and Naturepedic partner to bring renewable foam polyethylene to the market

PHILADELPHIA, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Braskem (BM&FBOVESPA: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest thermoplastics resins producer in the Americas and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world, along with Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE: SEE), an innovative packaging, cleaning and hygiene solutions company, and Naturepedic, the leading manufacturer of certified organic mattresses and bedding products for the whole family in the U.S., are pleased to announce their partnership to create a new-to-world formula for renewable polyethylene foam.

With this initiative, Sealed Air aims to advance their strategy to create a better way for life by re-imagining the industries they serve around the globe, and develop a more efficient and sustainable supply chain for them. "Renewable polyethylene foam technology is a patent pending innovation which is helping us re-think the polyethylene foam industry. By using innovation, creativity and bio-based polymers we are promoting sustainability and creating a better value for life," says Dr. N.S. Ramesh, Senior Engineering Fellow, Product Care R&D.

This innovation was first announced by Sealed Air in Frankfurt, Germany, in April of 2017. Now Braskem and Sealed Air will attend the Sustainable Brands Conference, in Detroit, from May 22 through 25, to share this breakthrough product at Braskem's booth in the Good Materials section in the Activation Hub. 

Braskem's I'm Green™ Polyethylene (PE) is a bio-based resin made from ethanol, a renewable and sustainable resource produced from Brazilian sugarcane, and a drop-in substitute for conventional oil-based polyethylene. Cultivation of sugarcane utilizes CO2 and releases O2, which means the material has a negative carbon footprint. The use of Braskem's Green polyethylene in the production of one ton of Sealed Air's foam equates to 3.09 tons of CO2 captured from the atmosphere from a cradle to Braskem gate life cycle perspective.

"Sealed Air's vision perfectly aligns with our purpose at Braskem, which is to improve peoples' lives by creating sustainable solutions in chemicals and plastics. The renewable polyethylene foam is a phenomenal achievement and we are proud to partner with Sealed Air and be involved with this innovation," said Gustavo Sergi, director of Renewable Chemicals at Braskem. 

"We have been watching the industry moving more and more toward renewable materials and noticed a great deal of energy being dedicated specifically to bio plastics," said Chad Stephens, VP of Research and Development for Sealed Air. "For Sealed Air, the next logical strategic step was to progress the advancement of renewable polyethylene foams in our product offerings, enabling our clients to further reduce their packaging footprint with more sustainable and enviro-friendly solutions while still providing superior protection against damage."

The first application of the renewable polyethylene foam will be in Naturepedic's mattresses. Naturepedic was responsible for introducing Sealed Air to Braskem while searching for an alternative to polyethylene made from petroleum for its crib mattresses. Barry Cik, Founder of Naturepedic, strongly believes in the importance of responsibly sourcing the company's raw materials. "I firmly believe that making choices with the future in mind is the right, responsible behavior we all should strive for. Using renewable materials decouples us from fossil based plastics, and this is a key tenant of our company's purpose."

Having pioneered the use of bio-based materials in the mattress industry, Naturepedic never uses polyurethane foam or associated flame retardants in any of its products and has now been able to eliminate virtually all petroleum-based materials from its products. Using polyethylene foam made from non-GMO sugarcane sourced from existing plantations also provides the company with a lightweight alternative to latex or steel coils.

For more information about I'm Green™ Polyethylene (PE) bio-based resin please visit: http://www.braskem.com/site.aspx/plastic-green

ABOUT BRASKEM

Braskem is one of the world's leading plastics and chemical companies with 41 industrial plants in Brazil, the United States, Germany and Mexico.

Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world, creating more environmental-friendly, intelligent and sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics. Known for innovative solutions such as I'm green Polyethylene™ made from renewable sugarcane and UTEC®, the company's own trademarked Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for high performance applications, Braskem's products and technologies enable the automotive, packaging, healthcare, and construction industries to produce goods that enhance quality of life for people around the world.

Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit braskem.com.

ABOUT SEALED AIR

Sealed Air Corporation creates a world that feels, tastes and works better. In 2016, the Company generated revenue of approximately $6.8 billion by helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals in the face of today's biggest social and environmental challenges. Our portfolio of widely recognized brands, including Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions, Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning and Diversey® cleaning and hygiene solutions, enables a safer and less wasteful food supply chain, protects valuable goods shipped around the world, and improves health through clean environments. Sealed Air has approximately 23,000 employees who serve customers in 171 countries. To learn more, visit sealedair.com.

ABOUT NATUREPEDIC

Naturepedic, based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was founded by environmental engineer Barry A. Cik and his sons. Naturepedic specializes in the design and manufacturing of mattresses that promote natural, renewable and organic materials for healthier sleep and a healthier planet. Naturepedic pioneered the use of food-grade polyethylene in crib mattresses as a healthier waterproofing alternative to vinyl or PFCs and also as a lighter weight, healthier core alternative to polyurethane foam. To learn more about Naturepedic, visit naturepedic.com.

SOURCE Braskem