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Braskem and Fitesa Announce the Use of Braskem’s I’m green™ Bio-Based Polyethylene Grade for Nonwovens

via Business Wire

From sugarcane to innovative solutions for the nonwoven market, evolving supply capabilities, and introducing new features to better serve our clients.

Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5, and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas, as well as a global market leader and pioneer producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale, and Fitesa, one of the world’s largest nonwoven manufacturers and the first company to produce Spunbond nonwovens with I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene, are proud to announce the use of Braskem’s I’m green™ bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) designed specifically for nonwoven applications.

With over 10 years of experience in advancing bio-based polymers into the hygiene space, Braskem and Fitesa are ready to take a step further on a reliable, scalable worldwide presence in the bicomponent nonwovens market with a next-generation bio-PE grade. Optimized for Spunbond processes, Braskem’s I’m green™ bio-based PE for nonwovens features all the well-known advantages of I’m green™, including its bio-based feedstock and negative carbon footprint. This innovative material presents an overall better process performance and enhanced spinning stability, supporting the increase of bio-based content on products throughout the global hygiene supply chain.

Key Benefits of the I’m green™ Bio-Based Polyethylene Grade for Nonwovens:

  • Optimal melting and Vicat temperatures, enabling the spinning of more resistant filaments.
  • Made from bioethanol from sugarcane as feedstock, the I’m green™ bio-based PE grade for nonwovens has a direct impact on the final product's carbon footprint.
  • Optimized for high-speed nonwoven manufacturing, promoting process stability and efficiency.
  • An alternative solution that offers the same durability and performance as traditional polyethylene.
  • Fully recyclable with existing polyethylene recycling streams.
  • Measurable and traceable bio-based content, fully compliant with industry standards.
  • Reliable supply chain infrastructure and long-term industrial capabilities to meet growing demand.

"We are excited to introduce our next-generation I’m green™ bio-based HDPE product to the market," said Gustavo Lombardi, Biopolymers Business Development Director, Braskem. "This product represents a significant advancement in Braskem’s I'm green™ bio-based portfolio for nonwoven applications, aligning with our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and market-driven goals. Additionally, it supports the hygiene industry's efforts to decarbonize and tackle climate change by reducing the final product's carbon footprint without compromising quality or performance."

Fitesa will showcase its products using Braskem’s I’m green™ bio-based HDPE at booth 901 at IDEA25, one of the world's leading events for the nonwovens industry. IDEA 2025 will take place in Miami, FL, from April 29 to May 1.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Braskem to advance the Bio-polyethylene solution for Spunbond processes. As pioneers in the development and commercialization of bio-based Spunbond fabrics, we are familiar with the challenges and the benefits of such materials and remain committed to pushing forward more sustainable solutions without compromising the quality and performance of our products. Braskem and Fitesa are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the nonwoven industry." – Ricardo Fasolo, Vice President for US & Canada.

For more information about Braskem’s I’m green™ portfolio, visit I'm green bio-based.

ABOUT BRASKEM

With a global vision of the future oriented towards people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to contributing to the value chain for strengthening the Circular Economy. The petrochemical company’s almost 9,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people’s lives through sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare, and hygiene, among others. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in more than 70 countries.

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, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and operations in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.

ABOUT FITESA

Fitesa is one of the world’s largest nonwoven manufacturers. We specialize in developing innovative solutions for the hygiene and healthcare markets by utilizing a broad range of technologies, including Spunbond, Spunmelt, Meltblown, Carded, Airlaid, Fitesa Advantage, Spunlace, Films, Elastics, and Composites. Headquartered in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fitesa employs over 2,500 people in 21 manufacturing locations across 11 countries: Brazil, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden, United States, Thailand, and China. For more information about Fitesa and its products, visit www.fitesa.com and follow us on LinkedIn (Fitesa) and Instagram (@fitesanonwovens).

For questions or comments, contact marketing@fitesa.com.

Braskem on English social media:

www.facebook.com/BraskemGlobal

www.linkedin.com/company/braskem

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding future events. These statements reflect Braskem’s current beliefs and expectations with respect to Braskem’s business, the economy and other future conditions and are based on assumptions, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: (i) the contraction or lack of growth in the market segments in which Braskem competes and in which its products are sold (ii) unexpected delays or other problems in production at Braskem facilities, (iii) increased competition from imports or in the export markets, (iv) inability to anticipate future market trends and the future needs of Braskem’s customers, (v) the impact of natural disasters on Braskem’s facilities, its suppliers and customers; (vi) the development of alternate products, and (vii) other factors detailed in documents Braskem S.A. files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

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