Market leader in bioplastics chooses port of Rotterdam

The Brazilian petrochemical company, whose headquarters for Europe and Asia are located in Rotterdam, sees a key role for the Dutch port city and has chosen Rotterdam Polymer Hub, the plastic and polymer warehouse that opened in Rotterdam in 2018. The new storage facility will be the strategic hub for all biopolymers for the European and Asian markets.

Biopolymers, also known as reusable or green polyethylene, are made from bioethanol. Ethanol can be made from a variety of natural raw materials, such as sugar beets and wheat.

Kristina Becker, Head of Feedstock and Raw Material Planning & Strategy at Braskem Europe: “Both Braskem and the port of Rotterdam are very ambitious when it comes to sustainability. Furthermore, the port of Rotterdam’s accessibility and excellent road infrastructure play a major role. In combination with Rotterdam Polymer Hub’s state-of-the-art warehouse, Braskem has a lot of confidence in the partnership.”

Emile Hoogsteden, Commercial Director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority: “The relocation of this package to Rotterdam is a significant milestone for the port of Rotterdam. It is the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s ambition to accommodate further growth of bioplastics and polymers.”

Geert Van De Ven, Managing Director of Rotterdam Polymer Hub: “Thanks to the support of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the compelling benefits of the port of Rotterdam and the expertise of Rotterdam Polymer Hub, Braskem was convinced that Rotterdam was the ideal choice for warehousing its bioplastics.”

Carbon neutral

Braskem has set a goal of gradually becoming carbon neutral. For example, the company wants to achieve a 15% reduction in carbon emissions from its business operations by 2030. Braskem wants to be carbon neutral by 2050. Besides emissions reduction, the company also focuses on making plastic waste reusable. For example, the aim is for the product portfolio to include 300,000 tonnes of product solutions using recycled materials by 2025. The 2030 target is 1 million tonnes.