Philadelphia-based Braskem, a polyolefins and biopolymers producer, recently opened a 35,000-square-foot Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Mass, in the Greater Boston area.
“This is a great moment for Braskem and the bio-based industry as we continue to lead the change to a sustainable future,” Mark Nikolich, Braskem America CEO, said. “Braskem has a strong ambition to be a key player in carbon capturing through the production of materials with renewable raw materials. This innovation center even better positions Braskem to forge solutions that meet the needs of today and the future.”
The innovation center will expand Braskem’s global Innovation & Technology footprint, especially regarding biotechnology, catalysis, and process engineering, and will drive new growth-oriented offerings centered around combating climate change.
Work done at the center will complement research and development Braskem is conducting at other facilities throughout the world.
The center will focus on early-stage science and engineering related to the conversion of biomass-based feedstocks to sustainable chemicals and materials. Feedstocks include cellulose, lignin, plant oils, and sugars.
Braskem has 40 industrial units worldwide and exports products to clients in more than 70 countries. Braskem America has five production plants in three states and also operates an innovation and technology center in Pittsburgh.