Braskem’s I’m greenTM bio-based Polyethylene Drives 470,000-Ton Carbon Reduction in Japan’s Retail Packaging

Braskem, Inc. Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5, and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and a global pioneer in large-scale biopolymer production, announced today that demand for bio-based shopping bags is increasing in the Japanese market.

In Japan, bio-based polyethylene (PE) is gaining attention as a sustainable material, particularly because CO₂ emissions from its incineration can be counted as zero in the case of a biomass plastic-an attribute that aligns with the calculation of the effects in the Japanese government’s global warming countermeasures plan.

In May 2025, a new initiative in Japan introduced shopping bags made with 95% bio-based plastic in select regions, building on the trend since 2020, where bio-based PE has been used at concentrations of more than 30% in shopping bags across convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers. These bags are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3,900 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, considering the amount of bioplastics expected to be sold in 2025. This development reflects the Japanese government and companies’ growing commitment to renewable materials and a more sustainable society.

“We are fully aligned with Japan’s Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastic and Design for Environment guidelines and are actively integrating them into our innovation strategy. We believe the adaptability of bio-PE presents a significant opportunity-not just for us, but for companies across various sectors-to lower the carbon footprint of their products and packaging, while meeting the growing demand for eco-design compliance,” stated Walmir Soller, Vice President for North America, Europe, and Asia – NAMEA, and CEO of Braskem BV.

Over the past three years, Braskem’s bioplastics shipped to Japan and used mainly to produce shopping bags contributed to reducing about 460 kt of CO2 equivalent emissions throughout the life cycle. The reduction is due to the replacement of traditional fossil-based polyethylene bags by I´m green^TM bio-based polyethylene that has a negative carbon footprint. This reduction in CO² emissions is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed annually by 17.4 million cedar trees over a span of three years.

“Our I’m green^TM bio-based polyethylene delivers the same high performance as traditional plastics but enables a negative carbon footprint (carbon removal from the atmosphere) from cradle to Braskem’s gate compared to traditional plastics. Since launching our first commercial grade in 2010, we’ve witnessed a growing global demand for bio-based materials, and Japan is no exception. It’s inspiring to see more companies choosing solutions that support a carbon neutrality, circular economy,” shared Soller.

Braskem will continue to collaborate with partners in Japan to advance sustainable development and support initiatives that contribute to a carbon-neutral future, with a focus on expanding its presence in key sectors such as flexible and rigid packaging for food, home care, and personal care, as well as more recently in the development of sustainable materials for sneaker shoe soles. To learn more, visit https://www.braskem.com/imgreen/home-en. 

Source

Braskem, press release, 2025-07-31.

Supplier

Braskem

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