In Brazil, Braskem and Sojitz Corporation have partnered to produce biobased monoethylene glycol and monopropylene glycol. Subject to the conclusion of technology development in 2022, the business plan includes the construction of three industrial units, with the startup of the first plant in 2025.
The joint venture will combine Braskem’s expertise in the industrial production and sale of chemicals and plastics made from renewable sources with Sojitz’s strong presence in Asia, a region that concentrates 80% of the global MEG market and where its consumption registered the highest growth.
“The partnership between Braskem and Sojitz marks the advance of technology—developed on a demonstration scale with Danish company Haldor Topsoe—to the commercial production phase with a clear combination of competencies and resources for scaling up,” said Gustavo Sergi, Renewable Chemicals & Specialties Officer at Braskem.
Sojitz hopes to commercialize 100% biobased polyethylene terephthalate, and has been working with Japanese partners on biobased paraxylene.