In Thailand, Braskem Siam Co., Ltd. has received approval from the Thailand Board of Investment for a 19.3 billion baht ($526 million), 200,000 tons/year biobased ethylene plant. The project will convert ethanol produced using agricultural products such as sugarcane, cassava, and corn as feedstock.
Braskem Siam, a joint venture between leading biopolymer producer Braskem and Thailand’s SCG Chemicals PCL, plans to build the facility at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong province.
Biobased ethylene is used to make a variety of environmentally friendly products, from packaging for food and beverage to personal and home care products, toys, houseware, and plastic bags.