In Massachusetts, polyolefin producer Braskem has opened a Renewable Innovation Center in the Lexington suburb of Boston. The 35,000-square-foot innovation center will accelerate innovation in renewable chemicals and materials and expand Braskem’s competencies in biotechnology, catalysis, and process engineering. A particular focus will be given to early-stage science and engineering related to the conversion of biomass-based feedstocks, including sugars, cellulose, plant oils, and lignin, to sustainable chemicals and materials.
“Braskem has a strong ambition to be a key player in carbon capturing through the production of materials with renewable raw materials,” Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America, said in a press statement. “This innovation center even better positions Braskem to forge solutions that meet the needs of today and the future.”
The new center is strategically based in Greater Boston’s biotechnology and innovation ecosystem, located within a one-hour drive of more than 60 universities and colleges.