Through the deal, which is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2014, Braskem will supply Tetra Pak with low density polyethylene (LDPE) produced from renewable sugar cane.
These biopolymers, which Braskem markets under its ‘I’m Green’ brand, will be used in all Tetra Pak beverage cartons produced in Brazil.
The initiative will initially be limited to Brazil, said Tetra Pak.
Through the planned move to bio-based LDPE, 100% of the 13bn Tetra Pak cartons produced in Brazil will have up to 82% packaging material from renewable sources.
According to Tetra Pak president and CEO, Dennis Jönsson, the supply agreement takes it a step closer towards developing 100% renewable packaging.
“The new agreement to be signed with Braskem demonstrates our commitment to bring environmental innovations to our customers and is a further step in our journey to develop full renewable packages,” said Jönsson.
To produce its biopolymers, Braskem produces ethylene using ethanol derived from sugar cane. This ethylene is then converted into its 'I'm Green' LDPE.
According to Braskem, the bio-based LDPE it produces has the same technical properties as LDPE made from fossil sources – but with the additional environmental benefits that come with being produced using a renewable source.
“The new bio-based I’m Green LDPE is an inert, resistant and recyclable as the polyethylene made from fossil sources but, contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the sugar cane growth process” said Braskem president, Carlos Fadigas.
“The expansion of the green products line reinforces our commitment to adding value through sustainable development for the value chain," Fadigas added.