Braskem S.A. (BAK) is a leading Brazilian petrochemical company and one of the largest producers of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. Founded in 2002, it is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. The company was formed through the merger of six petrochemical companies owned by Brazilian conglomerates Odebrecht and Grupo Mariani. Braskem operates in the production and distribution of petrochemicals, polymers, and renewable chemicals, serving a wide range of industries, such as automotive, construction, packaging, and consumer goods.
Braskem’s business is organized into three primary segments:
- Basic Petrochemicals: This segment includes the production of key petrochemical intermediates such as ethylene, propylene, butadiene, and benzene, which are used as building blocks for various plastic resins and other chemicals.
- Polyolefins: Braskem produces a wide range of polyolefins, including polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) resins, which are used in various applications, such as packaging, automotive components, and consumer products.
- Vinyls: This segment focuses on the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins and caustic soda, which are widely used in construction, water infrastructure, and other industries.
In addition to its petrochemical business, Braskem has made significant investments in the development of renewable chemicals, particularly in the production of bio-based polyethylene from sugarcane ethanol. This innovative process has positioned Braskem as a leader in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly plastic materials.
