Braskem Siam, a joint venture between Brazil’s Braskem and Thailand’s SCG Chemicals, has received approval from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). Braskem and SCG have committed to investing THB 19.3 billion (USD 533 million) to construct a 200,000 tonnes/year bio-ethylene plant in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong province. This facility will produce bio-ethylene from sugarcane-based bio-ethanol dehydration, which will then be used to manufacture green bio-based polyethylene (PE). Notably, this plant will be the first of its kind outside Brazil.
The BOI emphasized that the bio-ethylene project, along with seven other approved large-scale projects, is crucial for the Thai government and the nation’s economic future. Braskem will leverage its EtE EverGreen technology, developed in partnership with Lummus Technology LLC, and contribute its operational expertise in ethanol dehydration. SCG Chemicals will provide proficiency in producing high-quality polyethylene grades, operational excellence in polyethylene manufacturing, and market reach in Southeast Asia.
Using sugarcane ethanol instead of traditional fossil feedstock significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the PE. Green bio-based polyethylene is versatile, used in packaging for food and beverages, personal and home care products, toys, housewares, and plastic bags. It can be recycled both mechanically and chemically, similar to conventional polyethylene.
The new plant in Thailand will nearly double the current capacity of green bio-based polyethylene, better addressing the global demand for biopolymers, particularly in the rapidly growing Asian market.
(Source: Sustainable Plastics)
