Braskem the leading polyolefins producer in the Americas and a pioneer in industrial-scale biopolymer production, has announced the opening of its new Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Massachusetts. This 35,000-square-foot facility is designed to accelerate advancements in renewable chemicals and materials, enhancing Braskem’s expertise in biotechnology, catalysis, and process engineering. The focus will be on early-stage research related to converting biomass-based feedstocks—such as sugars, cellulose, plant oils, and lignin—into sustainable chemicals and materials. This initiative is a part of Braskem’s broader effort to drive growth through technology aimed at combating climate change and fostering a more sustainable future.
Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America, highlighted the significance of this launch, stating, “This is a great moment for Braskem and the bio-based industry as we continue to lead the change to a sustainable future. Our ambition to capture carbon and produce materials from renewable sources is strengthened with the establishment of this center, positioning us to meet both current and future needs.”
Strategically located in Greater Boston, the innovation center benefits from proximity to a leading biotechnology ecosystem and more than 60 universities within an hour’s drive. The work carried out here will complement Braskem’s global R&D efforts in the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, and Germany.
Braskem remains committed to reducing dependency on finite resources, promoting plastic circularity, and cutting carbon emissions to make a positive societal impact.
Antonio Queiroz, Vice President of Innovation, Technology, and Sustainable Development at Braskem, expressed enthusiasm for the center’s launch, saying, “The opening of our Renewable Innovation Center marks a significant expansion of Braskem’s global research footprint, now encompassing seven dedicated facilities. This investment will help drive the development of sustainable solutions for chemicals and plastics, bringing us closer to achieving a more sustainable future for all.”
