Brazilian petrochemicals and plastics producer Braskem (Sao Paulo; www.braskem.com) and Thailand’s SCG Chemicals (Bangkok; www.scgchemicals.com/en) are studying construction of a JV bio-ethanol dehydration plant for the production of bio-based ethylene and PE. The project would be located at SCG Chemicals’ petrochemical complex in Map Ta Phut, Rayong / Thailand and the output would be marketed as Braskem’s “I’m green” bio-based PE.

Braskem said it would contribute with its technology and knowhow in ethanol dehydration and its bio-based PE marketing expertise, while SCG Chemicals would bring its PE units and production expertise for the manufacture of the bio-based PE. The project would up to double existing capacity for the I’m green bio-based PE, Braskem said.

The partners have executed a memorandum of understanding to perform feasibility studies to jointly invest in the project. Braskem said the project is aligned with its goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and of diversifying and expanding its industrial footprint. For SCG Chemicals, the project is part of its target to achieve green polymer sales volumes of 200,000 t by 2025.