Braskem joins the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) to advance the energy transition

MITEI connects MIT research teams with industry and government sectors to develop solutions to the world’s energy challenges; Through MITEI, Braskem will participate in the new research consortium Future Energy Systems Center

Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest producer of polyolefins in the Americas and a pioneering world leader in the production of biopolymers on an industrial scale, today joined the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), with the goal of supporting and funding research relevant to advancing the energy transition.

MITEI serves as the energy research, education, and dissemination hub of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In October 2021, the initiative launched the Future Energy Systems Center, a new research consortium set up to address the climate crisis and analyze the role of energy systems in this process. As a member-sponsored research consortium, the Future Energy Systems Center collaborates with experts and industry leaders, considering both energy consumers and suppliers, to gather insights that can help researchers anticipate the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing technology at the scale necessary to achieve decarbonization.

“We are honored to be part of the MIT Energy Initiative alongside several industry leaders who share our dedication to creating a safer planet and a more sustainable future,” says Joshua Taylor, Braskem’s U.S. Open Innovation Specialist. “Through this association, we hope to gather insights that will support Braskem’s sustainability journey, as well as contribute to research that is critical as we confront the climate crisis and create solutions to redefine the world’s energy systems.”

“We welcome Braskem as a new member of the Future Energy Systems Center within the MIT Energy Initiative,” says Randall Field, executive director of the consortium. “MIT has a long tradition of engaging industry to solve the most vexing problems affecting the planet.  Braskem, with its focus on innovation and commitment to the energy transition, will provide insights that will be very welcome for our multi-sector research agenda.”

Braskem has committed to remain in MITEI for three years and will provide, alongside partner companies, guidance to guide research projects that are aligned with its long-term sustainability commitments. A committee of 11 MIT professors selects projects to create a high-impact research program on decarbonization, making use of MIT’s strengths and addressing the interests of the consortium members in pragmatic and scalable solutions.

Besides promoting the circularity of plastic and encouraging the revolution of materials from renewable sources, Braskem is committed to reducing dependence on finite resources and carbon emissions, generating a positive impact for society.

Braskem has set clear goals for increasing sales of its products with recycled content to 300,000 tons by 2025 and to 1 million tons by 2030. Braskem’s transition to a circular economy is deeply rooted in mechanical and advanced recycling solutions. By engaging and investing in partnerships with other players in the value chain, Braskem strengthens mechanical and advanced recycling, overcomes barriers, and ensures greater production of high-quality recycled materials. All these initiatives are aligned with Braskem’s raw material diversification strategy and its macro-objectives of expanding the circular economy concept in the plastic chain and becoming a carbon neutral company by 2050.

To learn more, visit https://www.braskem.com.br/macroobjetivos.