Braskem reuses steel drums in GDP product packaging

The company’s initiative aims to promote the circular economy through reverse logistics of steel drums used in the transportation of PIB (Polyisobutene), that were previously discarded.

Always in search of initiatives that strengthen the sustainability of its business, Braskem has invested in a project for the reuse and reverse logistics of steel drums used as packaging for its PIB (Polyisobutene) product. The initiative relies on a partnership with Molygrafit, a lubricant company with twenty years in the market, which bet on the project that avoids incorrect disposal and reintroduces the drums into the product’s logistics process.

After a product cycle assessment process, Braskem detected its customers’ difficulty in correctly disposing of the steel drums, which are large and heavy. “With the initiative, the containers are now collected, cleaned, and have the internal and external finishing redone, making the drum new and ready to be used again by Braskem as GDP packaging,” says Eduardo Perez, Director of the Specialties & Renewables area at Braskem.

In partnership, Braskem and Molygrafit conducted a series of tests over 1 year to ensure the integrity, quality, and safety of the drum intended for reuse in the transportation of PIB. Already 200 reused drums are circulating, and the goal is to expand the project to other Braskem clients.

PIB Braskem

Versatile and non-toxic, Braskem’s PIB (Polyisobutene) is used in the manufacturing of several products, such as lubricants, packaging, adhesives, and cosmetics, whether to add more shine, adjust viscosity, promote adhesiveness, or act as a dispersing agent. As an additive, it provides better adhesion and modifies the viscosity of the other products.

As base oil, due to its high purity, it is applied in compressors and high performance equipment, such as in plants and chemical industries. In farming, it can be applied to wrap, a plastic solution used for silage, a method used to preserve food for cattle. With it, the plastic film gains more tensile strength, elongation, and high adhesion. Furthermore, it increases the oxygen barrier, preserving the food for longer.