BRASKEM SA (BAK) is a Brazil-based petrochemical company that ranks as the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. Founded in 2002, Braskem's origins trace back to a strategic alliance between Brazilian oil corporation Petrobras and Odebrecht, a multinational conglomerate involved in diversified businesses.
Braskem specializes in producing ethylene, propylene and by-products, gas chemicals, and other chemical and petrochemical products. It operates through four business units: Basic Petrochemicals, Vinyls, Polyolefins, and USA and Europe. Each unit focuses on a particular range of products, ensuring the company's wide expertise and international reach.
In Basic Petrochemicals, BAK produces raw material for various industries including automobile, construction, and food packaging. The Vinyls arm focuses on the production of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), used widely in civil construction. With Polyolefins, Braskem manages the production of both polyethylene and polypropylene, used in applications like automotive parts and textiles. Lastly, the USA and Europe sector coordinates the company’s international efforts, managing new acquisitions and global growth.
Braskem is best known for green polyethylene, a plastic made from sugarcane. This eco-friendly innovation is in line with the company's commitment to sustainable development. By engineering this bio-based resin, which captures and stores CO2, Braskem reduces greenhouse gas emissions and offers an environmentally sound solution to traditional plastic production methods.
Furthermore, Braskem is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol BAK and is part of the São Paulo Stock Exchange's IBrX-50 Index, which includes the 50 most liquid stocks in the Brazilian market. Braskem is also found on the Latibex, a market segment of the Madrid Stock Exchange catering to Latin American stocks. Additionally, BAK was added to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in 2020 in recognition of their commitment to sustainable practices.
Beyond its business operations, Braskem is an active corporate citizen, involved in social, educational, and cultural initiatives in areas where it operates. Despite some controversies over the years, Braskem has maintained a stance on ethical and responsible practices built on transparency, integrity and respect for the diversity and inclusion of its employees. Ultimately, Braskem remains committed to delivering solutions that improve people's lives through a spectrum of sustainable, innovative products.