Braskem America Introduces Bio-Circular Polypropylene for Snack Food Industry

Braskem America has launched a bio-circular polypropylene (PP), which it sells under the brand name WENEW.

WENEW is a groundbreaking advancement in sustainability for the restaurant and snack food industries. Derived from used cooking oil (UCO), the certified bio-circular ISCC Plus mass-balanced product represents a significant step toward a more sustainable economy, helping to displace fossil fuels.

Braskem’s bio-circular PP is designed to promote circularity in the food industry by repurposing UCO. This approach not only reduces the reliance on fossil fuels but also supports environmental sustainability. Bio-circular PP is identical to traditional PP in properties and performance, ensuring a seamless transition for our clients.

“Our bio-circular PP is currently being supplied to various converters which support the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry," said Bill Diebold, vice president, Braskem America Polyolefins. "Ideal users include QSR chains, retail food suppliers, traditional restaurants, and snack food companies — especially those seeking to enhance circularity from their cooking oil usage.

The new sustainable material is suited for a wide range of applications, including food packaging, flexible packaging (such as films), and consumer goods Diebold added.

Bio-circular PP addresses critical environmental concerns by displacing fossil-based sources of propylene and promoting circularity. UCO is collected and repurposed upstream to produce certified bio-circular ISCC Plus propylene. Braskem has partnered with several suppliers in the value chain who, through their production facilities, convert bio-circular feedstock into polypropylene, creating a sustainable loop.

As a mass-balanced product, Braskem’s bio-circular PP retains the same properties and performance as traditional PP, allowing continuous integration into existing downstream converter production and end-of-life recycling processes.