OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2012. Braskem, a Brazilian-based company that is the world's largest producer of polymers made from renewable resources, is making effective and concrete contributions to Rio+20. The largest petrochemical producer in the Americas, Braskem is supporting some of the most important events at the conference and is also demonstrating technologies that foster innovation and sustainable development. Braskem is also an official supplier of support materials to the UN conference, all of which are made from its Green Plastic.

Braskem's participation in this UN global conference on sustainable development is aligned with its 2020 Vision, through which the company aspires to become the world leader in sustainable chemicals. Braskem works to advance this leadership through regular investments in technology and innovation to ensure that it better serves society.

According to Jorge Soto, sustainable development director at Braskem, the theme of the green economy that will be at the center of discussions at Rio+20 shows that companies are no longer seen as merely the cause of environmental degradation, but are now recognized as part of the solution to these issues. This inclusion of economic and social aspects in the concept of sustainability also shows how thinking on this issue has matured.

"Achieving a green economy is impossible if the business community is not involved. At Braskem, we are constantly evolving on this front and believe that participation in business forums where these practices are discussed and shared is an excellent way to continue moving forward," he said.

Soto, who is a member of the Brazilian Committee of the Global Compact, the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development and Business Action for Sustainable Development (a coalition of leading international business groups created specifically for Rio+20), said that all companies should ask how they can help advance sustainable development through their own business. "The answer to this question encourages reflection and actions that can create new business opportunities, whether in the form of lower costs, an expanded product portfolio or a larger relationship network, while also improving economic, environmental and social performance," noted Soto.