OREANDA-NEWS. Braskem, the leading thermoplastic resin producer in the Americas and the world's largest biopolymer producer, registered considerable improvement in its Health, Environment and Safety (HES) indicators in 2012. Compared to 2011, the petrochemical producer reduced its effluent generation by 11%, its water consumption by 6% and its energy consumption by 2%. The levels of these indicators are below the average of the chemical industry in Brazil.

The consolidated results for the last ten years, i.e., since the company's incorporation in 2002, show substantial reductions in solid waste and effluent generation, by 61% and 39%, respectively. Meanwhile, energy consumption decreased by 11%. Average annual water consumption at Braskem was 4.59 m? per ton of product produced, which is very good compared to the average of the world chemical industry of 25.9 m? of water per ton produced.

Through actions that seek to make the company the world leader in sustainable chemicals, in February this year, Braskem was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index (DJSI Emerging Markets) of the New York Stock Exchange. The company has also been a component of the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) of Brazil's BM&FBovespa since its creation, which is an index formed by 37 companies considered references in the area of sustainability.

"These figures reflect the positioning of Braskem, which is always pursuing innovation in order to better serve people. This recognition from Dow Jones attests to the commitment to sustainable development through best practices in corporate governance and social and environmental responsibility," said Jorge Soto, sustainable development director at Braskem.