OREANDA-NEWS. Braskem, the largest resin producer in the Americas and the world's leading biopolymer producer, was selected by the magazine Fast Company as one of the 50 most innovative companies in 2014. Braskem, which placed 41st in the ranking and was the only Brazilian company to figure on the list, was recognized for its research into products made from renewable resources, such as its Green Plastic. The ranking also featured companies like Google, Nike, Netflix and Airbnb.

Fast Company highlighted Braskem's innovative process of transforming sugarcane ethanol into ethylene, the feedstock used to make the bio-based polyethylene. Its main advantage is that it helps reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions in the air, since it removes carbon dioxide during its production process. To help consumers recognize the green plastic, Braskem created the “I'm greenTM” seal, which guarantees the renewable origin of the packaging.

To support this research, Braskem maintains an Innovation & Technology Center, with one unit in Brazil and another in the United States. Approximately 340 specialized professionals work at these centers, who are dedicated to the development of new products and applications. In line with this recognition, Braskem projects total investment of BRL 2.66 billion in 2014.

Based in New York, Fast Company is a publication of Mansueto Ventures LLC, a leading media company in the United States. Considered the most innovative and contemporary business magazine, it develops its ranking after spending months collecting and analyzing data to reflect a package that dares to be different by emphasizing not just revenue, growth and profit margins, but also innovative and sustainable business models.