Braskem invests in Nexus Circular to accelerate advanced recycling of plastics

Philadelphia-based Braskem, a polyolefins and biopolymers manufacturer, has announced it’s investing in Atlanta-based Nexus Circular LLC., an advanced recycler that converts end-of-life plastics into circular feedstocks used in the production of virgin plastics.  

“At Braskem, we have a clear, long-term vision which is committed to a carbon-neutral circular economy where nothing is wasted, and everything is transformed,” says Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America. “A critical element of achieving this vision is investing in pathways that advance the circular conversion of hard-to-recycle plastic waste to valuable new materials, diverting it from landfills and improving our environmental footprint.”

According to a news release from Braskem, Nexus converts a range of hard-to-recycle plastics, especially landfill-bound plastic films, into its circular feedstocks, which can then be converted back into virgin plastics. Nexus has optimized technology to create a highly efficient system providing cost-effective, superior quality and environmentally friendly products for its partners and customers. 

“We are so pleased to have Braskem join Nexus’ advanced recycling endeavors and receive their support to accelerate our impact and growth worldwide,” says Eric Hartz, president and co-founder at Nexus Circular.

Braskem says the investment in Nexus is one component of the company’s strategy to drive plastics circularity, which includes projects aimed at recycling infrastructure, mechanical recycling and advanced recycling. In addition to expanding Braskem’s recycled product portfolio in 2021, Braskem is also a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, The Recycling Partnership’s Polypropylene Recycling Coalition and Cyclyx.

Braskem says it has clearly stated targets for growing its recycled content product portfolio to sales of 300,000 tons by 2025 and 1 million tons by 2030. The company says the initiatives it’s investing in align with its feedstock diversification strategy and its macro goals of expanding the circular economy concept in the plastic chain and becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2050.