Braskem chooses Port of Rotterdam for bioplastics storage

London — Braskem will move its bioplastics storage facility from the Port of Antwerp to the Port of Rotterdam, according to a press release on Jan. 19.

The Brazilian petrochemicals company and bioplastics producer has chosen the Port of Rotterdam's polymer warehouse, which opened in 2018, as a strategic hub for the European and Asian markets.

Braskem's European and Asian headquarters are also located in Rotterdam.

Trade in sustainable plastics, including recycled plastics and bioplastics that are made from bioethanol derived from a variety of natural raw materials like sugar beets and wheat, is gaining momentum as producers look to meet sustainability goals.

"Both Braskem and the port of Rotterdam are very ambitious when it comes to sustainability. Furthermore, the port of Rotterdam's accessibility and excellent road infrastructure play a major role," said Kristina Becker, head of feedstock and raw material planning & strategy at Braskem Europe.

Bioplastics represent a small proportion of the overall plastics market, with recycled plastics more established and widely adopted in the market. Nevertheless, bioplastics, which do not require the use of crude oil in their manufacture, are gaining momentum. This momentum is particularly prevalent in the consumer packaging sector, where companies continue to come under increasing pressure to become more sustainable.