Recently, Braskem, the largest polyolefin producer in the Americas, as the market leader and pioneer producer of industrial-scale biopolymers, announced the establishment of a partnership with Gelmart International ("Gelmart"), the world's leading manufacturer of intimate apparel.
Braskem supplies its I'm green TM EVA biopolymer to support the production of the world's first plant-based bra cup made from sustainably grown sugarcane. Gelmart launched its new Kindly sustainable close-fitting apparel line in August, which is exclusively available on 3,300 Walmart retail stores and online at Walmart.com.
Gelmart has designed, developed and produced more than 1.25 billion underwear, bras and shapewear for the world's largest retailers and brands. Gelmart's kindly bra series is the culmination of more than three years of proprietary development, and is the world's first mass-produced plant-based bra.
The Kindly product line aims to connect sustainability, accessibility and the world of innovation by replacing the use of traditional foam materials with more environmentally friendly materials such as Braskem's I'm green TM EVA biopolymer.
The affordable kindly series allows consumers to make more sustainable choices without sacrificing quality and experience. Edison Terra, Executive Vice President of Braskem, commented: “As a global leader in biopolymers, Braskem has long been committed to creating a more sustainable future. Our Im green™ plant-based material innovation product portfolio is helping global consumer brands and manufacturers are transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-based raw materials to more environmentally friendly solutions.
We are very pleased to announce the establishment of a partnership with Gelmart. Their visionary leadership is helping to change the world's apparel industry with the same high quality and comfort through creative new products, but also provide a more sustainable footprint for the planet. "
Yossi Nasser, CEO of Gelmart International, said: "We are very happy to bring the world's first plant-based bra cup to the market, but if the product itself is not attractive, there is no real sustainability. For us, the important thing is that our brand is not only a well-known high-quality product, but also creates a more environmentally friendly and achievable lifestyle for everyone.
Therefore, finding suitable partners to provide high-quality environmentally friendly materials on a large scale is an important factor in our strategy. Braskem is our natural choice as a leading supplier of biopolymers, and their deep expertise in green EVA and their collaborative approach are very suitable. "
Braskem's bio-based product production equipment
Braskem's I'm green TM bio-based EVA is sustainably produced from sugarcane, a renewable resource that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon dioxide capture. For those who wish to incorporate green EVA into new product concepts, it is very suitable for use in clothing, footwear, children's toys, ordinary foam, and so on.
Braskem Account Manager and Business Development Giancarlos Delevati commented: “Today's consumers take a more comprehensive approach when making purchasing decisions, which increasingly requires choosing products developed and produced with sustainability as the primary consideration.
At Braskem, we work with customers to help them transition from traditional materials to more environmentally friendly materials. We are proud to work with Gelmart to help advance the apparel industry on a sustainable development path and provide products that meet customer needs. They are keen to create a better future for the planet. "
Eve Bastug, Chief Product Officer of Gelmart International, said: "In my 40 years of working in the industry, this is the most challenging project I have participated in — and certainly I feel the most rewarding. It took us three years to complete. Work towards more than 80% plant-based sustainable cups.
Our goal is to never allow consumers to choose between functions, plants and prices, and to create a more sustainable future by making exquisite products that make people feel good when they wear them. "
Braskem is one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies. As early as 2010, Braskem had launched a green and environmentally friendly bio-based polyethylene (Bio-PE) product to the market. The polymerization process becomes bio-based PE, with a production capacity of 200,000 tons/year, and its bio-based polyethylene production capacity accounts for the highest proportion in the world.
In addition, the Braskem series of products also include bio-based EVA, bio-based polyethylene wax, etc. Not long ago, news showed that Braskem plans to cooperate with Thai chemical companies to build another 200,000 tons of bio-based polyethylene production capacity. In addition, due to the bio-based investment of 61 million US dollars! Brazil Braskem plans to expand bio-based PE production to 260,000 tons/year
