- Braskem, in partnership with adidas, Allbirds, and MIT, has been awarded a $504,000 RD&D grant from the REMADE Institute to research and develop a new pathway for recycling ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for the footwear industry.
- The project aims to reduce waste generated by cross-linked EVA through the development of dynamic crosslinking technology, with a focus on accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy.
- Braskem’s commitment to sustainability and creating a carbon-neutral circular economy is demonstrated through this partnership and their proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns in the footwear industry.
In an effort to advance the development of sustainable solutions for the plastic industry, Braskem, the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, has been awarded a Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) grant from the REMADE Institute. The grant will support the ongoing research and development of Braskem’s Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Recycling Technology in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The EVA Recycling Technology aims to create a circular economy for the plastic industry by providing a solution to reuse and recycle EVA polymers, which are commonly used in a wide range of products such as footwear, adhesives, and packaging materials. With the support of the REMADE Institute grant, Braskem and Oak Ridge National Laboratory will work together to develop and commercialize advanced recycling processes for EVA materials, contributing to the sustainability of the plastic industry in the United States.
“This grant from the REMADE Institute is a significant milestone in our efforts to advance the circular economy for plastics,” said Gustavo Sergi, Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Leader at Braskem. “We are committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to a more environmentally friendly future, and this partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory will allow us to accelerate the development of our EVA Recycling Technology.”
The REMADE Institute is a public-private partnership that focuses on driving the U.S. manufacturing industry towards a more sustainable and circular economy. The RD&D grant awarded to Braskem is part of the institute’s efforts to support innovative research and development initiatives that will contribute to the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing industry.
Braskem’s EVA Recycling Technology Research Partnership is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By leveraging the expertise of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the support of the REMADE Institute, Braskem is poised to make significant strides in the development of advanced recycling processes for EVA materials, ultimately supporting the establishment of a circular economy for the plastic industry in the United States.