SÃO PAULO and PHILADELPHIA, Sept.
16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5
and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK) ("Company"), the largest
polyolefins producer in the Americas, as well as a market leader
and pioneer producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale,
announces its partnership with Gelmart International ("Gelmart"), a
leading global manufacturer of intimate apparel. Braskem in
supplying its I'm greenTM EVA biopolymer to support
production of the world's first-of-its-kind plant-based bra cup
sourced from sustainably grown sugarcane. Gelmart's new kindly line
of sustainable intimate apparel launched in August and is available
exclusively across 3,300 Walmart retail stores and online at
Walmart.com
Gelmart has designed, developed, and produced over 1.25 billion
units in underwear, bras, and shapewear for the world's biggest
retailers and brands. Gelmart's kindly bra line is the
culmination of more than three years of proprietary development,
resulting in the world's first mass-produced, plant-based bra. The
kindly product line aims to connect the worlds of sustainability,
accessibility, and innovation by incorporating more environmentally
friendly materials such as Braskem's I'm greenTM EVA
biopolymer, replacing the use of traditional foam materials.
Affordably priced, the kindly line allows consumers to feel good
about making a more sustainable choice, all without sacrificing
quality or value.
Edison Terra, Executive Vice
President of Braskem, commented, "As a global leader in
bio-polymers, Braskem has a long-standing commitment to creating a
more sustainable future. Our innovative portfolio of I'm
green™ plant-based materials is helping global consumer brands and
manufacturers transition from legacy fossil fuels based raw
materials to more eco-friendly solutions. We couldn't be more
excited to announce our partnership with Gelmart, their visionary
leadership is helping transform the world's apparel industry with
creative new offerings that bring the same high-quality and
comfort, but also deliver a more sustainable footprint on the
planet."
Yossi Nasser, Chief Executive
Officer of Gelmart International, stated, "We're thrilled to bring
the world's first plant-based bra cup to market, but real
sustainability does not exist without accessibility. It's important
to us that our brands are known not only for quality products, but
more for creating a movement towards a more eco-friendly and
attainable lifestyle for all. So finding the right partner to
provide the high-quality eco-friendly materials at scale was an
essential factor in our strategy. Braskem was the natural choice
for us as a leading supplier of biopolymers, their deep expertise
in Green EVA and their collaborative approach were a perfect
fit."
Braskem's I'm greenTM bio-based EVA is sustainably
produced from sugarcane, a renewable source that contributes to the
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by CO2 capture. For those who
want to adopt Green EVA into a new product concept, it is ideal for
use in apparel, footwear, children's toys, general foams and much
more.
Giancarlos Delevati, Account
Manager & Business Development of Braskem, commented, "Today's
consumer is taking a more holistic approach when making their
purchasing decision and this increasingly calls for selecting
products that are developed and produced with a focus on
sustainability as a primary consideration. At Braskem, we partner
with our customers to help them make the transition from legacy
materials to more environmentally friendly materials. We are proud
to work with Gelmart to help move the apparel industry forward on
its sustainability journey and deliver products that meet the needs
of their customers who are passionate about creating a better
future for the planet."
Eve Bastug, Chief Product Officer
of Gelmart International, stated, "In my 40 plus years working in
the industry, this was the most challenging project I've worked on
- and it certainly feels the most rewarding. It took us three years
to work towards a sustainable cup that is over 80% plant-based. Our
goal is to never make consumers choose between function, plant and
price, by creating a more sustainable future with beautifully
crafted products that people can feel good about wearing."
The I'm greenTM brand represents Braskem's
sustainable portfolio, aligned with its commitment to the circular
economy and features bio-based and recycled products. The goal is
to combine innovation with sustainable development to achieve a
better impact on the planet and society. Since its initial launch,
Braskem's I'm green™ sustainable portfolio of chemicals and
polymers has expanded and now includes a range of solutions made
from post-consumer plastic waste as well as responsibly sourced
bio-based materials including green EVA, all reflecting Braskem's
commitment to innovation and the advancement of the Carbon Neutral
Circular Economy. To learn more about Braskem's sustainable I'm
green™ portfolio, please visit online at:
https://www.braskem.com.br/imgreen/home-en.
ABOUT GELMART INTERNATIONAL
With over 70 years of
experience and a vertical supply chain, Gelmart International is
the leading intimates manufacturer in the U.S. and partner to some
of the world's largest retailers. Earlier this year, Gelmart
International launched its incubation and venture arm FullStride
Ventures which incubates its own white space opportunities, as well
as provides start-ups with investment and turnkey supply chain
solutions, product development, and marketing strategies. Gelmart
and FullStride Ventures was the lead investor, manufacturer and
co-founding partner of LIVELY and most recently Wknd Nation. For
more information, visit www.gelmart.com.
ABOUT BRASKEM
With a global vision of the future
oriented towards people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to
contributing to the value chain for strengthening the Circular
Economy. The petrochemical company's almost 8,000 team members
dedicate themselves every day to improve people's lives through
sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an
innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and
chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging,
construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare
and hygiene, among others. With 41 industrial units in Brazil, the United
States, Mexico and
Germany, and net revenue of
R$58.5 billion (US$11.4 billion), Braskem exports its products to
clients in more than 100 countries. For more information,
visit www.braskem.com/usa.
Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading
producer of polypropylene in the United
States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology
Center in Pittsburgh, and
operations in Boston focused on
leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and
advanced materials. For more information,
visit www.braskem.com/usa.
Braskem on English social
media:
www.facebook.com/BraskemGlobal
www.linkedin.com/company/braskem
www.twitter.com/BraskemSA
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SOURCE Braskem