History

Challenges, innovations, achievements and overcoming
are part of Braskem's history

  • 1970s

    Odebrecht, a Brazilian multinational focused on engineering & construction, decides to enter the petrochemical industryin 1979, one year after the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex opens in Bahia. The first step in its growthin the petrochemical sector was the purchase of one-third of the voting capital of Companhia Petroquímica de Camaçari (CPC), a PVC producer.

  • 1980s

    Odebrecht acquires stakes in Salgema, a chlor-alkali manufacturer in Alagoas, Brazil, and three other companies: Poliolefinas (a polyethylene producer), PPH (a polypropylene manufacturer) and Unipar (a petrochemical holding company).

    Odebrecht Química S.A. is born with the mission of managing the Organization's interests and investments in the sector.

  • 1990s

    The Brazilian government begins privatizing the petrochemical industry. Odebrecht purchases a significant stake in Copesul (the central ethylene plant for the Rio Grande do Sul petrochemical complex) and becomes part of the controlling group. Several new acquisitions under the National Privatization Program (PND) further increase Odebrecht's stature in petrochemicals. The company acquires control of PPH, Poliolefinas, Salgema and CPC. Odebrecht merges PPH and Poliolefinas to create OPP Petroquímica S.A.It  also consolidates Salgema and CPC to form Trikem S.A., the first vertical integration of the Brazilian petrochemicals sector.

  • 2001

    In partnership with the Mariani Group, Odebrecht acquires control of Copene (the Camaçari ethylene cracker in the state of Bahia, and beginsthe process of consolidating upstream and downstream assets for the first time in Brazil.

  • 2002

    Braskem is formed, already Latin America's leading petrochemical company, with industrial units and offices in Brazil, as well as commercial bases in the United States and Argentina. The company was formed by the consolidation of six companies: Copene, OPP, Trikem Nitrocarbono, Proppet and Polialden.

    Braskem's shares are listed on Bovespa, and the company offers investors Level II ADRs, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

    The Braskem Technology & Innovation Center is the most complete R & Dfacility owned by any petrochemical company in Brazil or South America. Braskem is already one of the largest patent depositors in Brazil.

    Braskem's operations are based on the values and principles expressed in its public commitment, published in August 2002. They include the commitment to excellence in management practices with modern corporate governance, based on sustainable development, responsible management of its businesses and the transparency of its operations, information, processes and financial and social indicators.

  • 2003

    Braskem develops a special type of polypropylene to make cheese spreadcontainers, and polypropylene fibers for use in roof tiles and water tanks.

    Braskem is the most valuable company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Its ADRs rise by 713% over the course of the year. No other foreign stocks showed such strong gains on the NYSE.

    Braskem completes the merger of its subsidiaries (OPP Química, Nitrocarbono and Trikem).

    In October, its shares are also listed on Latibex, the Madrid Stock Exchange, along with other major Latin American companies.

    In August, Braskem files its 100th patent at the Brazilian's National Industrial Property Institute (INPI), totaling 103 patents filed in Brazil and abroad by the end of the year.

    During the year, Braskem preferred class "A" shares (BRKM5) increase 508%, outperforming the Bovespa index, which rose 97% over the same period. Its Level 2 ADRs traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) are up 609%.During the year, Braskem preferred class "A"shares (BRKM5) increase 508%, outperforming the Bovespa index, which rose 97% over the same period. Its Level 2 ADRs traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) are up 609%.

  • 2004

    Implementation of the Braskem+ competitiveness and operational excellence program.

    Braskem consolidates its regional leadership in the market for thermoplastic resins - polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and PVC - its strategic focus of operations.

    Braskem is the first Brazilian company to sign the UN's International Declaration on Cleaner Production, becoming a formal signatory in 2004.

    Launch of Braskem Flexus®, a technology based on metallocene polyethylene used for special packaging.

    Launch of Braskem Symbios®, a biaxially orientated polypropylene sealant.

  • 2005

    Braskem and Petrobras sign a partnership to build a new polypropylene plant in the city of Paulinia, São Paulo. Also that year Braskem is included in the ISE - Corporate Sustainability Index of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (Bovespa).

    Braskem expands its PVC production capacity and bolsters its market leadership.

    Braskem signs a memorandum of intent with Pequiven.

    Braskem launches a groundbreaking solution to expand the use of polyethylene films in packaging materials for shipping.

    Braskem files the Brazilian petrochemical industry's first nanotechnology patent.

  • 2006

    Braskem acquires Politeno, a Brazilian polyethylene producer. This move further strengthens its activities in the sector, as well as expanding its product portfolio with resins such as EVA.

    Implementation of Formula Braskem: new management system using SAP as a platform.

    Braskem and Pequiven sign an agreement that makes it possible to establish the most competitive integrated petrochemical complex in the Americas.

    Braskem acquires Polialden and completes an important step in the merger process.

    Braskem begins operations in Europe- in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

    Braskem launches the first Brazilian thermoplastic resin with nanotechnology and confirms its leadership in innovation.

  • 2007

    Braskem acquires the petrochemical assets of the Ipiranga Group, a major market move that triggers the consolidation of the Brazilian petrochemical industry. Because of this merger, it now has a commercial office in Chile.

    Another watershed event this year: the launch of "green polyethylene" made from renewable sources - sugarcane ethanol. This sustainable product, a pioneering initiative for Braskem, soon becomes known as "green plastic" and attracts worldwide interest.

    The company lays the cornerstone for the Paulínia Petroquímica plant.

    Petrobras, the Ultra Group and Braskem sign an agreement to acquire the Ipiranga Group.

    Braskem and Pequiven announce their agreement to form a company to carry out a joint petrochemical project.

    Braskem and Pequiven announce the creation of companies to carry out petrochemical projects in Venezuela.

    Braskem launches the country's first ultra-clarified polypropylene resin.

  • 2008

    A new factory focused on the polypropylene production opens in Paulínia, São Paulo.

    Another major milestone is the announcement of the production of the first polypropylene made from renewable raw materials.

    Another highlight of the year: the creation of the first plastic trophy for theBrazil Grand Prix, produced with Braskem's green polyethylene and designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

    Braskem and FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) form a strategic alliance for the development of green polymers.

    Braskem takes the lead in the process of renewing Brazil's merchant marine fleet for transportation of bulk liquids.

    Braskem files its 200th patent.

    Ipiranga Petroquímica and Petroquímica Paulínia are consolidated under Braskem.

  • 2009

    Braskem lays the cornerstone for its green ethylene plant in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, the production base for Braskem's green polyethylene.

    In Camaçari , Bahia, Braskem opens two units to produce ETBE bioadditive fuel, another green product in the company's portfolio, made from sugarcane.

    Other events mark the year, such as the merger with Petroqúimica Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, the publication of Braskem's position on climate change, expressed through "You Have to Mature to be Green," and the announcement of an agreement between Braskem and the Mexican group Idesato build an integrated polyethylene production project in Mexico.

    It is also worth recalling Braskem's further participation in the Brazil Grand Prix, with the second edition of the plastic trophy designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the 2009 GP. This time, instead of green polyethylene, the trophy is made of plastic waste collected and recycled during the event itself. This innovative initiative conveys a message of great importance to society: reuse, recycling and responsible consumption are essential for life and for everyone.

  • 2010

    In an important move in the market, Braskem concludes negotiations for the acquisition of Quattor. That initiative transforms and consolidates the Brazilian petrochemical sector, bolstering Braskem's competitiveness against a backdrop of global challenges.

    Another key move for the company's internationalization is the acquisition and consolidation of the US-based Sunoco Chemicals' polypropylene assets. As a result, Braskem begins manufacturing and R&D operations outside of Brazil, strengthening its presence in one of the world's most important markets, the United States. It also establishes itself as the largest resin producer in the Americas and is one of the world's largest producers of PP.

    Another highlight is the opening of Braskem's green ethylene unit, with production based on sugarcane ethanol. The largest in the world, this unit can produce up to 200,000 metric tons/year of green polyethylene. The launch of the "I'm Green" label for use by various companies marketing products containing Braskem's green polyethylene.

    The term also becomes the brand name for Braskem's line of green products.

    Braskem open an office in Colombia.

    Braskem signs a partnership agreement with the National Bioscience Laboratory (LNBio) in Campinas, São Paulo.

    Braskem and Ineos Technologies announce their decision to establish a strategic partnership on polyethylene production technologies.

    Braskem in September launches its new ad campaign: "Braskem, new ways to look atthe world."

    Braskem creates its Code of Conduct for Ethanol Suppliers. Braskem announces the completion of the conceptual design phase for the construction of its green propylene plant.

  • 2011

    Braskem opens an office in Singapore.

    Braskem's acquisition of Quattor is completed, enabling full integration between the companies.

    The company lays the cornerstone for a new PVC plant in Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas. Braskem is rated Investment Grade by agencies such as S&P and Moody's.

    A first in the region, Braskem opens the300,000-m2 Friendship Park in Paulínia, São Paulo, in partnership with the City of Paulínia.

    Braskem-Idesa takes another important step toward the development of its Ethylene XXI project in Mexico. The joint venture selects the Lupotech T process technology, owned by LyondellBasell of the Netherlands, for the plant that will produce 300,000 metric tons of LDPE (low density polyethylene), one of three integrated polyethylene plants in the project underway in Mexico.

    Braskem announces that it will invest BRL 300 million in the Triunfo Petrochemical Complex in Rio Grande do Sul to double its butadiene production.

    Braskem's Green PE receives the Vinçotte certificate, the leading certifier of products with content of renewable origin.