Washing machines made almost 70% of polypropylene, combining quality and innovative design. This is the result of the partnership between Braskem, the third largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas and market leader in Latin America, and Whirlpool, leader in the household appliance segment in Latin America, present in the country through Brastemp, Consul and KitchenAid. They include two automatic and two semi-automatic machines, all under the Consul brand, and they have a series of advantages for the consumer.

The new line is comprised of lighter and easier to transport machines. Made of Braskem polypropylene, a highly resistant and flexible plastic resin, the new models have an exclusive rounded design, are easier to clean, do not rust and do not yellow or stain over time. The products also have other benefits: the automatic models use the "Easy Level" system, unique in the market, which helps the consumer define the correct amount of water and detergent to use for washing, thus avoiding waste. The semi-automatic washers have the largest capacity in the category.

In order to permit Whirlpool to launch the new polypropylene washers in the market, Braskem placed its entire resin portfolio at its disposal and developed other exclusive resins for the project, such as the ultra-clarified PP, Prisma® 3410, launched in Brazil at the beginning this year. "This resin opens a new frontier for polypropylene to be used in making pieces that require great transparency, among other properties," underscores Rui Chammas, Polypropylene Commercial Director at Braskem. He points out the company’s capacity to develop new resins and launch them in record time. 

The joint work between the two companies was fundamental to enable launching the new machines. According to Marcelo Fischer, general manager of Laundry Technology at Whirlpool, the alliance was essential for the new machines to evolve from a project to a product with differentiated quality. "It is very important to establish a partnership with a company like Braskem, which, like Whirlpool, is strategically founded on innovation, technology and the commitment to find the best solutions for consumers and the market," underscores the Whirlpool executive.

The Braskem Innovation Program aims at identifying opportunities and encouraging the development of innovative solutions with its clients. "This type of partnership reinforces Braskem’s commitment to work together with the sector’s entire production chain in search of better solutions. The final consumer also benefits by having at his disposal a highly innovative, modern, accessible and high quality product," explains Chammas.

The white line is a strategic segment for Braskem, which projects a 6 thousand ton / year increase in polypropylene production due to this new line of washing machines. More than increase resin sales volume, the partnership between Braskem and Whirlpool opens a great opportunity to expand the use of plastics with greater added value in other household appliances.