This Friday (4), Braskem will participate in the official ceremony hosted by Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro, where the Transforma Rio project will be announced. This potential project is focused on modernizing and expanding Braskem's polyethylene (PE) plant in the state. The event will be attended by the Honorable President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Ms. Magda Chambriard, CEO of Petrobras, and Mr. Roberto Ramos, CEO of Braskem, along with other authorities and industry representatives. The initiative marks the beginning of a new cycle of investment and development for Brazil's refining and petrochemical sectors.

Transforma Rio may be developed at the PE 9 DCX unit and is expected to increase its production capacity by up to 230,000 tons per year. The potential project would be made possible through the use of natural gas processed at Petrobras' Natural Gas Complex in Itaboraí (RJ), known as the Boaventura Complex, via the Rota 3 infrastructure, reinforcing the integration of Petrobras and Braskem's investments in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

The initiative includes the construction of a new ethane processing furnace, expansion of the PE plant, and improvements to water and energy infrastructure. This set of structural actions could represent one of the largest investments in the chemical and petrochemical sector in Brazil in recent decades.

Braskem's Board of Directors has approved the basic engineering study phase, with an investment of R$ 233 million. With operations expected to begin in 2028 and a total estimated investment of R$ 4.3 billion, the project's execution is subject to the signing of an ethane supply contract with Petrobras, approval of the REIQ/PRESIQ Investimentos public policy extension (Bill 892/25), and approval by Braskem's applicable governance bodies.

"We can transform the Duque de Caxias plant into a national benchmark in productivity, competitiveness, and innovation. This project is a decisive step in our strategy for transitioning to a more sustainable industry, focusing on reducing our carbon footprint and using renewable energy. For this, advancing initiatives to increase the competitiveness of the chemical industry is essential," says Roberto Ramos, President of Braskem.

In addition to its industrial impact, Transforma Rio could also generate socioeconomic benefits. It is estimated to create around 7,500 direct, indirect, and third-party jobs. "We are leading the movement to restore the competitiveness of Brazil's petrochemical sector. This project will be key to boosting the national industry, reducing costs for the transformation chain, and strengthening local production," Ramos adds.

Petrobras, Braskem's strategic partner in ethane supply, also highlights the project's importance for the country's energy and industrial sectors. "This initiative reinforces the integration of gas production, refining, and petrochemical activities and aligns with the government's directive for industrialization and national development," says William França, Executive Director of Industrial Processes and Products at Petrobras.

Strategic Relevance for the Sector
Even in a challenging scenario for the national chemical industry, the Transforma Rio project is essential to ensure the sector's competitiveness in the international market. Part of the investment will be enabled by the REIQ Investimentos public policy, implemented by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC), which has already attracted billions of reais in 21 other capacity expansion projects across the country.

Braskem's project has been approved by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services. Currently, the Duque de Caxias Petrochemical Complex houses three Braskem industrial units (Q 4, PE 9, and PP 5 DCX), with over 1,400 employees and contractors, 122 local suppliers, and R$ 80 million invested annually in hiring and services in the region.

About Braskem
Braskem is a global petrochemical company, people-oriented and future-focused, that fosters strong relationships and creates value for all. Offering sustainable chemical and plastic solutions to improve people's lives, the company has a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for various sectors, including food packaging, construction, industrial, automotive, agribusiness, health, and hygiene, among others. Braskem believes that disruptive innovation is the only path to establishing a new relationship with the planet. That's why it chooses to act now, promoting plastic circularity and driving the revolution of bio-based materials. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the U.S., Mexico, and Germany, the company exports its products to customers in over 71 countries through its 8,500 global team members, operating under a management model that demonstrates a commitment to ethics, compliance with regulations in all countries, and respect for responsible competitiveness.

More information: https://www.braskem.com.br/