With key performance in the Brazilian economy, agribusiness is also an industry responsible for using large amounts of water for its full operation. It is estimated that 72% of the water collected in Brazil is intended for agricultural production, in line with the average of 70% of water used for this purpose in the world, according to the National Water Agency (ANA). Despite the indexes, which could be considered alarming in a scenario of water scarcity, the segment offers solutions that optimize water use and contain waste, with innovative, high-tech initiatives for the sector of plastic resins.

One of the most successful solutions in this regard is mulching, a polyethylene plastic film used in agriculture for soil cover. Consolidated in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, the product eliminates the need for application of herbicides and keeps the moisture from the ground, in addition to promoting better plant growth rates. In citrus crops, the film can generate water savings of up to 70%, making the processes more efficient and sustainable.

Another initiative that provides a more efficient use of water is drip irrigation using polyethylene hoses, which can be applied to a number of crops. By allowing localized water supply, the process reduces losses by evaporation and may use up to half of the water normally used in other irrigation systems.

Environmental restoration work may also rely on solutions made with resins supplied by Braskem. The geomat, produced with polypropylene filaments, is one such product. The product is intended for restoring vegetation and can be applied directly to banks or slopes to be reforested, allowing the confinement of particles, with protection against corrosion and erosion - a problem that is a major cause of silting of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Another item that can be used in different works for environmental preservation is the geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), which replaces or reduces the use of compacted clay layers, often used in the foundations of sanitary and industrial landfills, protection of contaminated areas, final cover of sanitary and industrial landfills, coating for reservoirs, ponds, and canals, or waterproofing of dikes.

About Braskem

Braskem is the largest manufacturer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, with an annual output of over 20 million metric tons, including production of other basic chemicals and petrochemicals, with R$54 billion in annual revenue. With the aim of improving the lives of people, creating sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics, Braskem is present in over 70 countries, with 8,000 members, and operates 40 industrial units located in Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Mexico - the latter in partnership with the Mexico-based company Idesa.

With the aim of improving the lives of people, creating sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics, Braskem is present in over 70 countries, with roughly 8,000 members, and operates 40 industrial units located in Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Mexico - the latter in partnership with the Mexico-based company Idesa.

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For more information, please contact:

CDN Comunicação

Priscila Ventura - +55 11 3643-2744 - priscila.ventura@cdn.com.br

Ana Beatriz Paschoal - +55 11 3643-2737 - anabeatriz.paschoal@cdn.com.br

Priscila Nishimori - +55 11 3643-2802 - priscila.nishimori@cdn.com.br