Introduction
We are almost finished construction on our new state-of-the-art Renewable Innovation Center (RIC) that will focus on accelerating innovation in renewable chemicals and materials.
The Renewable Innovation Center will complement Braskem’s existing network of research and development laboratories, including Campinas, Maua, and Triunfo, Brazil; Wesseling, Germany; and Pittsburgh. Braskem intends to invest around $20 million to build our facility and build the Boston metro area-based innovation team. Braskem expects the project to be completed in the second half of 2024.
This center will deliver new technologies that will enable Braskem to reach its carbon neutrality goals and ensure the future success of the company in an ever-evolving industry. The new center will expand Braskem's competencies in biotechnology, catalysis, process engineering, material science, and open innovation. A particular focus will be given to early-stage science and engineering related to the conversion of biomass-based feedstocks, including sugars, cellulose, plant oils, and lignin, to sustainable chemicals and materials.
This facility will help support
Braskem’s sustainability commitments
Sustainable Innovation
Our ambition is to accelerate and deliver sustainable, innovative solutions for clients and society. We believe that investing in the advancement of technology will be increasingly the central path in the search for a more sustainable future. For this reason, we view our R&D investments as a tool to prepare for the structural challenges that will enable the energy transition towards a more sustainable, circular and carbon neutral economy.
Combating Climate Change
Our ambition is to be among the global petrochemical leaders in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and a key player in carbon capture through the production of materials with renewable, biobased raw materials. By 2030, we seek to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15%; and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Learn more about our commitments here .
About the location and site
The Renewable Innovation Center is 35,000 square feet and includes catalysis, biotechnology, and analytical laboratories along with gas and chemical storage, and office space. The Renewable Innovation Center will complement Braskem’s existing network of research and development laboratories, including Campinas, Maua, and Triunfo, Brazil; Wesseling, Germany; and Pittsburgh. Braskem intends to invest around $20 million to construct the new facility at 10 Maguire Road in Lexington. We anticipate commissioning the lab in the second half of 2024.
Metabolic Engineering Lab
Engineering of microbes to produce renewable chemicals and materials.
Media Prep and Glassware
Support area to clean glassware, sterilize, and more.
Fermentation Lab
The Fermentation Lab will perform small scale testing of engineered microbes to produce chemicals and materials.
Analytics Lab
The Analytics Lab will analyze samples from the Catalysis and Biotechnology labs for feedstocks, target chemicals, and additional products.
Office Space
Open concept office space with amenities for team members.
Catalysis Lab
This lab will focus on the design, scale production, and testing of novel catalytic technologies for the conversion of renewable feedstocks to chemicals and materials.
Click on the different sections of the Center to learn more about lab space.
Braskem was spotlighted on
"World’s Greatest!…" on Bloomberg TV
Watch the video to learn more about our innovation and sustainability journey.
About Braskem
Braskem Announces a
New Renewable Innovation Center
In Lexington, Massachusetts
Philadelphia - November 7, 2022
Learn moreLocation
10 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA
Visit our website to learn more
about Braskem