Martin Clemesha, senior specialist at Braskem, discusses the impact of biolexer certification guidelines on bio-based materials, sustainability, and the future of the circular bioeconomy.
The Biorecer (Biological Resources Certification Scheme) project redefines how bio-based materials are accredited to meet the EU’s latest sustainability and circular economy objectives.
Focusing on strengthening current authentication systems, Biorecer introduces new standards that comply with EU taxonomy and corporate due diligence regulations.
These updated guidelines aim to improve the sustainability, origin validation and traceability of biological resources in both European and global markets.
By strengthening trust in bio-based materials and supporting trade, biorectors can help boost their use, value, and social acceptance, moving forward with a more sustainable and cyclical bioeconomy.
To explore what this means to the industry, I’m talking to Martin Clemesha of Braskem. MartinClemesha shares insights on how biorectors’ evolving certification standards can impact production strategies, increase supply chain transparency and accelerate the adoption of bio-based solutions across the global market.
The company you represent is engaged in the production of bioplastics and bio-based materials. How do you see the importance of new guidelines and certifications developed by BioLexer to ensure the sustainability and traceability of bio-based products?
A certain amount of legislative support will be needed for bio-based plastics to grow from current market share penetration of 1% to a sustainable potential of an average of 20%, mapped in several reports and roadmap.
This is because, while scalable and competitive with other alternatives, bio-based solutions cannot compete with the fossil-based plastics of the current landscape. Although European policymakers are aware of this situation, one missing aspect of bio-based solutions is the lack of a set of sustainability standards and a reliable system for reporting and monitoring biocarbon flows across the value chain.
If guidelines and certifications developed by biorectors help the Commission tackle this challenge, the project is certainly considered a success. Regarding Braskem’s production strategy, we already sell both ISCC+ and Bonsucro certified. I am selling GreenM Bio-based polyechen, EVA and wax to the European market, so I hope that the supply chain is ready and, more importantly, take the necessary actions to ensure compliance.
The transition to a circular bioeconomy requires a strong industry commitment. What actions does Braskem take to adapt to a more sustainable bioeconomic? Also, how can adoption of certification standards, such as those proposed by biorectors, support this process?
Braskem began producing bio-based plastics in 2010 from bioethanol, which it responsibly sourced. Under our GreenM Bio-based brand (100% isolated 100% isolated 100% isolated with measurable content ranging from 80% to 100%), we do not yet require Sustainable Portfolio Bio-Attributed (Mass Balantted); isolated bio-based monomers.
We also established Braskem Siam, a joint venture with Thailand’s SGG Chemicals, with the aim of adding 200kt of annual production capacity to the existing 275kt in Brazil. Another co-investment with Sojitz has been made to create Sustainea Bioglycols, which produces MEG (monoethylene-glycol) and MPG (monopropylene glycol).
By 2030, our goal is to reach 1MT production capacity for bio-based or attribution products. Applies to all current bioethanol suppliers, there is a robust and responsible sourcing program in line with Bonsucro and ISEAL’s sustainable sourcing principles. Over 75% of our sales are either Bonsucro or ISCC+ certified.
What role does the industry have in promoting transparency in the bioplastic supply chain and improving consumer trust for bio-based products through the evolution of certification standards and the introduction of technologies such as Biorecer ICT tools?
These certification standards are important to level the arena and foster a spirit of continuous improvement. Another important aspect relates to public awareness and support. Initiatives to support citizen education towards making responsible consumption choices are welcome and urgently needed.
Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go in this regard, as most people do not fully understand the need to move towards a circular bioeconomy. Our role as an industry is to make sure we contribute as much as possible to the positive outcome of the project, and if the outcome proves to be effective, we will adopt it as soon as possible.
Acknowledgments
Project Bioreka (No. 101060684) receives funding from the European Union.
However, the opinions and opinions expressed are solely by the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the European Union or European research enforcement agencies. Neither the European Union nor the permitting authority can be held liable for them.
This article is part of a communications activity carried out by Cittadinanzattiva/Active Citizenship Network in the context of a project bioreca (biological resource authentication scheme) funded by the EU with the support of the Innovation News Network.
For more information, visit the project website https://biorecer.eu and watch the project video for a quick overview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi5cvzpkv2k,
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