The collaboration with the Brazilian petrochemical company means United Caps has expanded its sustainable product portfolio.
Bio ethanol, the feedstock for I'm green Polyethylene, the basis for United Caps greener bioplastic caps, is derived from sugarcane, a renewable alternative to traditional fossil feedstocks.
“Using bio-sourced plastics and developing high performance lighter weight caps and closures are just two of the ways we are pursuing more sustainable operations,” said Astrid Hoffmann-Leist, chief marketing and innovation officer, United Caps.
The company will initially launch two standard closures using the bioplastic resin from Braskem; Victoria, a 30/25 screw closure for still drinks and Proflatseal, for dairy products and still drinks, both pressurized and non-pressurized.
According to Brendan Hill, sales manager, Braskem Netherlands, every kilogram of I’m green Polyethylene used in United Caps products results in 3.09 kilograms of CO2 being hidden from the atmosphere.
“Apart from the feedstock, I’m green Polyethylene follows the same production process as traditional fossil polyethylene, ensuring our polyethylene has the same characteristics, quality and properties as the fossil equivalent,” said Hill.
“I’m green Polyethylene fits all existing end-of-life scenarios and our ethanol is sustainably sourced with clear chain of custody certification possible.”