First Eco-Raincoats Made from Bioplastic
Braskem, the largest thermoplastics polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, recently announced the company has partnered with GreenGear Supply Company to provide bioplastic called EcoRain Poncho which is durable, reusable and lightweight, and the product is made using 99% Brazilian sugarcane bioplastic.
Monika Dharia, GreenGear Supply Company CEO, commented, “We are excited to bring a more sustainable product to market and provide an alternative to fossil-fuel based plastics. One issue we have seen is that often times, products that are sustainable are either lacking in quality or affordability. It is an amazing feeling to see our first product, the EcoRain Poncho, come to life and address this issue. Braskem has been a fantastic partner since the start of our journey, and we are very thankful for all of their assistance.”
EcoRain Ponchos made from Braskem’s carbon negative, I’m Green ™ Polyethylene (PE) bioplastic are recyclable as number 4 plastic (Low Density Polyethylene) through traditional community based plastic recycling locations and are packaged with 100% recycled paper as well as soy-based ink, further contributing to GreenGear Supply Co.’s commitment to sustainable consumption solutions.
Joe Jankowski, Commercial Manager for Braskem’s Renewables team in North America, commented, “Braskem is proud to be partnering with GreenGear Supply Company, reflecting our shared vision for innovation in sustainable materials to drive better products for consumers and the planet. GreenGear Supply is expanding sports fans choice for protective weather gear that is better for the planet without compromising performance. Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to high-quality, eco-friendly alternatives that help capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are a perfect match for our I’m GreenTM Polyethylene (PE) bioplastic.”
Cultivation of sugarcane utilized in the production of I’m Green™ Polyethylene captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from atmosphere, and releases oxygen (O2), which means Braskem’s bioplastic has a negative carbon footprint. From a cradle-to-gate life-cycle perspective, every 1kg of I’m green ™ Polyethylene used in the production process equates to 3.09 kg of CO2 captured from the atmosphere. I’m Green Polyethylene is part of Braskem’s broader commitment to a more circular economy as well as more sustainable solutions for society as a whole.
At present, EcoRain Ponchos are available for sale at the North Carolina Football Club and will soon be available in Duke University Stores. Besides, GreenGear Supply Co., is donating 1% of its annual sales to organizations dedicated to improving our environment through its partnership with 1% for the planet.
