I’m green™ bio-based Polyethylene

I’m green™ bio-based Polyethylene (Green PE) from Braskem: The Sustainable PE alternative

Polyethylene (PE) accounts for more than one third of global plastics consumption. With I’m green™ bio-based Polyethylene (Green PE) from Braskem, FKuR offers you the leading bioplastic – chemically identical to conventional PE, but made from sugarcane instead of crude oil. Learn about the differences, benefits for your production, technical details, application examples, and why it’s indispensable for brand manufacturers, plastics processors, and sustainability managers.

What is I’m green™ bio-based Polyethylene (biobased PE) from Braskem?

I’m green™ bio-based Polyethylene (Green PE) from Braskem is chemically identical to conventional polyethylene (PE), but produced from sugarcane. Instead of fossil crude oil, bioethanol from the plant is converted to ethylene and polymerized into PE. Using this renewable raw material, one ton of I’m green™ bio-based HDPE can store up to 2.12 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. This helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Nevertheless, I’m green™ bio-based Polyethylene (Green PE) has the same properties as its fossil counterpart and is thus a full drop-in replacement: identical mechanical properties, processability, and recyclability as conventional polyethylene (PE). The current product portfolio includes various HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE types, distinguished by excellent property profiles and good processability.

Bio-based polyethylene is mainly processed by blow molding, injection molding, and film extrusion. Green PE can completely replace fossil PE in all areas of life. From films and packaging to tubes and bottles and canisters, simple injection molded parts, thermoformed containers, pipes, to sports articles and  toys. At the end of their service life, products made from I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene are 100% recyclable in the PE recycling stream.

Green PE Raw Material: Ethanol from Brazilian Sugarcane Instead of Crude Oil

Bio-based polyethylene is processed in particular by blow molding, injection molding and film extrusion. Green PE (bio polyethylene) can completely replace fossil PE in all areas of our lives. Starting with films and packaging as well as , to simple injection molded parts, thermoformed containers,  up to sports articles and.  At the end of their useful life, products made from I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene are 100% recyclable in the polyethylene (PE) recycling stream.

Ethanol from Brazilian sugar cane, instead of crude oil

Conventional polyethylene is produced from fossil raw materials such as crude oil or natural gas. However, to produce the I’m green™ bio-based portfolio, Braskem uses ethanol from sugarcane.

Sugarcane is a fast-growing, robust plant that stores CO2 from the atmosphere during its annual growth cycle. This not only conserves fossil raw materials, which are becoming increasingly scarce, but also helps to reduce CO2 emissions. Depending on the Green PE grade, the percentage of renewable carbon ranges from 80% to 100%, according to the ASTM D6866 standard.

Want to know how Green PE bioplastic is made from sugarcane? Watch here as Braskem explains the process.

The cooperation between Braskem and its suppliers is based on two pillars: Compliance and Excellence. The first of these is Braskem’s Code of Conduct, to which all sugar cane suppliers and mills must adhere. It includes binding standards related to human and labor rights, as well as environmental, community and quality requirements. The second pillar includes a continuous improvement program that focuses specifically on the ethanol supply chain.

Green polyethylene (bio based PE) is 100% recyclable

At the end of its useful life, I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene can be recycled in the same way as conventional fossil polyethylene. For this purpose, products can be disposed of through already established recycling streams and then recycled. Since Green polyethylene (biobased PE) is not biodegradable, the CO2 captured during the growth cycle of the sugarcane plant remains stored in the plastic throughout its life cycle.

Boost Your Bioplastics Knowledge Now!

Imagine this: In just 90 minutes, you master the world of bioplastics—from bio-based to biologically degradable materials—and make confident decisions for sustainable projects. Our On-Demand Basics Webinar delivers practical insights that you can apply directly. Register now and get started immediately: Flexible on-demand access whenever it suits you—build your expertise and stay ahead of your sustainability goals!

Did you know that you can measure the share of renewable raw materials?

There are laboratories worldwide that can determine the share of renewable raw materials according to recognized standards. Various certification bodies offer test seals and labels that certify the proportion of renewable raw materials in a material or product. Would you like to know more about determining the proportion of renewable raw materials and about certification? This way.

I’m green™ bio-based logo identifies products made from Green PE (bio polyethylene)

The I’m green™ bio-based trademark is property of Braskem and was created with the aim of quickly and easily identifying all products made from Green PE (bio based polyethylene). If you would like to certify your product and use the I’m green™ logo in the future, write to marketing@fkur.com or contact your sales bioplastics specialist directly.