Braskem, the Americas' leading polyolefins producer and a global pioneer in biopolymers, proudly announces that the company has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains to negotiate terms of a $50 million award under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This landmark funding would expand Braskem's ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) production capabilities in La Porte, Texas, specifically targeting the lithium-ion battery separator (LIBS) market.

Braskem sells UHMWPE under the trade name UTEC. By driving innovation in UTEC technology, this project would strengthen the lithium-ion battery value chain in the United States and is expected to generate over 250 skilled jobs across engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up phases.

Mark Nikolich, CEO of Braskem America, Inc., commented, "Braskem is honored to be selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to negotiate this award as we look to help drive further momentum in U.S. battery manufacturing capabilities. This award would not only accelerate our ability to meet the growing demands of our North American clients but also solidify our commitment to powering the electrification revolution with domestically produced, world-class UHMWPE. This funding would be a critical catalyst for the ongoing growth and success of our clients."

UTEC has superior chemical stability, corrosion resistance, tensile strength, thermal stability, and porosity, making it the ideal material for lightweight electric vehicle battery separators, helping improve battery charging efficiency and ultimately reducing carbon emissions.