Braskem supplies bio-based polyethylene for Innovak’s circular mattress line

Braskem is supplying its I'm green bio-based polyethylene, made from sugarcane, for Innovak's ELO+ circular mattress line, which uses ZeeFlex expanded polyethylene technology to replace part of the polyurethane foam. According to the solution's life cycle assessment, the mattress delivers 12% lower environmental impact and reduces product weight by 2.1 kg versus the conventional model. Each ton of renewable material replacing a fossil-based alternative avoids about 5 tons of CO2e emissions. The solution was showcased at Equipotel in São Paulo, targeted at the hospitality sector.

Key facts

Market context

Polyethylene is one of the most widely produced commodity plastics, used in films, packaging, pipes, and molded goods, and its bio-based grades are made from renewable feedstocks such as sugarcane ethanol rather than fossil naphtha or natural gas liquids. Demand for bio-based versions is driven by brand owners and buyers seeking lower carbon footprints and by regulations that reward recycled or renewable content. Expanded polyethylene is a foam technology that competes with polyurethane foam in cushioning and bedding applications. Polyurethane foam is widely used in mattresses, furniture, and automotive seating, and its production relies on isocyanates and polyols derived from petrochemicals. Substituting part of that foam with a lighter polyethylene-based material can reduce product weight and, depending on the material mix, lifecycle emissions. Shifts like this matter to resin suppliers because durable goods such as mattresses offer long-life applications for renewable polymers, which can diversify outlets beyond short-life packaging.

Source: official release on braskem.com.br. Summary and context written by Market Krystal.