Braskem’s Cazoolo Lab Halves Circular Packaging Development Cycle to Two Years

Braskem's Cazoolo circular packaging design lab has shortened the packaging development cycle from four years to two in projects it has conducted, measured from initial briefing to store-shelf launch. Early-stage concept-to-prototype work that once took 12 to 18 months is now structured in about two weeks, with prototypes completed in roughly 45 days. The lab has connected more than 1,100 companies and contributed to more than 70 solutions, and a Danone, Graham Packaging and Amazu dairy beverage packaging project achieved an 8% weight reduction.

Key facts

Market context

Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastics, found in films, rigid containers, bottles and flexible packaging, and it is the main polymer family behind many food, beverage and household packaging formats. Demand is driven largely by consumer packaging, including dairy, beverage and personal care, where brand owners face growing pressure to include recycled content and lower-carbon materials. Bio-based and recycled-content resins are typically chemically similar to fossil-based grades, which lets converters use them in existing equipment, though they often carry price premiums tied to feedstock availability and certification. Packaging design choices such as lightweighting and material switching affect how much resin is needed per unit and how quickly new grades reach shelves. Shorter development cycles can therefore speed the qualification of new resin grades, shifting volume among suppliers and influencing how quickly circular materials gain share against conventional resins.

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