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Polypropylene manufactured from bio-attributed and bio-circular propylene will support growing consumer demand for more sustainable plastics

Braskem will utilize bio-attributed and bio-circular propylene feedstocks for the manufacture of bio-attributed and bio-circular polypropylene enabling more sustainable options for growing consumer demand in the packaging, film, automotive, and consumer goods markets. (Photo: Business Wire)

Mark Nikolich, Vice President of Olefins and Polyolefins, Braskem North America stated, "Braskem is a leader in the innovation and production of bio-based materials, and we continue to see demand grow for more renewable solutions in our markets. In January 2023, we communicated the evaluation of a Braskem-led project to produce bio-based propylene in the U.S. With today's announcement, we will continue to focus our work on sources of sustainable propylene, in this case, bio-attributed and bio-circular, to support our polypropylene clients in meeting their carbon reduction and circularity goals. This is possible because of forward-thinking suppliers like Shell. Ultimately, we believe that these different renewable solutions are complementary and important steps forward as the plastics industry evolves to a more sustainable future. We will continue to develop and provide solutions to support our global clients in reaching their sustainability goals."

Shell is replacing hydrocarbon feedstock with a bio-attributed and bio-circular feedstock in its propylene product, which has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to a circular economy.

"Shell is proud to be working with Braskem to supply the bio-attributed and bio-circular feedstocks that go into the everyday products that support modern life. This deal further illustrates how Shell Chemicals is growing its portfolio of sustainable chemicals and, by using bio-attributed and bio-circular feedstocks, Shell is progressing its strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050," said Sean Clarry, Shell Chemicals' Senior Vice President Commercial.

The recent collaboration between Shell and Braskem in Europe, aimed at enhancing the utilization of circular content in Braskem's polypropylene production, reinforces Braskem's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and advancing its circular economy goals by 2050.

Shell has also set a target to reduce absolute emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2016 levels on a net basis. This covers all emissions in Scope 1, which come directly from its operations, and in Scope 2, from the energy Shell buys to run its operations, under its operational control.

Shell Chemicals has been helping its customers achieve their business goals for more than 90 years. Its five integrated Energy and Chemical Parks combined with its Chemicals only facilities can reliably provide custom solutions at scale around the world. Develop your solutions together with Shell Chemicals. References to the expressions "Shell," "Shell's chemicals business" or "Shell's chemical plants" refer to multiple companies that are part of the Shell Group that are engaged in chemical or related businesses. For more information, please visit www.shell.com/chemicals.

With a strategy centered on people and sustainability, Braskem is engaged in contributing to the value chain to strengthen the Circular Economy. Braskem's 8,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people's lives through sustainable solutions in chemicals and plastics. With its corporate DNA rooted in innovation, Braskem offers a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse industries, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, health, and hygiene, and more. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in over 70 countries.

Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with five production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and a New Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Ma. focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa, or to learn more about our products, visit www.braskem.store/products.

This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding future events. These statements reflect Braskem's current beliefs and expectations with respect to Braskem's business, the economy and other future conditions and are based on assumptions, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: (i) the ability of feedstock suppliers to supply feedstock; (ii) the contraction or lack of growth in the market segments in which Braskem competes and in which its products are sold (iii) unexpected delays or other problems in production at Shell or Braskem facilities , (iv) increased competition from imports in the case of Shell or Braskem or in the export markets in the case of Braskem, (v) inability to anticipate future market trends and the future needs of Shell, Braskem or Braskem's customers, (vi) the impact of natural disasters on Shell's or Braskem's facilities and their respective suppliers and (vii) other factors detailed in documents Shell and/or Braskem SA files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Shell Chemicals and Braskem Bring Certified Bio-Attributed and Bio-Circular Propylene and Polypropylene to the U.S. Market