Braskem partners with NXTLEVVEL to launch sustainable solvents

Braskem, based in São Paulo, Brazil, is collaborating with NXTLEVVEL Biochem to launch more sustainable solvents from renewable raw materials. One of Braskem’s major businesses is solvents, and to  leverage this segment, the goal of this joint effort is to launch more sustainable solvents in Latin America. The agreement began in January and will be concluded in nine months.  

Headquartered in the Netherlands, NXTLEVVEL is a joint venture company bringing together the  industrial expertise of Towell Engineering Group with advanced proprietary technology  developed by GFBiochemicals. The company has vast experience in high-performance solutions  in sustainable chemistry that, combined with Braskem’s efforts and dedication in developing  chemical products, will be the starting point for further expanding Braskem’s solvents portfolio  for Latin America. 

Fabio Barbosa, director of the Solvents business at Braskem, explains that the partnership  encompasses solutions for segments such as paints and coatings, agrochemicals, home care,  personal care, and industrial and institutional cleaning. “Our goal is to join forces to advance our  strategy to diversify our feedstock profile and build a more sustainable world, while expanding  our presence in the market,” he said. 

“NXTLEVVEL and Braskem are collaborating to identify markets for derivatives of levulinic acid  by leveraging the strength of our technology along with Braskem’s market leading position in  solvents,” says Aris de Rijke, CEO of NXTLEVVEL Biochem. “NXTLEVVEL’s technology is  highly innovative, proprietary and, for the first time, allows production of levulinate derivatives  at industrial scale. The cornerstone is the patented biomass-derived levulinic acid technology  and its esters, that enables the affordable production of biobased solvents and other biobased  chemicals,” de Rijke says.  

In addition to seeking to be the representative in Latin America for NXTLEVVEL’s products,  Braskem remains committed to developing proprietary renewable solvents. Annual sales of solvents in Latin America is estimated at 1.5 million tons, with approximately 55% of this volume  sold in Brazil, where Braskem holds a 25% market share.