Braskem Overview and Company Profile

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Credit: pexels.com, A high-quality image of numerous white plastic screw caps piled together, showcasing industry production.

Braskem is a leading petrochemical company in the Americas, with a rich history dating back to 1943. It was founded in Brazil as a joint venture between DuPont and the Brazilian government.

Braskem's headquarters are located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and it has operations in over 20 countries across the Americas. The company has a diverse portfolio of products, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and other petrochemicals.

Braskem's flagship project is the Alkyl Alcohols Complex in Triunfo, Brazil, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. This complex produces high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP).

Global Presence

Braskem has a significant global presence, with operations in multiple regions. Braskem America is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States.

Braskem Europe is headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with two plants in Schkopau and Wesseling. Braskem operates with a focus on the partnership and proximity to its customers and strengthening of the entire petrochemical chain.

Credit: youtube.com, Brazil's Braskem is a leading global chemical and polymer producer

Through its offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Braskem serves customers in more than 70 countries. The company's growth and internationalization strategy has made Braskem the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas.

Braskem has a presence in the United States, with five production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and a Technology and Innovation Center in Pittsburgh.

Financials

Braskem is a leading petrochemical company in Latin America, with a market capitalization of over $10 billion.

The company was founded in 1972 and has since grown to become one of the largest petrochemical companies in the world.

Braskem's revenue has consistently increased over the years, with a significant growth in 2019.

The company's diversified product portfolio includes polyethylene, polypropylene, and other petrochemicals, which are used in various industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive.

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Aerial View of Manufacturing Plant
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Analysts' Recommendations

UBS has upgraded Braskem to a Buy rating from Neutral on September 24, 2018.

Braskem's stock has been subject to various rating changes over the years. JPMorgan downgraded Braskem to Neutral from Overweight on July 5, 2023, while Scotiabank upgraded the company to Sector Outperform from Sector Perform on May 8, 2023, with a price target of $16.75.

JPMorgan trimmed its price target on Braskem to $10 from $11 on May 24, 2024, while maintaining a Neutral rating.

Explore further: JPMorgan Chase

History and Leadership

Credit: youtube.com, Leadership Conversations: Joe Jankowski, Braskem America

Braskem's leadership team is comprised of experienced professionals who have been with the company for several years. Roberto Prisco Paraíso Ramos has been the Chief Executive Officer since November 29, 2024.

Felipe Montoro Jens, the Director of Finance/CFO, has been with the company since December 12, 2024, at the age of 54. He brings a wealth of experience to his role.

The company's Chairman, José Mauro Mettrau da Cunha, has been in the position since December 31, 2019, at the age of 74. He has been a key figure in shaping the company's direction.

Here are the key members of Braskem's leadership team:

  • Roberto Prisco Paraíso Ramos - Chief Executive Officer (since 2024-11-29)
  • Felipe Montoro Jens - Director of Finance/CFO (since 2024-12-12)
  • José Mauro Mettrau da Cunha - Chairman (since 2019-12-31)

History

In 2025, the company made significant moves to expand its operations. The company sold circular polyethylene in South America to the Copobras Group in July.

One notable expansion was the opening of the Terminal Química Puerto Mexico in May 2025. This terminal was opened in partnership with Braskem Idesa and Advario to enhance ethane self-sufficiency for polyethylene production in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico.

Drone view of abandoned chemical plant with rusty and unused production buildings and round tanks with dirty water
Credit: pexels.com, Drone view of abandoned chemical plant with rusty and unused production buildings and round tanks with dirty water

The company also signed a partnership with the Association for Assistance to Disabled Children (AACD) in March 2025. As part of this partnership, the company donated 14 tons of polypropylene.

Here are some key events from 2025:

Managers and Directors

Meet the leaders at Braskem S.A., a company with a strong foundation of experienced professionals.

Roberto Prisco Paraíso Ramos is the current CEO, taking on the role in November 2024.

Felipe Montoro Jens serves as the Director of Finance/CFO, bringing over 50 years of experience to the position. He started on December 12, 2024, at the age of 54.

The Chairman of the Board is José Mauro Mettrau da Cunha, who has been in the role since December 31, 2019. At 74 years old, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.

Two other key directors are Gesner José de Oliveira Filho and João Pinheiro Nogueira Batista, both serving as directors/board members since 2017 and 2019, respectively. Both are 69 years old.

Here's a list of the current managers and directors at Braskem S.A.:

Latest News:

Credit: youtube.com, Ken Fisher Sees Opportunity in Alumina, Braskem: Video

Braskem Approves $782.6 Million Investment to Expand Rio de Janeiro Plant. This significant investment is a major move for the company, aiming to increase production and efficiency.

Braskem SA Clarifies the Filing of the Complaint by the Federal Public Ministry of Alagoas. This clarification is a response to recent developments and shows the company's commitment to transparency.

Brazil to maintain 20% import tax for some resins until Oct., 2026, Braskem says. This announcement affects the company's import and export operations, requiring adjustments to their business strategy.

Braskem Unveils Bio-Based Product Innovations At K 2025. This showcase of new products highlights the company's focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

Brazil's Braskem draws $1 billion from standby credit line to bolster liquidity. This move is a response to the company's financial situation, aiming to improve their cash flow and stability.

Braskem S.A. Announces Resignation of Roberto Faldini as an Effective Member of the Board of Directors. This change in leadership may impact the company's future decisions and direction.

Recommended read: Bridge Investment Group

Credit: youtube.com, 1Q24 Braskem’s Results – BRKM5

Here is a list of recent events involving Braskem:

  • Oct. 24: Braskem Approves $782.6 Million Investment to Expand Rio de Janeiro Plant
  • Oct. 22: Braskem SA Clarifies the Filing of the Complaint by the Federal Public Ministry of Alagoas
  • Oct. 17: Brazil to maintain 20% import tax for some resins until Oct., 2026, Braskem says
  • Oct. 14: Braskem S.A. Announces Resignation of Roberto Faldini as an Effective Member of the Board of Directors
  • Oct. 09: Braskem Unveils Bio-Based Product Innovations At K 2025
  • Oct. 04: Brazil's Braskem draws $1 billion from standby credit line to bolster liquidity
  • Oct. 03: Braskem Taps Into Credit Line Amid Debt Talks
  • Sep. 29: Brazil's Braskem weighs out-of-court restructuring plan, reports Valor
  • Sep. 26: Brazil's Braskem hires advisors to help it with capital structure; shares fall
  • Sep. 26: Braskem Evaluating Economic-Financial Alternatives to Optimize Capital Structure
  • Sep. 18: S&P downgrades Braskem's ratings to 'B+' from 'BB-'; outlook negative
  • Aug. 31: Braskem S.A.(BOVESPA:BRKM5) added to Brazil Corporate Sustainability Index
  • Aug. 29: Deals of the day-Mergers and acquisitions

Operations

Braskem's operations are a key part of its success story. The company has a strong presence in the Americas, with a significant presence in Brazil and the United States.

Braskem's production capacity is impressive, with a total of 46 million tons of petrochemicals produced in 2020. This makes it one of the largest petrochemical producers in the Americas.

The company's operations are supported by a robust logistics network, which enables it to efficiently transport its products to customers across the region.

Products

Braskem is the Americas' top thermoplastic resin producer, with 36 industrial plants across Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany.

The company produces over 16 million tons of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemicals per year.

Braskem is also the world's leading biopolymers producer, thanks to its 200,000 tons Green PE plant that produces polyethylene from sugarcane-based ethanol.

In 2016, Braskem was fined $957 million over a bribery scandal.

Credit: youtube.com, Intro to Manufacturing Operations, Technology, and Processes [The Most Important Things to Know]

The company's basic petrochemical units account for the supply of ethylene and propylene to its nearby polymer units.

Braskem produces other chemical products such as benzene, butadiene, toluene, xylene, and isoprene.

These compounds are mostly sold to other chemical companies based within the same complexes.

Braskem's main feedstock is naphtha, but it also operates a green ethylene plant that produces 200,000 tons of green ethylene per year.

This plant is located at the Triunfo petrochemical complex in Rio Grande do Sul and is the largest industrial-scale operation in the world producing ethylene made from 100% renewable raw materials.

Braskem is Brazil's main producer of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC, with 5.7 million tons of resins capacity production in Brazilian territory.

The company is also the leader in the US polypropylene market, with 1.5 million tons of production capacity.

Braskem has a complex petrochemical complex in Mexico, which includes a cracker using ethane as feedstock, and three integrated polyethylene plants with a combined annual capacity of 1.05 million tons.

For your interest: SL Green Realty

Purchases

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Braskem made a significant acquisition on January 22, 2010, by purchasing Quattor, a move that strengthened its position in the Brazilian petrochemical chain.

This acquisition was a major step in Braskem's strategy to become one of the five largest and most competitive petrochemical companies in the world. It was unanimously approved by the board of directors of the Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE) on February 23, 2011.

On February 1, 2010, Braskem acquired the PP assets of Sunoco Chemicals, making it the 3rd largest polypropylene player in the world.

Braskem also expanded its international presence by acquiring the polypropylene business (PP) of Dow Chemical on July 27, 2011. This transaction included 4 industrial units, 2 plants in the United States and 2 plants in Germany.

The acquisition gave Braskem a combined production capacity of 505 kton in the United States and 545 kton in Germany, making it the largest PP producer in the United States.

ICT Spending & Priorities

Credit: youtube.com, Strategic IT Spending: How to Achieve Cost Savings and Service Level Excellence

Braskem SA's digital strategy is likely guided by its ICT spend, which can be understood through IT Client Prospector's intelligence on the company's technology areas.

IT Client Prospector provides detailed insights into Braskem SA's ICT spend, allowing businesses to make informed decisions about their own technology investments.

Understanding Braskem SA's ICT spend is crucial for businesses looking to partner with the company or adapt to its digital strategy.

Braskem SA's ICT spend is likely focused on areas that support its business operations and goals, such as improving supply chain management and customer engagement.

For another approach, see: Digital Realty

International Presence

Braskem has a significant presence in international markets, with operations in over 20 countries across four continents.

The company's international presence spans across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with a strong focus on Latin America.

Braskem has a significant stake in Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil company, which has allowed the company to expand its operations in the region.

Broaden your view: American International Group

Credit: youtube.com, K 2013: Braskem concentrates on green strategy in Europe

In 2011, Braskem acquired Polyolefins Americas, a US-based polyolefins producer, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.

Today, Braskem is one of the largest petrochemical companies in the Americas, with a strong presence in countries such as the US, Mexico, and Argentina.

Braskem's international presence is a key driver of its growth and success, allowing the company to tap into new markets and customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Braskem a good company?

Braskem has an excellent employee rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, 24% above the industry average, indicating a great working experience for most employees. Learn more about Braskem's company culture and benefits.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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