Braskem’s I’m Green™ Polyethylene (PE) Bioplastic Brings a Carbon Negative Renewable Materials Solution to GreenGear Supply’s Durable and Reusable EcoRain Poncho.
Braskem, the largest thermoplastics polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, today announced it has partnered with GreenGear Supply Company to provide Braskem’s I’m GreenTM Polyethylene (PE) bioplastic for its durable, reusable and lightweight EcoRain Poncho.
Monika Dharia, GreenGear Supply Company CEO, commented, “We are excited to bring a more sustainable product to market and provide an alternative to fossil-fuel based plastics. One issue we have seen is that often times, products that are sustainable are either lacking in quality or affordability. It is an amazing feeling to see our first product, the EcoRain Poncho, come to life and address this issue. Braskem has been a fantastic partner since the start of our journey, and we are very thankful for all of their assistance.”
EcoRain Ponchos made from Braskem’s carbon negative, I’m Green Polyethylene (PE) bioplastic are recyclable as number 4 plastic through traditional community based plastic recycling locations and are packaged with 100% recycled paper as well as soy-based ink, further contributing to GreenGear Supply Co.’s commitment to sustainable consumption solutions. EcoRain Ponchos are currently available for sale at the North Carolina Football Club and will soon be available in Duke University Stores.
GreenGear Supply Co. was founded by Monika Dharia and Russell Heller who met during a summer internship program and shared a passion for creating business solutions to pressing environmental issues. As a student at Duke University, Dharia focused on environmental engineering, economics and entrepreneurship. Heller, a student at Yale University, focused on environmental and energy studies, as well brought experience developing sustainably driven business models. Through their joint efforts, GreenGear Supply Co. was formed and has since been recognized and awarded Yale’s 2019 Sabin Sustainable Venture Prize for social entrepreneurship.
Joe Jankowski, Commercial Manager for Braskem’s Renewables team in North America, commented, “Braskem is proud to be partnering with GreenGear Supply Company, reflecting our shared vision for innovation in sustainable materials to drive better products for consumers and the planet. GreenGear Supply is expanding sports fans choice for protective weather gear that is better for the planet without compromising performance. Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to high-quality, eco-friendly alternatives that help capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are a perfect match for our I’m GreenTM Polyethylene (PE) bioplastic.”
Cultivation of sugarcane utilized in the production of I’m greenTM Polyethylene captures carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen (O2), which means Braskem’s bioplastic has a negative carbon footprint. From a cradle-to-gate life-cycle perspective, every 1kg of I’m greenTM Polyethylene used in the production process equates to 3.09 kg of CO2 captured from the atmosphere. I’m Green Polyethylene is part of Braskem’s broader commitment to a more circular economy as well as more sustainable solutions for society as a whole.
As part of a holistic approach to sustainability, GreenGear Supply Co., is donating 1% of its annual sales to organizations dedicated to improving our environment through its partnership with 1% For the Planet.
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