Braskem signs distributor deal with PolyQuest

Philadelphia-based Braskem USA, a thermoplastics polyolefins producer, has signed a distribution agreement for its United States polypropylene (PP) business with PolyQuest Inc., a polymer resin distributor and recycler based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

PolyQuest, which refers to itself as a distributor of polypropylene and the largest distributor of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in the U.S., says it has long-standing relationships with customers in the sheet, film, textiles, strapping and other markets.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with PolyQuest to expand our reach and presence with new clients and sectors, accelerating our market share growth, as well as supporting our position as the largest producer of polypropylene in the Americas,” states Mark Nikolich, Braskem USA’s CEO.

“Just as importantly, PolyQuest shares a focus on advancing the future of the circular economy through a commitment to sustainable development,” adds Nikolich. “We look forward to leveraging our expertise in polypropylene recycling and closed-loop technologies with PolyQuest’s established U.S. recycling facilities. Our leverage across these activities will only grow in importance as Braskem remains on track to launch Delta, our new U.S. 450,000-metric-ton polypropylene production line in early 2020.”

Comments Tod Durst, PolyQuest executive vice president, “There is no better partner for PolyQuest in the polypropylene market than Braskem, and we look forward to expanding our relationship responsibly and rapidly. The expansion of our resin offerings in the U.S. to include polypropylene was a logical one for us as it further enhances our position as a value-added supplier to an important and growing segment of the industry.”

Braskem has committed up to $675 million toward the design and construction of its new Delta PP production, which is being built adjacent to Braskem’s existing production facilities in La Porte, Texas. Delta is targeted for initial production in early 2020.