Braskem reinforces once again its commitment to sustainability, to build a complete infrastructure for recycling at the Interlagos circuit to produce the trophy with recycled plastic during the Formula 1 grand prix.

‘Bringing the universe of recycling to this world level event shows the commitment of Braskem and its partners with sustainable development and the pursuit of engagement of society in the correct disposal of plastic waste’, says Bernardo Gradin, president of Braskem, responsible for the production of recycled resin trophy to Brazil F1 GP at Interlagos (SP). The unique project is being developed jointly by Romi companies, manufacturer of industrial machinery and Fortymil, distributor of resins and plastics recycler, besides the Social-Environmental Institute of Plastic (Plastivida) and the Co-operative of Selective Collection of Capela do Socorro (Coopercaps) specialised in collecting recyclable materials.

During every day of the event, a mini recycling plant will be in operation to retrieve the discarded plastic, turning it into trophies and giving as a prize to the winners of the competition in Formula 1.

This operation involves the following steps:
• Selective collection and sorting to be performed by the Cooperative
• Milling, drying, extrusion and machining of the trophy.
• The process for the production of recycled resin is under the command of Fortymil, the machining of the trophy is headed by Romi and the Braskem technical crew is managing the whole process for the production of the trophy.
• The Coopercaps also take care of the surplus collected, to promote their reuse for other purposes.

‘With this action, besides showing in practice that the plastic present in our day to day, is 100% recyclable and 100% reusable, we also demonstrate the importance of selective collection to minimise environmental impacts’, said Jorge Soto, Director of the Sustainable Development of Braskem, noting that today, recycling is a subject of increasing relevance to environmental and social aspects.

According to data from Plastivida, Brazil currently recycles 21% of plastic produced, while the European Union average is 18.3% and Germany average, the world record for mechanical recycling, is 31%. 

The trophy this year will be a re-edition of the design developed in 2008 by the Brazilian master of architecture, Oscar Niemeyer, for its beauty and originality. The design was inspired by the columns of the presidential palace and, according to its creator, followed the same path of development of a work of art, designed to arouse emotion, surprise and, this time, with the advantage of recycling.