Brazilian chemical company Braskem says it has produced the first certified green polyethylene in the world, based on ethanol made locally from sugar cane.

While the product apparently contains 100% renewable raw materials, the company's announcement said nothing about the recyclability of the finished plastic product.

Braskem's green polymer—high-density polyethylene, one of the most widely used resins in flexible packaging—is the result of a research and development project in which only $5 million USD was invested.

Part of the investment was used to set up a pilot unit for the production of ethylene, on which polyethylene is based, from renewable raw materials at the Braskem Technology and Innovation Center.

The unit is now producing enough quantities for commercial prototype shipments of the product. Target clients are to receive green polyethylene samples shortly and confirm that it meets their quality standards, according to the company.

“Braskem's leadership in the green polyethylene project confirms our commitment to innovation and sustainable development and points to the extremely positive prospects for the development of plastic products made from renewable raw materials. This is an area in which Brazil has competitive natural advantages,” said José Carlos Grubisich, Braskem's Chief Executive Officer.

Production of the green polyethylene on an industrial scale is not expected until the end of 2009 at the earliest, however the company believes it will be able to produce as much as 200,000 tons annually.

The plastics are intended for use in automobile, food packaging, cosmetics and personal care products industries.