Braskem S A : resumes safe operations in its Chlorine-Soda unit in Maceió, with salt coming from outside Alagoas

Braskem began production of chlorine-soda and dichloroethane in its Maceió (State of Alagoas [AL]) unit, which had been halted since May 2019. As a result, the company is resuming its integrated PVC and caustic soda production in the State. In order to restart the plant, Braskem completed the brine production project by purchasing imported salt as raw material.

Resuming the activities will enable the company to keep contributing towards the local economy, including by retaining more than 2,500 skilled jobs. The integrated production of PVC and caustic soda moves the chemicals and plastics production chain encompassing about 40 other industries in major sectors, such as hospital and civil construction, creating approximately 12,000 jobs between Maceió and Marechal Deodoro.

The new operational process will be carried out with imported dry salt, as Braskem has permanently stopped salt extraction in Maceió back in May 2019.

Braskem has invested BRL 60 million in technology and infrastructure adaptations of the industrial plant and road and port logistics in order to integrate the salt transportation process, in accordance with best practices for health, safety and environment. Salt arrives through the Port of Maceió, where it is stored, then transported to the industrial unit by trucks traveling during business hours. Salt is then dissolved in tanks for the production of brine as raw material. The old brine pipeline recently underwent maintenance and now is used for transporting water.

At the same time, the company remains dedicated in providing priority support for the relocation of residents and financial compensation to residents affected by the geological event in Maceió in 2018, in accordance with agreements entered into with the authorities.

The company reaffirms its commitment with the State and responsible corporate conduct and reiterates its priority for the safety and well-being of people. All the team members use the required protection equipment, implementing all the health measures recommended by sanitary authorities for the prevention of coronavirus. The industrial plants have been adapted, with intensified cleaning and sanitization of the facilities, air conditioning with adaptations validated by infectious disease specialists, workstations and transportation with markings for appropriate social distancing, besides individual protection kits with cotton facial masks and alcohol gel.