Print

Braskem has begun gradually resuming operations at its Triunfo hub in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company expects the process to take about 15 days, assuming stable weather and logistical conditions.

The Triunfo hub, which includes six industrial units, boasts a production capacity of over 5 million tons/year of chemicals and thermoplastic resins like PE and PP. This also includes a 260,000 tons/year bio-based PE plant.

Operations at the hub were halted on 07 May 2024 due to severe flooding that began in late April. Despite the heavy rainfall, Braskem reported its polymer inventories were safe. Although the industrial facilities sustained no permanent damage, critical water intake and effluent treatment systems were submerged. The Santa Clara River terminal, closed by local authorities, was also flooded.

During the Triunfo shutdown, Braskem operated at 50% capacity but increased production at other Brazilian plants to meet customer demands. The extreme weather in southern Brazil caused a humanitarian crisis in Rio Grande do Sul, with 161 fatalities, 85 missing, and over 581,000 displaced, according to the state's civil defence.

The producer, however, emphasised that the decision to resume operations prioritises safety. The company will keep the market informed about significant developments.