From Air to Plastics: A New Pathway for Circular Carbon

Norsk e-Fuel AS, a pioneer in Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology, has partnered with Braskem, a global leader in polymers and biopolymers, to explore integrating e-Naphtha into the plastics value chain. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the production of plastics derived from captured carbon—material that would otherwise enter the atmosphere.

Driving the Rollout of Power-to-Liquid Technology

Norsk e-Fuel continues to advance the industrial deployment of PtL technology by building large-scale facilities that convert fossil-free electricity, water, and captured CO₂ into synthetic fuels and feedstocks. The company plans to operate at least three plants by 2032, delivering more than 200,000 tons of e-Fuels annually. Notably, about a quarter of this production could become e-Naphtha, a versatile feedstock widely used in plastics manufacturing.

As per Braskem Press Release, this emphasis on scaling clean feedstocks reflects a broader industry trend toward circular and carbon-optimized materials.

Braskem’s Strategy to Keep Carbon in the Loop

Braskem’s sustainability strategy, “Keeping Carbon in the Loop,” focuses on retaining carbon within products and the broader economy through renewable, circular, and carbon-efficient solutions. The company already manufactures I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene at industrial scale using sugarcane ethanol. Additionally, it provides mass balance–certified materials for markets where fully segregated production routes remain impractical.

By processing e-Naphtha into polypropylene and other essential materials, Braskem intends to expand its portfolio with innovative plastics that offer a significantly lower climate footprint.

Captured Carbon as a Valuable Resource

“e-Naphtha is more than a by-product; it is a valuable feedstock for creating long-lasting, circular products,” said Lars Bjørn Larsen, CCO of Norsk e-Fuel. He emphasized that capturing carbon and embedding it into durable, recyclable materials keep carbon in use rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.

“Plastics are essential to modern life, and by producing them with captured carbon, we keep that carbon in the economy—not in the air,” added Walmir Soller, Vice President for North America, Europe, and Asia (NAMEA) and CEO of Braskem BV. He noted that the collaboration underscores Braskem’s commitment to innovation and carbon-neutral value chains.

Building a Framework for Circular Plastics

Moving forward, the partnership will develop a framework to integrate e-Naphtha into plastic production. Moreover, the companies will assess market opportunities and engage customers seeking circular, low-carbon solutions. This effort highlights the growing role of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in creating new value chains for the plastics industry—circulating carbon through products instead of emissions.