With Braskem's I'm green™ bio-based Polyethylene, Balsam Hill Made the World's First Plant-Based Plastic Christmas Trees
Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5, and BRKM6, NYSE:BAK, LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and global leader in the production of biopolymers on an industrial scale, and Balsam Hill®, the global leader in high-quality, true-to-nature, reusable artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor, are excited to introduce the world's first Christmas trees made with plant-based plastic. For Balsam Hill, these trees are an important part of the company's reNEW™ commitment to move towards new and more sustainable materials (recycled or renewable), starting with trees.
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A Balsam Hill plant-based plastic Christmas tree on display in Braskem's booth at K.
One of Balsam Hill's most recent new trees – the Aspen Silver Fir™ – is and always has been made with plant-based plastic, specifically Braskem's innovative I'm green™ bio-based polyethylene (PE), a bio-based alternative derived from sugarcane. For the 2025 holiday season, Balsam Hill introduced plant-based plastic in some of its existing trees made with True Needle® tips, including the Alpine Balsam Fir and the Calistoga Ornament Tree.
This collaboration between Balsam Hill and Braskem exemplifies how the plastics industry is evolving to meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. Every needle on these plant-based plastic trees incorporates 95% bio-based carbon content, measurable and traceable through C14 testing, offering a life-like appearance while reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil-based resources in polymer production.
"After 20 years of category leadership in the design and manufacture of reusable artificial Christmas trees, this collaboration with Braskem allows us to find new ways to offer customers options that are beautiful and durable, innovative and sustainable," said Mac Harman, CEO, Balsam Hill. "We're proud to lead the way in integrating sustainable materials into holiday traditions in surprising ways that have meaning to the customer and the planet."
For companies like Balsam Hill that are seeking to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, I'm green™ bio-based PE represents a scalable and recyclable solution. With a focus on sustainable materials, as Balsam Hill continues to expand its use of plant-based plastic and recycled content, this collaboration sets a new precedent for responsible manufacturing and sustainability-driven innovation in the seasonal décor market.
"We're proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of our I'm green™ bio-based PE by collaborating with Balsam Hill to innovate with the planet in mind and bring more sustainable choices to consumers during the holiday season," said Walmir Soller, Vice President for North America, Europe, and Asia (NAMEA) and CEO of Braskem BV. "Made from sugarcane and fully recyclable, our I'm green™ bio-based portfolio reflects our commitment to lower carbon emissions, circularity, and innovation in the plastics industry. Collaborations like this demonstrate how recycle-ready bio-based materials can deliver both performance and environmental benefits."
To learn more about Braskem's I'm green™ bio-based plastic, visit braskem.com/imgreen/home-en, and to learn more about Balsam Hill NextGen, visit balsamhill.com/sustainability.
ABOUT BRASKEM
With a global vision of the future oriented towards people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to contributing to the value chain for strengthening the circular economy. The petrochemical company's almost 8,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improving people's lives through sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare, and hygiene, among others. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in more than 70 countries.
Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and operations in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials.
For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.
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ABOUT BALSAM BRANDS
The flagship brand of US-headquartered Balsam Brands is Balsam Hill. Balsam Hill (www.balsamhill.com) was founded in 2006, by Mac Harman, with the goal of creating the most realistic, highest-quality reusable, artificial Christmas trees for customers and businesses around the world. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, our trees add the perfect finishing touch for families and communities to celebrate holiday joy together. After 19 years of growth, Balsam Hill's product offering has expanded to include ornaments, holiday greenery, and seasonal décor, with owned and operated websites in the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Canada.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251027469223/en/
For press information, please contact:
Braskem North America, Europe, and Asia
Stacy Torpey
Communications Director
[email protected]
For press information, please contact:
Balsam Brands
Jill Osaka
Director, PR & Partnerships
Balsam Hill
[email protected]