Sustainea Receives Inaugural NCGA Market Mover Award for Creating New Markets for U.S. Corn

Sustainea, a renewable chemicals joint venture between Braskem and Sojitz Corporation, has been named a recipient of the inaugural Market Mover Award, presented by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). The award recognizes companies pioneering technologies that open new markets and opportunities for corn growers across the United States, creating lasting demand for corn beyond traditional uses such as feed, fuel and food. 

The award comes at a time when expanding new markets for U.S. corn has become one of NCGA’s top priorities. According to NCGA’s June 2026 report, America’s Crop for America’s Future, corn farmers are expected, on average, to face a fourth consecutive year of losses in 2026, underscoring the importance of developing new, diversified sources of demand beyond traditional uses such as feed, fuel and food. The report identifies this as one of the association’s central priorities for the years ahead.

Sustainea’s planned $400 million investment in Lafayette is expected to create a new industrial market for U.S. corn. The facility, once operational, is expected to process approximately 42,000 bushels of corn per day, the equivalent of roughly 232 acres of corn production daily, or more than 82,000 acres annually. In addition to expanding market opportunities for growers, the facility is projected to create more than 190 new, high-wage jobs, reinforcing Sustainea’s role as an economic contributor to the region.  Together, these investments illustrate Sustainea’s strategy of connecting agriculture, manufacturing and renewable chemistry to create long-term economic and environmental value.

“Being recognized with NCGA’s Market Mover Award reflects the work of our entire organization to unlock new markets and technologies for corn growers while advancing more sustainable future with plant-based plastics. We remain committed to driving technological advancement and creating long-term value for our partners across the agricultural industry,” said Éverton Van-Dal, Chief Business Officer, Sustainea.

Alongside that economic impact, Sustainea is also investing in the communities that will supply its Lafayette facility through a dedicated regenerative agriculture program. The initiative reflects the company’s approach to building resilient, lower-carbon value chains from feedstock production through to finished products. 

The program covers approximately 1,200 acres of farmland in the Lafayette region, an area within Indiana’s Corn Belt and among the top five corn-producing states in the country, and incentivizes practices that improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with feedstock production. By working directly with local farmers and regional partners, Sustainea aims to strengthen supply chain resilience across the Midwest.

From Corn to Everyday Products

Sustainea’s one-step glycol technology converts corn-derived carbohydrates into plant-based, low-carbon glycols that serve as drop-in replacements for fossil-based alternatives, integrating seamlessly into existing manufacturing and recycling systems while reducing carbon emissions without compromising performance. 

The corn processed in Lafayette will ultimately become part of products people use every day. Bio-MEG, one of the building blocks of the PET value chain, will be used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and textiles, while Bio-MPG, will support applications ranging from automotive materials and construction products to cosmetics and other industrial uses.

By connecting Midwest agriculture global manufacturing value chains, Sustainea demonstrates how renewable chemistry creates new opportunities for U.S. corn while enabling lower-carbon products across multiple industries.

About the NCGA 

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. Learn more at: Official Website | National Corn Growers Association

About Sustainea

Sustainea is a renewable chemicals company focused on accelerating the transition to a low-carbon and circular economy. Established as a joint venture between Braskem and Sojitz Corporation, Sustainea is dedicated to producing Bio-MEG, a renewable alternative to fossil-based monoethylene glycol used in PET packaging, textiles and a wide range of industrial applications. Through innovative technology and large-scale production, Sustainea enables brands and manufacturers to reduce the carbon footprint of their products while maintaining performance and quality. The company’s business plan includes the development of industrial-scale Bio-MEG production capacity to serve global markets and support the growing demand for renewable materials. Learn more at www.sustaineabio.com