Braskem and Balsam Hill make world’s first bio-based polyethylene Christmas tree

Philadelphia, PA – Braskem and Balsam Hill ® introduced the world’s first Christmas trees made with plant-based plastic. For Balsam Hill, these trees are an important part of the company’s reNEWTM commitment to move towards new and more sustainable materials (recycled or renewable), starting with trees.

One of Balsam Hill’s most recent new trees – the Aspen Silver Fir TM – is and always has been made with plant-based plastic, specifically Braskem’s innovative I’m greenTM 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 greenTM 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 greenTM 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 greenTM 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 greenTM bio-based plastic, visit braskem.com/imgreen/home-en, and to learn more about Balsam Hill NextGen, visit balsamhill.com/sustainability .