03/07/2024

TCC Member Spotlight: Loris Canahuati

Loris Canahuati is USGC (United States Gulf Coast) Industrial Director for Braskem America. Loris serves as Treasurer of the Texas Chemistry Council (TCC) Board of Directors and Chair of the Outreach Committee. 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 five production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and a New Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Ma. focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. 

 

Can you share a bit about your career path and the key milestones in your career?

I started as a Process Engineer/Automation Engineer at Aristech (now Braskem). I was in this role for eight years where I led several automation conversion projects including the design and construction of a new automation system for a polypropylene (PP) plant.

Then I moved to Operations to be the Production Superintendent over three (3) PP lines.

Throughout my career, I’ve had several first opportunities as a female for our company in the U.S. I was the first female to become a Plant Superintendent, Plant Manager, Engineering/Quality Director, and now first Industrial Director. 

What would you say to women thinking about pursuing a career in the chemical industry?

Diversity is a key in our industry. Women bring a different perspective, shedding light on new and unique approaches to a problem that may otherwise be left in the dark. Don’t be afraid to be creative and take risks. Without creativity or diversity of thought, we wouldn’t see the incredible innovation in the world today. Surround yourself with a support network. Find a coach to help identify your strengths and where you can look to grow.

What are some of the notable ways women contribute to the chemical industry?

Women have played an increasingly important role in the chemical industry, contributing to its growth, innovation, and sustainability. It is especially true today as more women are taking on leadership roles, creating new products and services, and becoming key figures.

Can you highlight any specific projects or initiatives that you've been involved in that have had a positive impact on the community or environment?

Our company supports various areas in the communities where we operate such as sponsoring local community events, participating in local scholarship programs, community clean-ups, or our recycling partnership with The Philadelphia Eagles.

This year I’m leading a group to explore the development of an apprenticeship program in our company. This will not only aid with the ongoing issue of workforce development and retention in our company but also help people in our community enter the labor market and provide access to higher education.

How do you stay updated on the latest advancements and technologies in our industry?

Personally, I try to attend industry events and network with other professionals in the industry. I am an active member of the TCC to ensure I stay up to date with upcoming legal and regulatory developments.

Are there any recent technological innovations in the industry that particularly excite you?

I am excited about Braskem’s sustainable innovation journey. We are the world’s first producer of biopolymers, and we continue to innovate to tackle climate change as our planet’s greatest challenge. Since we started our biobased journey in 2010, we have expanded our portfolio to include bio-based PE, bio-based EVA, and bio-based PE Wax, and last year we announced a project to evaluate producing the world's first bio-based PP. Additionally, we have a partnership with Haldor Topsoe to produce bio-based MEG, which is used to make PET resin. Later this year, our new Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Ma. will officially open. The innovation center is solely dedicated to accelerating innovation in renewable chemicals and materials.

Complementing our bio-based portfolio, a few years ago we added PCR (post-consumer resin) products, and we now have around 60 grades available globally including a few FDA-approved grades.

Our ambition is to be among the global petrochemical leaders in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and a key player in carbon capture through the production of materials with renewable, biobased raw materials. By 2030, we seek to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15%; and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the chemical industry in Texas today?

One of our industry's biggest challenges is the need to continue to enhance our efforts to educate our local communities, officials, and political leaders on just how essential our products and chemical manufacturing are to our everyday lives and the Texas economy.

How does industry address environmental sustainability and social responsibility?

The chemical industry is now adopting strategies to mitigate its impact on the environment, including zero-waste initiatives. Striving to eliminate waste from chemical processes through chemical and mechanical recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction programs.

In what ways do collaborative efforts within TCC contribute to the overall success and advancement of the chemistry industry in the region?

One of the greatest benefits of being part of the TCC is the opportunity to network with chemical industry peers who are implementing solutions and addressing issues much like our own. The TCC committees provide a venue for members to network on topics of common interest, share knowledge and expertise related to specific issues, and establish useful contacts with individuals from other companies.

In what ways has your involvement in the Texas Chemistry Council facilitated networking and relationship-building within the industry?

It allows Braskem to leverage HES learnings from our peers who may have different resources than us.

Can you share a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of in your career?

Data analytics is playing an increasingly important role in the chemical industry, as it allows manufacturers to collect and analyze large amounts of data in real time. We can gain insights into various aspects of our processes, from raw material procurement, and equipment performance to prediction of product quality control to take corrective action in real-time. During my time as an Engineer/Quality director, my team supported a project to develop quality models and virtual analyzers to help predict the polymer to characterization to enable Operations to evaluate product quality in real-time.

What motivates you to excel in your work?

Our team members. I am motivated by sharing a vision of what we can accomplish together. I enjoy developing deep relationships with our team members who I can mentor, and coach and it is very satisfying to watch them develop into leaders.

Where do you see the future of the chemistry industry in Texas heading?

The biggest trend seen in the chemical industry is renewable or bio-based. Companies are moving toward sustainable measures including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cleaning up wastewater more efficiently, bio-based production, and alternate lower-emission and circular economy pathways.

Our company has made ambitious commitments to consider all dimensions of sustainable development, from the elimination of plastic waste to social responsibility and human rights. More recently, we have made exciting announcements that are pushing us further toward our goals including, evaluating a project to produce the world's first bio-based polypropylene, signing commercial agreements for the supply of circular feedstocks, obtaining ISCC PLUS certification at all US industrial facilities, and much more.

Are there emerging trends or developments that you believe will significantly impact the industry in the coming years?

Increased focus on sustainability. The chemical industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.

What motivated you to become an active member of TCC?

Being a member gave me access to other peers who are addressing changes and issues in HES similar to ours and access to emerging legal and regulatory developments.

From your perspective, how does active participation in TCC contribute to the advocacy and representation of the industry?

The TCC strong relationship with the industry and the political leaders is effective in advocating for the people, policy and products of the chemical industry.

Outside of your professional life, what are your interests or hobbies?

My two favorite things to do with my free time are volunteering and travelling with family and friends. Volunteering is a great way to give back and get involved in my community. It also helps me grow my inner self and avoid becoming self-focused. I enjoy meeting different people and hearing their stories. I enjoy travelling because it is so much more than just the journey. It is an openness to new cultures, new people, and a spirit of adventure.