EVA is a copolymer: ethylene vinyl acetate, conventionally produced from fossil raw materials such as oil or natural gas, and designed for applications in industries such as footwear, bras, and others. The bio-based EVA is the world's first drop-in biopolymer (compared to fossil-based EVA) to be produced on industrial scale. Also known as I'm green™ bio-based EVA, is a plastic made from a renewable raw material: Brazilian sugarcane. The resin helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the finished products such as bras, shoes, flip-flops, yoga mats and many other articles.

According to the European Bioplastics Association definition, materials produced from renewable sources and/or biodegradable materials are classified as bioplastics or biopolymers. Thus, I'm green™ bio-based plastic made from sugarcane ethanol is considered a bioplastic. I’m green™ bio-based EVA are not biodegradable but fully recyclable in existing recycling streams. Learn more at: www.european- bioplastics.org

The sugarcane EVA plastic made from sugarcane ethanol has the same physical properties as conventional ones (fossil EVA), made from fossil raw material. It is impossible to detect the difference between the two materials by visual analysis, since both are the same regarding color, appearance, and texture. An analysis that is based on C14 carbon dating is the only way to differentiate the two products.

Being a renewable feedstock, sugarcane captures and fixes CO2 from the atmosphere during every growth cycle, which occurs annually. Locking carbon in a very stable molecule (less than 1% degradation in landfills after 100 years) means reduction of Global Warming, because the production of I'm green™ bio-based EVA plastic contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional plastics, made from fossil materials. As a result, the carbon footprint of sugarcane EVA plastic is negative, when considering a "cradle to gate” life cycle analysis.

No, they are not biodegradable or compostable. Like resins made from petrochemicals, sugarcane EVA plastic is a recyclable material and in fact can be recycled together with conventional EVA.

Bagasse is the leftover biomass after the sugar juice extraction. Rich in cellulose, bagasse is used to fuel boilers and generate electricity and steam for heating purposes, contributing to the Brazilian renewable energy matrix. This energy fuels the plant itself that becomes self-sufficient in energy, and when there is surplus, which is normally sent to the local power grid and sold to supply cities.

In one hectare, approximately 82.5 tons of sugarcane is produced from which 7,200 liters of ethanol can be produced. With this volume of ethanol, Braskem produces 3 tons (3.000 Kg) of bio-based ethylene, generating about 3.7 tons of I'm green™ bio-based EVA (Sugarcane EVA).

Raízen considers that innovation is fundamental to business continuity, more efficient use of resources and meeting growing energy demand. The company meets the regulations of the markets it operates (national and international) and requirements of its customers. The Company is currently not using genetically modified sugarcane in its production processes; however, it keeps following the improvement of technologies.

Today Brazil has 301,1 million* hectares of arable land, of which 52,6% is used for raising cattle, 18,8% remains idle and 28,5% is used for agriculture. Only 1.4%* of all arable land in Brazil is dedicated to ethanol production, and the consumption of ethanol for the production of I'm green™ bio-based EVA represents about 1.8% of the total production of ethanol, or 0.02% of Brazil's arable land. The existence of available land, combined with a possible intensification of livestock production, makes Brazil a country with room for expansion of agriculture. The use of land for the production of products other than food, even in a very optimistic scenario for the growth of the production of chemicals from renewable sources, should continue representing a small percentage of the total land available. Specifically in relation to the management of land for the sugarcane production, in the state of São Paulo, where 60%* of the country's sugarcane is planted, crop rotation with leguminous vegetables is a common practice that helps fix nitrogen in the soil. Hence 15% to 20% of sugarcane producing areas are dedicated to the cultivation of soybean, beans and peanuts, supplying the food market. For more details go to the website of the Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) at www.unica.com.br

In order to reiterate its commitment to the principles of sustainable development and manage its relationship with the Chain of Ethanol, Braskem developed the Code of Conduct for Ethanol Suppliers. Its basic principle is continuous improvement and respect for Brazilian laws. It is inspired by best practices outlined in the Environmental Protocol of the State of São Paulo, the Global Pact and the National Commitment to Improve Working Conditions in Sugarcane. To become Braskem’s supplier, an ethanol producer should observe the commitment to good business practices defined in this document regarding cane burning, respect for biodiversity, environmental practices, human and labor rights, and finally, be willing to share their primary data to be used for life cycle analysis purposes. Braskem conducts audits at suppliers’ plants to ensure compliance with the practices described in the Code of Conduct for Ethanol Suppliers.

Sugarcane in Brazil is practically not irrigated. Water needs, in the agricultural phase, are resolved naturally by the rainfall of the producing regions, mainly the Center-South of Brazil.

The commitment to zero deforestation of any high biodiversity biome (not only the Amazon) is stated in our Responsible Ethanol Sourcing Program that our suppliers follow and are audited against every other year. Furthermore, the sector understands the value of respecting Brazil’s strict forest code and other environmental laws. This article written during the time the agroecological zoning code regulation was dropped, exemplifies well how this agroindustry is focused on sustainable development: https://unica.com.br/noticias/um-passo-a-frente/

Yes, Sugarcup™ is USDA certified with 77 % of bio-based content. Besides that, the sugarcane EVA is Bonsucro certified, a global sustainability platform for sugarcane (www.bonsucro.com)

It is possible to measure the bio-based carbon content accurately according to internationally standardized test methods (CEN/TS16137:2011 or ASTM D6866-20 Method B).

The minimum bio-based carbon content of Sugarcup™ is 75 %, according to the ASTM D6866-22 Method B.

Environmentally speaking, the main benefit of the Sugarcup™ is the carbon footprint that is 71 % less than PU pads thanks to the bio-based EVA from sugarcane. The scraps generated in the process can be recycled in making new foam or recycled in utilization in making other consumer products. Besides that, Sugarcup™ possesses similar soft feel like current PU foam and an excellent support. With wire free styles, Sugarcup™ is very beneficial because of the support that it provide.

We have several qualities of fabrics used in our Sugarcup™ bras. They derived from sugarcane as well as recycled nylon as well as modal as well as BCI cotton.

Currently not, however Full Stride will be incorporating biodegradable additive in order to provide this solution.

The closed cell sugarcane is not; however, the open cell technology is.

For now, there are 2 generations: closed cell and open cell. With new technologies we will continue to involve the performance of Sugarcup™.

The closed cell gives more support.

T-Shirt, Push Up, Swim, sports bra, maternity, etc.

It doesn’t.

Yes, the foam can be made in any color, which can create sustainable benefits once you don’t need to laminate fabric in the out layer of the cup.

Yes, the Sugarcup™ T-shirt and Push Up has passed 25 washes and machine drying.