Braskem

Much like the Amazon, Braskem is a South American giant, the continent's largest petrochemical company. Braskem's chemical plants are located mostly in Brazil. However, the company made a major move into the US market in 2010 by acquiring Sunoco Chemicals. Braskem produces olefins like ethylene and propylene that are then used to make polyolefins like polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. That latter group of chemicals are then used to make all manner of plastic materials and fibers. Braskem also makes aromatics like benzene and intermediate chemicals like caprolactam, which are used to make nylon. Odebrecht controls about 60% of Braskem, and Petrobras controls another 30%.