Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP assisted Brazil-based Braskem, the Americas鈥� largest thermoplastic resin producer, in its historic venture with official NASA supplier Made In Space Inc. to develop the first recycling technology to be used on space missions in zero gravity.
The deal was finalized in October 2017 and will continue the collaboration that led to Braskem and Made In Space launching the first commercial 3D printing technology into space. This innovative 3D printing technology revolutionized space manufacturing by enabling astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to fabricate mission-critical tools and spare parts on-demand from Braskem鈥檚 I’m greenTM plastic, a bio-based resin made from sugarcane.
The recycler, which is slated to reach the ISS in the second half of 2018, will complete the plastic lifecycle by providing astronauts the ability to convert plastic packaging and objects previously fabricated by the 3D printer into feedstock that could be reused for the printer. The invention will improve the autonomy and sustainability of long-duration space missions, while also helping to reduce the cost and weight of payloads carried from earth.
鈥淭aking the first plastic recycler into space is a massive challenge and a source of great pride for Braskem. This second phase of our partnership with Made In Space will close the plastic cycle sustainably, from the production of Green Polyethylene made from sugarcane to the recycling of polymers for other applications,鈥� said Braskem鈥檚 Director of Innovation & Technology Patrick Teyssonneyre.
The Akerman team was led by Miami Partner Felipe Berer, in the Corporate Practice Group, and Chicago Partner Stacy Baim, in the Intellectual Property Practice Group. The lawyers assisted Braskem in the negotiation and drafting of its agreement with Made In Space. They were tasked with blending the intellectual property aspects of the deal, including licensing and marketing commitments, with applicable NASA requirements and ISS guidelines.
鈥淲e built upon the knowledge we gained from Braskem鈥檚 first agreement with Made In Space, which enabled us to not only satisfy all of our client鈥檚 wishes but also complete the deal within a shorter timeframe,鈥� said Baim. 鈥淲e were fortunate to have equally motivated partners and a high level of collaboration to quickly move this historic venture forward.鈥�
鈥淭his agreement to build a recycler establishes a new standard for plastics innovation in space. The technology will close the loop in on-demand manufacturing while utilizing Braskem鈥檚 Green Plastic, one of the greatest innovations in polymers,鈥� said Berer.
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