Braskem S.A. · São Paulo Brazil · (NYSE: BAK)

Much like the Amazon, Braskem is a South American giant, the continent's largest petrochemical company, as a matter of fact. Braskem's chemical plants are located exclusively in Brazil; the company 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%. To read the full description, subscribe now.