Avantium partners with Amcor to launch Releaf packaging initiative

NETHERLANDS – Dutch technology company Avantium has partnered with Amcor Rigid Packaging USA, a division of global packaging leader Amcor, to accelerate the adoption of plant-based polymer polyethylene furanoate (PEF) in sustainable packaging solutions.

Branded as Releaf, Avantium’s PEF is designed to be compatible with existing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling streams, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

Releaf is known for its superior barrier properties, which help extend product shelf life, as well as its high strength, enabling reduced material usage.

Additionally, it requires lower processing temperatures than traditional plastics, leading to significant energy savings.

With its reduced carbon footprint, Releaf is expected to support Amcor’s long-term sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The partnership will focus on integrating Releaf into rigid containers across multiple industries, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, home care, and personal care.

As part of the agreement, Amcor has secured a multiyear capacity reservation for PEF from an anticipated industrial-scale production facility, which will operate under a technology license from Avantium.

This arrangement grants Amcor preferred access to future PEF volumes through Avantium’s licensee network.

To support this initiative, Avantium has developed a proprietary process for producing furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), the essential building block of PEF.

The company is set to launch the world’s first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands, a key milestone in its strategy to commercialize PEF through direct sales and technology licensing.

Terry Patcheak, Vice President of Research and Development at Amcor, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership between Amcor and Avantium represents a major step in advancing responsible packaging.

By combining Amcor’s expertise in innovative packaging with Avantium’s renewable and circular polymer Releaf, we can offer solutions that are better for products, people, and the planet.”

Beyond its work with Amcor, Avantium has been making strides in other sustainable packaging innovations.

Last November, the company teamed up with SCG Chemicals (SCGC) to pilot the production of poly (lactic acid co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a promising biodegradable and recyclable material.

This project utilizes Avantium’s Volta Technology, which leverages electrochemistry to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemical building blocks, including glycolic acid.

When combined with lactic acid, glycolic acid forms PLGA, a polyester with excellent barrier and mechanical properties, making it a viable alternative to fossil-based polyesters.

SCGC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Suracha Udomsak, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable solutions, stating, “SCGC aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030.

“Our partnership with Avantium in evaluating PLGA has demonstrated its strong sustainability and performance characteristics, and we look forward to further advancing its production.”

Avantium’s Chief Technology Officer, Gert-Jan Gruter, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are excited to collaborate with SCGC in this groundbreaking initiative.

“This partnership not only showcases the potential of our Volta Technology but also reinforces our shared dedication to sustainability and innovation.”

With these strategic collaborations, Avantium is positioning itself as a leader in the development of next-generation bio-based materials, paving the way for a more sustainable packaging industry.

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