Avantium to boost dry molded fiber bottles with plant-based PEF polymer

NETHERLANDS – Dutch renewable materials innovator Avantium has announced a partnership with the Bottle Collective to integrate its plant-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF) polymer into Dry Molded Fiber bottles.

The collaboration aims to significantly improve the bottles’ barrier performance and sustainability profile.

Avantium’s PEF—a fully recyclable polymer derived from renewable sources—will be used to create high-performance liners via injection molding and blow molding processes.

With superior gas barrier properties, PEF helps preserve carbonation and flavor while extending the shelf life of beverages. It also offers greater mechanical strength than traditional plastics, enabling thinner packaging walls and reducing overall material use.

“Together with global brand partners such as Opella, Diageo, and Haleon, the Bottle Collective can fast-track the development of world-first Dry Molded Fiber bottles,” said Bineke Posthumus, Director of Business Development at Avantium.

“Our polymer PEF can play a crucial role in improving both sustainability and performance, aligning with Avantium’s mission to deliver innovative, plant-based solutions for a circular economy.”

Launched in 2023, the Bottle Collective is a joint initiative by global consultancy PA Consulting and Swedish R&D company PulPac, which developed the proprietary Dry Molded Fiber (DMF) technology.

Unlike conventional wet molding processes, DMF uses dry pulp and cellulose to create fiber-based packaging with minimal water usage and significantly lower CO₂ emissions.

The Collective gained momentum in 2024 with the addition of rigid packaging specialist Logoplaste, known for its expertise in injection molding and blow molding.

The group has already developed functioning prototypes of Dry Molded Fiber bottles with enhanced sustainability and performance characteristics.

Scaling for global impact

PA Consulting is now working to scale up DMF bottle production and introduce them to global markets.

Keith Thornley, Commercial Lead for DMF Collectives at PA Consulting, noted, “Avantium’s participation in the Bottle Collective aligns perfectly with our mission to fundamentally reduce the environmental footprint of packaging.”

Logoplaste CTO Paulo Correia added, “Avantium’s plant-based PEF brings exceptional sustainability and performance benefits.

“This collaboration reinforces our commitment to developing pioneering packaging solutions using cutting-edge materials like PEF to meet the evolving needs of brands and consumers.”

The partnership with the Bottle Collective follows Avantium’s February 2024 collaboration with packaging giant Amcor, focused on exploring PEF applications in rigid containers across food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

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