Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has announced a conditional offtake agreement with Plastipak, a major manufacturer of rigid plastic containers for food, beverages, and consumer products. This partnership focuses on the procurement of polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a 100% plant-based and recyclable polymer, intended for packaging solutions in the U.S. market.
Plastipak, committed to sustainability, aims to create eco-friendly packaging solutions that meet stringent customer standards. Throughout the past year, the company has evaluated the application of Avantium’s PEF, which is compatible with existing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling systems. PEF is recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and adheres to their Critical Guidance Protocol, affirming its recyclability.
Testing has shown that PEF offers significant advantages when used as a packaging material, boasting enhanced barrier properties that extend the shelf life of food and beverages, increased mechanical strength that allows for reduced material use, and lower processing temperatures that save energy compared to traditional plastics. These traits make PEF suitable for both monolayer packaging and as a barrier in multilayer PET applications.
The collaboration aims to further validate PEF’s commercial viability in food and beverage packaging in the United States. Plastipak’s COO, Matthew Franz, highlighted their goal of reducing the carbon footprint of their products while enhancing resource efficiency, noting PEF’s importance in their sustainable innovation strategy.
Avantium CEO Tom van Aken expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the critical role Plastipak plays in the packaging market. This agreement is expected to strengthen Avantium’s position within the PEF value chain, contributing to more sustainable packaging solutions for consumers. As demand for eco-friendly options rises, this collaboration signifies a significant step toward meeting consumer preferences for sustainability.
