Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymers, has announced a new partnership with BIOVOX, a pioneer in sustainable healthcare plastics. Under a capacity reservation agreement, BIOVOX will use Avantium’s PEF (polyethylene furanoate) in various pharmaceutical applications. This PEF will be produced at a future industrial-scale facility using Avantium’s licensed technology. The multi-year agreement ensures BIOVOX has preferred access to PEF volumes from Avantium’s global licensee network.
Avantium has developed a proprietary process to produce FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), the key ingredient for PEF. This process is branded as releaf®. In October 2024, Avantium completed the world’s first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands, and has begun startup operations. Demand for PEF is a key factor in its licensing efforts, and the new agreement with BIOVOX highlights Avantium’s ability to meet this demand.
BIOVOX, a supplier of medical-grade renewable polymers, has evaluated PEF for pharmaceutical and medical uses. PEF-based packaging offers significant environmental benefits over traditional petrochemical materials. It is 100% plant-based, recyclable in existing PET streams, and has a much lower carbon footprint than PET. PEF also outperforms materials like PVC, PET, and polypropylene (PP) in several ways.
PEF provides superior barrier properties, protecting sensitive pharmaceutical products. It has excellent mechanical strength, maintaining integrity over time. Additionally, PEF is chemically resistant, making it suitable for various environmental conditions. These features make PEF an attractive, sustainable option for medical packaging.
Dr. Julian Lotz, CEO of BIOVOX, said, “We are excited to partner with Avantium and access their innovative PEF material. This aligns with our goal to be the leader in healthcare plastics that combine safety and sustainability. PEF offers performance advantages that can reduce material use and improve product safety.”
Bineke Posthumus, Commercial Director of Avantium Renewable Polymers, added, “This partnership with BIOVOX is a major milestone. It shows how versatile FDCA and PEF are for the pharmaceutical sector. With PEF from future licensed plants, we can provide BIOVOX with a high-performance, eco-friendly solution that meets strict pharmaceutical packaging demands..”
