Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has entered into a joint development agreement with Amcor Rigid Packaging USA, LLC, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions. This collaboration aims to explore the use of Avantium’s plant-based polymer, PEF—marketed as Releaf®—in rigid packaging for a wide range of applications, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home, and personal care products.

As part of the agreement, Amcor has secured a multi-year capacity reservation for PEF from a future industrial-scale facility licensed by Avantium. This guarantees Amcor preferred access to PEF volumes produced by Avantium’s network of future licensees, ensuring a steady supply of sustainable materials for its packaging solutions.

Avantium has pioneered a proprietary process for producing FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), the essential building block of PEF (polyethylene furanoate). The company is currently commissioning the world’s first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. This facility, known as the FDCA Flagship Plant, is a key milestone in Avantium’s strategy to commercialize and license its technology globally. The plant will not only supply FDCA and PEF directly to customers but also serve as a model for industrial partners interested in licensing Avantium’s innovative process. The capacity reservation agreement with Amcor further validates the growing demand for PEF and supports Avantium’s expansion efforts.

Releaf® is a 100% plant-based, high-performance polymer that is designed to be recycled within existing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) recycling streams. It has received recognition under the Critical Guidance Protocol from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), a widely accepted standard for assessing recyclability in plastic packaging design. Releaf® offers several advantages over traditional fossil-based plastics, including enhanced barrier properties that extend food and beverage shelf life, higher mechanical strength that reduces material usage, and lower processing temperatures that cut energy consumption. Additionally, its lower carbon footprint aligns with Amcor’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“This partnership between Amcor and Avantium marks a significant step forward in responsible packaging innovation. By combining Amcor’s expertise in sustainable packaging with Avantium’s breakthrough polymer Releaf®, we are delivering innovative solutions that benefit products, people, and the planet,” said Terry Patcheak, Amcor’s Vice President of Research & Development and Program Management Excellence.

Bineke Posthumus, Commercial Director of Avantium Renewable Polymers, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “Our collaboration with Amcor highlights the increasing demand for Releaf® in sustainable packaging and reinforces our strategy to license our FDCA technology. We are excited to bring Releaf® to market with Amcor, offering consumers a high-performance, eco-friendly packaging alternative.”

Through this strategic alliance, Avantium and Amcor are accelerating the transition toward more sustainable packaging, reinforcing their shared commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.