LVMH Gaïa, the luxury conglomerate’s scientific and environmental R&D arm, has inked a sequence of Memorandums of Understanding with Avantium, a Dutch chemical firm, and Tereos, a worldwide frontrunner in the fabrication of sugar, starch, alcohol, and bioethanol.
The three entities intend to establish, alongside further collaborators, a joint venture to expedite the industrial-scale manufacturing of PEF (polyethylene furanoate) through the premier facility in Europe utilizing Avantium’s unique YXY Technology, transforming plant-derived resources into FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) and FDCA-based polymers.
This calculated undertaking draws upon the prior accomplishments of the EU-backed PEFerence consortium, which endeavored to boost the changeover from polyesters derived from fossil fuels to those sourced from plants.
Commercially known as releaf, PEF is a completely renewable and circular high-performance polymer conceived by Avantium. Owing to its CO₂ and oxygen barrier qualities, in conjunction with its robustness and suppleness, PEF represents an excellent substitute for PET, prolonging the longevity of packaged goods.
Releaf is crafted from botanical feedstocks and is suitable for utilization in food and drink packaging, beauty product containers, apparel, and industrial fibres.
“By merging competence across luxury goods, agriculture, and eco-friendly chemistry, we are not just propelling circular advancement but also establishing the foundation for a European industrial framework that bolsters eco-conscious packaging and textile options,” stated Tom van Aken, CEO of Avantium.
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