Avantium, a renewable chemicals company, and plastic converter specialist Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner have announced a joint development agreement for the development of PEF (polyethylene furanoate) bottles
After The Coca-Cola Company and Danone, Alpla is the third company to collaborate with Avantium on PEF, a bioplastic based on Avantium’s proprietary YXY technology. The goal of these collaborations is to bring 100% biobased PEF bottles to the market by 2016.
PEF is a biobased and recyclable polyester and is being touted by the company as an alternative to PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
“Avantium is very excited to have Alpla enter the Joint Development Platform for PEF bottles,” said Tom van Aken, chief executive Avantium.
He added: “With Alpla’s extensive and proven know-how in PET conversion, bottle design and bottle manufacturing, Alpla will be a major contributor to accelerate the commercial roll out and industrialization of PEF. Jointly we can make PEF available for packaging in innovative markets and traditional applications.
“Together we have taken up the challenge to develop the supply chain for PEF as sustainable biobased packaging material to the beer and alcoholic beverage markets.As one of the world’s most innovative converters, Alpla will be a key enabler to develop PEF bottles meeting the technical requirements for the market.”
Alpla chief executive Günther Lehner added: “By signing this agreement Alpla once again demonstrates its leadership in innovation in this industry. In the 1980’s Alpla was the first to introduce the two step PET bottle which started the transition from PVC to PET.
“Today we are able to take innovation a step further and introduce our customers in the food, home care and personal care area to the next generation of biobased polyester: PEF. Sustainability is a key driver for growth for Alpla and its customers. We are therefore pleased to collaborate with Avantium to bring the first 100% biobased and recyclable PEF bottles to the market.”
Alpla aims to develop PEF bottles for personal care or home care applications, such as cosmetics and detergents and for Food applications such as sauces, dressings, baby foods and edible oils.
