Co-polyester made using PET/F. Credit: Origin Materials and Husky Technologies.

Origin Materials and Husky Technologies have announced their aim to commercialise PET (polyethene terephthalate), incorporating the sustainable chemical FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) for advanced packaging.

FDCA is a chemical building block with diverse applications, including polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, coating resins and plasticisers. It is also the precursor for the next-generation sustainable polymer PEF (polyethene furanoate).

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By combining FDCA with PET, Origin has produced PET/F, a “tunable” hybrid polymer that reportedly offers performance enhancements and full recyclability.

According to GlobalData, the global PET market is expected to grow at an AAGR of more than 5% by 2027.

Origin polymerised the bio-based sustainable chemical FDCA into PET. Husky then moulded the resulting “PET/F” hybrid polymer into preforms that were then blown into bottles.

The companies used Husky’s injection moulding technologies and manufacturing equipment, a commercial manufacturing-scale level of processing demonstrating the ability of PET/F, a polymer made with FDCA, to be integrated into existing PET production systems.

Origin expects to develop a family of 100% bio-based, low-carbon PET/F polymers offering full recyclability and superior performance compared with traditional 100% petroleum-derived PET.

PET/F is said to have enhanced mechanical performance and superior barrier properties, enabling longer shelf life for packaging controlled by adjusting manufacturing conditions and the quantity of FDCA copolymer.

The collaboration aims to enable the production of FDCA, PEF (polyethene furanoate) and PET/F at a commercial scale using its patented technology platform, which turns the carbon found in sustainable wood residues into useful materials while capturing carbon in the process.

Origin Materials co-founder and co-CEO John Bissell commented: “This is a key moment in the commercialisation of cost-effective, low-carbon FDCA and PEF and the development of next-generation sustainable polymers generally. We believe these materials have the power to transform plastics and the material economy.”

Origin recently signed a joint development agreement with consumer packaging solutions provider SCG Packaging (SCGP).