Dutch company Avantium has signed a joint development agreement with Amcor Rigid Packaging USA, a division of Amcor, to advance the use of Avantium's plant-based polymer polyethylene furanoate (PEF), branded as releaf, in sustainable packaging solutions.

Avantium’s releaf is claimed to be compatible with existing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling streams.

The material is said to offer enhanced barrier properties for extended shelf life, increased strength to minimise material usage, and lower processing temperatures, which can lead to reduced energy consumption compared to conventional plastics.

With its lower carbon footprint, releaf will also help Amcor reach its net-zero goal by 2050.

The partnership will explore the use of releaf in rigid containers across a range of sectors, including food, beverages, pharmaceutical, home, and personal care.

Amcor has also agreed to a multiyear capacity reservation for PEF from an anticipated industrial-scale facility, based on a technology license from Avantium.

This agreement provides Amcor with preferred access to PEF volumes from Avantium's future licensee network.

Avantium has also developed a proprietary process technology to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), the essential component for PEF.

The company is set to launch what is claimed to be a world-first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands.

This FDCA plant is seen as crucial for Avantium's licensing strategy, which involves selling FDCA and PEF directly to customers and offering technology licenses to industrial partners.

Amcor research and development and programme management excellence vice-president Terry Patcheak said: “This partnership between Amcor and Avantium represents a significant step forward in advancing responsible packaging solutions.

“It combines Amcor's expertise in innovative packaging with Avantium's renewable and circular polymer releaf.

“This partnership enhances our efforts to offer customers innovative, packaging that is better for products, people and the planet.”

Last November, Avantium partnered with SCG Chemicals to pilot poly(lactic acid co-glycolic acid) production, using carbon dioxide as a feedstock.