In the plant, Avantium will produce 5,000 t of FDCA, the essential building block for 100% plant-based and circular plastic PEF (polyethylene furanoate), known under the brand name Releaf. The company’s material has versatile applications including bottles, packaging, films, and textiles.

Tom van Aken, Avantium’s CEO, said: “Our new FDCA plant embodies our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We are excited to lead the way in producing Releaf, a material that offers a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This plant is not just a testament to our technological advancements but also to our dedication to creating long-term, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”

Avantium also plans to accelerate the rollout of its FDCA/PEF licensing strategy.