New alliance focuses on biobased packaging

Avantium, Tereos and LVMH GAÏA are joining forces. They aim to scale up production of a new type of plastic made entirely from plant-based raw materials. The material is called Releaf® and can be used in food and beverage packaging, among other applications. With this step, the three parties are targeting an alternative to the fossil-based plastics that still dominate the market.

From technology to factory

Releaf® was developed by Avantium. The company uses its proprietary YXY® Technology, which converts plant-based feedstocks into FDCA and polymers such as this new plastic. Tereos supplies the required sugars and starch, while LVMH GAÏA, the R&D division of the luxury group, represents the demand side. Together, they are working towards establishing a consortium to build the first European plant where the technology will be applied on an industrial scale.

Link in the food chain

The alliance builds on the EU-supported PEFerence project, which has long promoted biobased alternatives to conventional polyesters. For Tereos, the partnership aligns with its ambitions in regenerative agriculture and decarbonisation. “Today, our partnership marks a new step in the development of sustainable solutions for green chemistry,” says CEO Olivier Leducq. The connection with agriculture and plant-based feedstocks makes the food chain an immediate player in this development.

Ambitions stated

Expectations are also high at LVMH GAÏA. “With this new step we reinforce our LIFE 360 commitments, in particular our ambition to eliminate fossil-based plastics from packaging,” says CEO Claude Martinez. Avantium CEO Tom van Aken calls it “an exciting step” towards bringing Releaf® to market on a larger scale. The planned plant in Delfzijl will become the first commercial production site for FDCA worldwide.

Avantium.com