November 29, 2023 - Avantium N.V., a leading technology provider in the field of renewable chemistry, announced that it will be partnering with PANGAIA, a company specializing in materials science and apparel manufacturing. Under this partnership, PANGAIA will purchase Avantium's plant-based and recyclable material, PEF (polyethylene furanate ethyl ester), for use in their apparel line, with the goal of creating fossil-fuel free, recyclable materials and products. PEF is made from FDCA (furanodicarboxylic acid) and will be produced at Avantium's flagship FDCA facility. This world's first commercial FDCA facility, currently under construction in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, will see large-scale production begin in the second half of 2024.
Avantium's PEF is a 100% plant-based polymer with a wide range of applications such as bottles and packaging, films and textiles. Over the past year, Avantium has increased its focus on the development of PEF for fibers and yarns that can be used in a variety of applications, including fashion.
PEF fibers could replace PET fibers, which account for approximately 54% (60.5 million tons) of global fiber production in 2021.PEF fits into the current infrastructure for polyester production and recycling; demonstrating a scalable future for renewable alternatives to fossil fuel-derived PET. PEF-based fibers have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel-based synthetic fibers and can also be recycled in existing assets.
Consumers are making increasingly conscious choices when purchasing apparel, providing a promising market opportunity for plant-based alternatives, including PEF.
As part of its Positive Earth philosophy, PANGAIA is committed to embracing a future that prioritizes renewable energy output and minimizes dependence on fossil fuels.
