22 March 2012
Overview
Avantium announced its second major partnership for
its YXY technology to produce PEF bottles,
Danone Research and Avantium
has entered into a
Joint Development Agreement for the
development of PEF bottles for Danone,
number two worldwide in bottle water business.
The agreement forms another cornerstone of Avantium's
commercialization strategy to further co-develop the
YXY technology for producing PEF bottles
PEF : a suitable PET alternative
The agreement with Danone Research is a fantastic step
toward on the path to commercialize PEF bottles.
Danone Research is at the forefront in contributing to
the development of next generation bio-based plastic bottle.
Avantium's YXY solution for the packaging industry creates
a new bio-sourced material delivering superior functional
properties versus convention PET technology
(for example, * light weighting potential,
* barrier and thermal properties)
the process economics and carbon footprint of PEF
make it a suitable PET alternative.
A recent study done by
the Copernicus Institute at Utrecht University,
showed that PEF has a 50%-60% lower carbon footprint
than oil-based PET. Finalizing the LCA study is part of
the Joint Development Agreement.
Timeframe
Avantium is currently validating the use of existing supply
and recycling chains, enabling a full transition to
bio-based PEF bottles in
three to five years from now. (2015-2018)
Research Objectives
The Avantium and Danone Research joint objective is to
contribute to the emergence of
a new renewable material generation which will not be
in direct competition with food.
About the YXY technology
YXY technology is used as a fast and efficient
chemical-catalytic technology to convert
carbohydrates produced from plants, grains ,
energy crops, lignocellulose matter, waste stream,
waste paper or agricultural residues, into a
wide variety of bio-based polymers.
Based on ongoing R&D programs,
Avantium will also continue to develop PEF from
renewable feedstock not competing with food.
Pilot plant for PEF in the Netherlands
Avantium has recently opened its pilot plant
in Galeen,the Netherlands, with the capacity of
producing 40 tons of PEF for application development.
The collaboration with Danone and The Coca-Cola Company
are the key to secure a smooth transition into the
mass production phase of PEF bottles.
Avantium is in active discussion with other leading brand owners
to develop PEF bottles, fibers and film.
In the longer term, Avantium will license its YXY technology to
enable large scale, world-wide production and
use of its bio-sourced plastic materials.
