LVMH Gaïa, the scientific and environmental R&D division of the luxury giant, has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding with Dutch chemical company Avantium, and Tereos, a global leader in sugar, starch, alcohol and bioethanol production.
The three groups aim to form, with the participation of additional partners, a consortium to accelerate the industrial-scale production of PEF (polyethylene furanoate) through the first facility in Europe using Avantium’s proprietary YXY Technology, converting plant-based feedstock into FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) and FDCA-based polymers.
This strategic initiative builds on the previous achievements of the EU-supported PEFerence consortium, which aimed to accelerate the shift from fossil-based to plant-based polyesters.
Known under brand name releaf, PEF is a 100% renewable and circular performance polymer developed by Avantium. Thanks to its CO₂ and oxygen barrier properties, combined with its strength and flexibility, PEF is an ideal alternative to PET, extending the shelf life of packaged products.
Releaf is made from plant-based feedstocks and can be applied across food & beverage packaging, cosmetic packaging, fashion and industrial fibres.
"By uniting expertise across luxury, agriculture, and green chemistry, we are not only advancing circular innovation but also laying the groundwork for a European industrial ecosystem that supports sustainable packaging and textile solutions,” said Tom van Aken, CEO of Avantium.
