Bottle producer looks to bioplastics

A renewable chemicals company and a plastic converter have joined forces in a Joint Development Agreement for the development of polyethylene furanoate (PEF) bottles.

ALPLA is the third company, after Coca-Cola and Danone, to collaborate with Avantium on PEF, a bioplastic based on Avantium technology.

The end goal of the three collaborations is to bring 100% biobased PEF bottles to the market by 2016.

Tom van Aken, Avantium’s CEO said: “Avantium is very excited to have ALPLA enter the Joint Development Platform for PEF bottles.

“With ALPLA’s extensive and proven know-how in PET conversion, bottle design and manufacturing, they will be a major contributor to accelerate the commercial roll out and industrialisation of PEF.”

ALPLA CEO Günther Lehner said: “By signing this agreement ALPLA once again demonstrates its leadership in innovation in this industry.

Sustainability is a key driver for growth for ALPLA and its customers. We are therefore pleased to collaborate with Avantium to bring the first 100% biobased and recyclable PEF bottles to the market.”

PEF is a 100% biobased and recyclable polyester, which reportedly has the potential to replace conventional durable materials like PET.

PEF is said to have superior qualities in comparison with PET such as a higher barrier to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water, extending product shelf life and reducing production costs.

ALPLA will develop PEF bottles for personal care and home care applications such as cosmetics and detergents and for food applications such as sauces, baby foods and edible oils.

The full commercial launch of the first PEF bottles to consumers is expected in 2016, pending the completion of Avantium’s commercial plant.