First for biofibres based on the new PEF

In another significant breakthrough for the biopolymers industry, Avantium has successfully demonstrated that its PEF – polyethylene furanoate – can be successfully turned into fibres for the nonwovens and textiles industries.

At the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, PEF bottles have been processed into 100% bio-based T-shirts using conventional polyester processing technology and equipment.

The fibre market is an important recycling outlet for today’s PET packaging and this development proves that similar end-of-life solutions can work with PEF.

During the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, shorts and jerseys made from recycled petroleum-based PET bottles were introduced by Nike for the national soccer teams of Brazil, Japan, England, the Netherlands and Team USA, saving oil-based raw materials and reducing energy consumption by an estimated 30%.

PEF T-shirts made from 100% bio-based and recycled material would be the next step in sustainability, Avantium says, further decreasing both dependence on petroleum and the carbon footprint of such apparel.

“These first PEF T-shirts are yet another important step in the development and commercialisation of PEF as a 100% bio-based and recyclable material,” says Avantium CEO Tom van Aken. “The production of the first bio-based PEF T-shirts produced from recycled bottles adds apparel and sportswear to the many potential outlets. With its reduced carbon footprint and improved performance, PEF is truly the sustainable plastic material of the future.”

Since 2011 Avantium has been developing PEF bottles with its partners Coca-Cola, Danone and ALPLA. Recently Avantium signed a partnership with Wifag-Polytype for the development of thermoformed PEF containers, drinking cups and trays.

Avantium is developing and commercialising YXY – the brand name for its technology platform – and made from 100%plant-derived raw materials which fulfils key criteria to enable it to become the next generation bio-based polyester for bottles, film and fibres. Avantium’s offices and headquarters are based in Amsterdam and it is running an YXY pilot plant in Geleen, also in the Netherlands.