Avantium N.V., a leading company in renewable and circular polymer materials, has signed a capacity reservation agreement with Royal Hordijk, a leading Dutch producer of sustainable plastic packaging solutions. Under this agreement, Hordijk has secured volumes of Avantium’s 100% plant-based and recyclable polymer PEF (polyethylene furanoate) from future license plants for use in trays and injection-molded packaging across a range of applications, including food, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.
PEF, marketed under the brand name releaf®, offers a compelling combination of sustainability and performance. It is produced entirely from renewable feedstocks and is recyclable, making it a circular alternative to fossil-based plastics. PEF has a significantly lower carbon footprint than PET, glass and aluminum and provides superior barrier properties against oxygen, CO₂, and water vapor. These features extend product shelf life and reduce food waste, while the mechanical features of PEF also enable lightweighting and design flexibility in packaging applications.
Hordijk is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry. By incorporating PEF into its product portfolio, Hordijk aims to further reduce the environmental footprint of its packaging while enhancing performance characteristics such as barrier properties and mechanical strength. The PEF to be supplied under this agreement is expected to be produced at future industrial-scale facilities licensed by Avantium. The multi-year capacity reservation ensures Hordijk preferred access to PEF volumes, supporting its long-term sustainability goals and enabling the development of next-generation packaging formats.
Rik Hennink, CEO at Hordijk says: “At Hordijk, we are constantly looking for ways to innovate and reduce our environmental impact. Partnering with Avantium to secure access to PEF aligns perfectly with our sustainability roadmap. We believe that PEF’s unique properties will allow us to offer our customers packaging solutions that are not only high-performing but also future-proof.”
Bineke Posthumus, Commercial Director at Avantium, comments: “This collaboration with Hordijk underscores the growing demand for high-performance, plant-based materials in the packaging industry. We are proud to support Hordijk’s ambition to lead in sustainable innovation and look forward to seeing PEF-based solutions reach the market.”
