{"id":10123,"date":"2025-11-04T09:09:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T14:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=10123"},"modified":"2025-11-04T09:09:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T14:09:16","slug":"avantiums-plant-based-pef-cleared-for-recycling-in-japans-pet-bottle-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=10123","title":{"rendered":"Avantium\u2019s plant-based PEF cleared for recycling in Japan\u2019s PET bottle system"},"content":{"rendered":"


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PEF can be recycled safely and effectively in the current PET stream at concentrations up to 10% by weight. Credit: Hakaroo Project\/Shutterstock.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Avantium has secured approval in Japan for recycling its plant-based plastic, releaf, a polyethylene furanoate (PEF), within the country\u2019s polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle system.<\/p>\n

The Council for PET Bottle Recycling (CPBR) granted the clearance, a key step for the material\u2019s adoption in Japan\u2019s beverage packaging market.<\/p>\n

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CPBR oversees efforts to encourage and assess the recycling of PET beverage containers in Japan.<\/p>\n

The Dutch renewable and circular polymer specialist stated that CPBR assessed releaf when used as a barrier layer in multilayer PET bottles.<\/p>\n

The council concluded it can be processed safely and effectively in the existing PET stream at levels of up to 10% by weight.<\/p>\n

CPBR assigned an overall recyclability rating of A to bottles containing PEF, indicating suitability for bottle-to-bottle recycling.<\/p>\n

Releaf, produced with YXY technology, met the required physical, chemical and processability criteria, and complies with Japan\u2019s Positive List for food-contact plastics.<\/p>\n

It also aligns with standards and criteria for foods and additives set by Japan\u2019s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as well as applicable US food and Drugs Administration regulations.<\/p>\n

The decision follows previous recyclability recognitions for PEF from the European PET bottle platform and the Association of Plastic Recyclers in the US.<\/p>\n

Avantium Asia\u00a0business development manager Yuzhong Chen stated:\u00a0\u201cWe\u00a0sincerely thank\u00a0all the companies in Japan that supported Avantium during the CPBR assessment.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir collaboration was vital in\u00a0demonstrating\u00a0that\u00a0releaf can be successfully recycled within Japan\u2019s PET bottle stream while preserving high material quality. This joint effort underscores a shared commitment to advancing plant-based, recyclable packaging solutions in Japan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Avantium signed a joint development agreement<\/a> in February 2025 with Amcor Rigid Packaging USA to further the use of releaf in sustainable packaging solutions.<\/p>\n

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