The Netherlands-based innovator Avantium and Packamama have signed a capacity reservation agreement for Avantium’s plant-based polymer PEF, branded as Releaf. The polymer is produced using Avantium’s YXY Technology.
Under the agreement, Packamama will secure future volumes of releaf from licensed plants. The material will be used in Packamama’s wine bottles, which the company says are lightweight, shatterproof, fully recyclable and made from 100 per cent recycled PET. The bottles feature a flat-pack design intended to reduce emissions in transport and storage.
Packamama has received an AU$1 million grant from the Australian government under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) to support the introduction of Releaf in Australian wine packaging. Avantium supported the application.
“Packamama is delighted to partner with Avantium to bring the plant-based polymer Releaf into our wine bottle solutions,” said Santiago Navarro, CEO & founder at Packamama. “We have been searching for a material that meets our performance standards and sustainability requirements, and is made from plants. We believe that Releaf offers a unique combination of performance, environmental responsibility, and appealing consumer messaging.”
Bineke Posthumus, commercial director at Avantium, said, “Packamama’s innovative approach to wine packaging and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner for Avantium. Their decision to test and adopt Releaf is a strong endorsement of our material’s potential to transform premium packaging applications. We look forward to working closely with Packamama to drive progress in sustainable packaging.”
