Avantium N.V., a leading company in renewable and circular polymer materials, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Bottle Collective, aimed at showcasing fiber bottles made from Dry Molded Fiber (DMF) technology. Avantium’s novel, plant-based polymer PEF (polyethylene furanoate) will be integrated into the Dry Molded Fiber bottle process, enhancing the barrier performance and sustainability of the bottles.

The Bottle Collective was launched in 2023 by PA Consulting, the global innovation and transformation consultancy, and PulPac, the Swedish R&D and Intellectual Property company behind the proprietary production process of Dry Molded Fiber. PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology uses renewable pulp and cellulose resources to produce low-cost, high-performance fiber-based packaging. The process uses less CO2 than plastic and conventional wet molding options, with almost no water used in manufacturing. In 2024, LogoPlaste, global provider of innovative and sustainable rigid packaging solutions, joined as a member of the Bottle Collective. LogoPlaste specializes in injection molding and blowing. The Bottle Collective has already developed the first functioning prototypes. Global leading brand partners including Diageo, Opella, and Haleon have also joined the Bottle Collective to continue developing and scaling fiber bottles.

Avantium will provide PEF to the Bottle Collective for injection molding and blowing liners for the fiber bottles. PEF is a 100% plant-based, fully recyclable polymer with superior barrier properties, making it an ideal material for sustainable packaging solutions. Beyond its sustainable packaging benefits, Avantium’s PEF has superior barrier properties, protecting the taste and fizziness of the packaged drinks and leading to a longer shelf life. PEF also has higher mechanical strength than conventional plastics, enabling thinner packaging and thereby reducing the amount of material required.

PA Consulting is working to scale up Dry Molded Fiber packaging and bring the bottles to global customers. Keith Thornley, commercial lead for Dry Molded Fiber collectives at PA Consulting, comments: “We’re pleased to have Avantium join us as a technical partner in the Bottle Collective. Avantium’s participation in the Bottle Collective aligns perfectly with our mission to fundamentally change the environmental footprint of packaging.”

Paulo Correia, Chief Technology Officer at Logoplaste, states: "Avantium’s innovative, plant-based polymer PEF offers exceptional sustainability and high-performance benefits for our Dry Molded Fiber bottles. This collaboration highlights our commitment to pioneering sustainable packaging solutions and leveraging cutting-edge materials like PEF to meet the evolving needs of our partners."

Bineke Posthumus, Director Business Development at Avantium, says: “Together with global brand partners such as Opella, Diageo, and Haleon, the Bottle Collective can fast-track the development of world-first Dry Molded Fiber bottles. Our polymer PEF can play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and performance of these bottles, offering superior barrier properties and mechanical strength. This partnership aligns perfectly with Avantium's mission to create innovative, plant-based solutions that contribute to a circular economy."