Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has entered into a capacity reservation agreement with Packamama, the UK- and Australia-based innovator in sustainable wine packaging. 

Through the collaboration, Packamama will secure future volumes of Avantium’s plant-based and recyclable polymer PEF (polyethylene furanoate), branded as releaf®, from licensed plants using Avantium’s proprietary YXY® Technology for the production of releaf®. By combining Avantium’s breakthrough material with Packamama’s expertise in innovative, lower-emissions wine bottles, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of next-generation, low-carbon-footprint packaging solutions for the wine industry.

Packamama is internationally recognized for its lightweight, shatterproof, and fully recyclable bottles, which significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional glass bottles. The company’s distinctive flat-pack bottle design optimizes space efficiency in transport and storage, further reducing emissions across the supply chain. Currently made from 100% recycled PET (rPET), Packamama’s bottles support circularity and sustainability in the wine sector.

With the introduction of releaf®, Packamama takes sustainable innovation in wine packaging to another level. Releaf® offers a unique sustainability advantage: It is plant-based, recyclable, and delivers a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional materials such as glass or conventional, virgin plastics. Beyond its environmental benefits, releaf® provides superior barrier properties that protect wine quality, making it an ideal choice for premium, sustainable packaging.

To support this development, Packamama has secured an AU$1 million grant from the Australian government. This grant, which Avantium supported, was awarded under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), provided to support Packamama’s efforts to decarbonize Australian wine packaging. This international recognition and governmental support underscore the growing global interest in sustainable wine packaging solutions.

“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 high performance, environmental responsibility, and appealing consumer messaging.”

Bineke Posthumus, Commercial Director at Avantium, commented: “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 to iconic, premium packaging applications. We look forward to working closely with Packamama to drive meaningful progress in sustainable packaging.”