Avantium’s PEF (polyethylene furanoate), branded as releaf®, can be used in fully plant-based monolayer PEF bottles, but also has advantages in combination with PET (polyethylene terephthalate). For example, PEF can be used in multilayer PET bottles as a barrier material when the required shelf life cannot be guaranteed by a single layer of PET. Currently, many multilayer PET bottles include nylon as a barrier, which is known to cause issues when recycled within the PET recycling stream. Due to its excellent barrier properties and its close resemblance to PET, a PEF layer is an excellent alternative.
The RecyClass PET Technical Committee evaluated Avantium’s PET/PEF multilayer bottle - containing 10% PEF releaf® RP90N - through lab tests by PTI-Europe and Plastics Forming Enterprises. Results confirmed full compatibility with PET recycling stream under the conditions outlined in the RecyClass Approval Letter. RecyClass collaborates with the US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) to harmonize recyclability recommendations and testing procedures. Avantium’s PEF received APR Critical Guidance Recognition in 2023. With both approvals, brand owners can confidently adopt PEF as a recyclable barrier layer. Additionally, RecyClass validation supports favorable acceptance by national producer responsibility organizations (PROs), which oversee compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and determine packaging-related EPR fees. EPR is a policy mechanism that requires producers to, amongst others, pay fees based on recyclability and environmental impact.
