Avantium N.V., a frontrunner in renewable and circular polymer materials, has forged a capacity reservation agreement with Packamama, an innovator in sustainable wine packaging based in the UK and Australia. This collaboration enables Packamama to secure future supplies of Avantium’s plant-based and recyclable polymer, PEF (polyethylene furanoate), marketed as releaf®. Utilizing Avantium’s proprietary YXY® Technology for the production of releaf®, this partnership aims to expedite the development of advanced, low-carbon food and drink packaging solutions specifically for the wine sector.
Packamama is globally recognized for its lightweight, shatterproof, and fully recyclable bottles, which considerably lower carbon emissions compared to conventional glass options. The company’s innovative flat-pack bottle design enhances space efficiency in transport and storage, further minimizing emissions across the supply chain. Currently crafted from 100% recycled PET (rPET), Packamama’s bottles exemplify circularity and sustainability within the food and drink packaging industry.
With the launch of releaf®, Packamama advances sustainability in wine packaging. Releaf® provides a unique advantage: it is plant-based, recyclable, and boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional materials such as glass or virgin plastics. Furthermore, beyond its eco-friendly attributes, releaf® possesses superior barrier properties, ensuring wine quality is well preserved, making it an optimal choice for premium, sustainable packaging.
To facilitate this groundbreaking development, Packamama has secured a AU$1 million grant from the Australian government. Supported by Avantium, this funding comes under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) aimed at aiding Packamama’s efforts to decarbonize Australian wine packaging. This international recognition, coupled with governmental support, highlights the increasing global interest in sustainable packaging solutions for food and drink.
“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, remarked: “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 iconic, premium packaging applications. We look forward to collaborating closely with Packamama to drive meaningful progress in sustainable food and drink packaging.”
