Avantium has partnered with the Bottle Collective to highlight innovative fiber bottles created through dry molded fiber (DMF) technology.
As part of this collaboration, Avantium’s groundbreaking, plant-based polymer, PEF (polyethylene furanoate), will be integrated into the DMF bottle manufacturing process. This integration enhances both the barrier performance and sustainability of the bottles.
The Bottle Collective was established in 2023 by PA Consulting, an international innovation and transformation consultancy, alongside PulPac, a Swedish R&D firm specializing in the proprietary production of dry molded fiber.
PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology utilizes renewable pulp and cellulose resources to manufacture cost-effective, high-performance fiber-based packaging solutions.
Importantly, this process generates significantly less CO2 compared to traditional plastic and wet molding methods, with an almost negligible water usage during production.
In 2024, LogoPlaste, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable rigid packaging solutions, joined the Bottle Collective. Specializing in injection molding and blowing, LogoPlaste has helped the collective create its first functioning prototypes.
Further strengthening the initiative, leading global brands such as Diageo, Opella, and Haleon have also joined the Bottle Collective, focusing on the ongoing development and scaling of fiber bottles.
Avantium will supply PEF for use in injection molding and blowing liners for these fiber bottles, enhancing the overall sustainability of food and beverage packaging.
PEF stands out as a 100% plant-based, fully recyclable polymer with exceptional barrier properties. As a result, it serves as an ideal material for sustainable packaging solutions. Avantium emphasizes that PEF not only fosters sustainability but also offers superior barrier properties that preserve the taste and carbonation of beverages, thereby extending shelf life. Additionally, PEF boasts greater mechanical strength than conventional plastics, enabling thinner packaging—which minimizes material usage.
PA Consulting is dedicated to scaling dry molded fiber packaging and delivering these innovative bottles to global consumers.
Keith Thornley, commercial lead for dry molded fiber collectives at PA Consulting, states: “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, adds: “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 of business development at Avantium, remarks: “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.”