Instead of PET, PANGAIA launches a sustainable clothing series with 100% plant-based PEF!

On November 29, Avantium N.V., a leading technology provider in the field of renewable chemistry
.announced a partnership with PANGAIA, a company specializing in materials science and apparel. Under this partnership, PANGAIA will purchase Avantium’s plant-based recyclable material PEF (polyethylene furanoate) for use in their apparel range, with the goal of creating fossil fuel-free recyclable materials and products. PEF is made from FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) and will be produced at Avantium’s FDCA flagship facility. The world’s first commercial facility for FDCA is currently under construction in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, with large-scale production set to begin in the second half of 2024.

Avantium’s PEF is a 100% plant-based polymer with a wide range of applications such as bottles and packaging, films and textiles. Over the past year, Avantium has focused more on the development of PEF fibers and yarns, which can be used in a variety of applications, including fashion. PEF fiber can replace PET fiber, which accounts for approximately 54% (60.5 million tons) of global fiber production in 2021. PEF fits into the current infrastructure for polyester production and recycling; demonstrating a scalable future for renewable alternatives to fossil fuel-derived PET. PEF-based fibers have a significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel-based synthetic fibers and can also be recycled within existing assets.

Consumers are making increasingly conscious choices when purchasing clothing, providing a promising market opportunity for plant-based alternatives, including PEF.

PANGAIA is a B-certified company that brings problem-solving innovation to the world through its premium lifestyle products. As part of its Planet Positive philosophy, PANGAIA is committed to embracing a future that prioritizes renewable energy production and minimizes dependence on fossil fuels. As PANGAIA prioritizes the transition to preferred materials, it sees this development as an important step in improving its branded synthetic portfolio. PANGAIA
Collective commented: “PANGAIA places a strong emphasis on identifying innovative opportunities that help us replace traditional fossil fuel materials with materials that use renewable feedstocks. However, feedstocks solve part of the puzzle and can only be achieved by producing these feedstocks at scale and establishing circular business models , they can truly make an impact, and this is Avantium’s mission. The incredible expansion potential of leveraging PEF across a range of product categories by partnering with Avantium and their PEF materials led us to this partnership agreement. Once Avantium Our flagship factory is now operational and we look forward to introducing this innovative material.”

“We are delighted to partner with PANGAIA, a leading innovator in the materials and fashion industries, to enable consumers to wear PEF garments. Together we will demonstrate that PEF garments have huge potential to play a key role in reducing the fashion industry’s climate impact role. We look forward to our continued collaboration with such an innovative brand and supporting PANGAIA’s strong sustainability journey in the coming years. Tom, CEO of Avantium
“It will be very exciting to see consumers wearing PANGAIA’s PEF-based sustainable fashion in the future,” said van Aken.