In the Netherlands, biobased chemical firm Avantium has officially opened the world’s first large-scale furandicarboxylic acid at Delfzijl.
The facility has the capacity to produce 5,000 tons of FDCA annually. The FDCA will be converted into plant-based and circular plastic polyethylene furanoate, a 100% plant-based polyester that can be used in several applications, including bottles, flexible films and textile fibers.
According to the PEFerence consortium, PEF has “exceptional” barrier and mechanical properties that allow for lightweighting and ensure a longer shelf life for packaged products.
The opening ceremony was attended by Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.