The Netherlands-headed Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has announced that it has entered into a capacity reservation agreement with Packamama, the UK- and Australia-based innovator in sustainable wine packaging.
Packamama is internationally recognised for its lightweight, shatterproof, and fully recyclable bottles, which significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional glass bottles.
The company’s distinctive flat-pack bottle design optimises space efficiency in transport and storage, further reducing emissions across the supply chain.
Currently made from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), Packamama’s bottles support circularity and sustainability in the wine sector.
Sustainable and circular packaging
Through this collaboration, Packamama will secure future volumes of Avantium’s plant-based and recyclable polymer polyethylene furanoate (PEF), branded as “releaf”, from licensed plants using Avantium’s proprietary “YXY Technology” for the production of releaf.
By combining Avantium’s breakthrough material with Packamama’s expertise in innovative, lower-emission wine bottles, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of next-generation, low-carbon footprint packaging solutions for the wine industry.
With the introduction of releaf, Packamama takes sustainable innovation in wine packaging to another level.
According to Avantium, its releaf offers a unique sustainability advantage: it is plant-based, recyclable, and delivers a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional materials such as glass or conventional, virgin plastics.
Beyond its environmental benefits, releaf provides superior barrier properties that protect wine quality, making it an ideal choice for premium, sustainable packaging.
Packamama is delighted to partner with Avantium to bring the plant-based polymer releaf into our wine bottle solutions. 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, said Santiago Navarro, CEO and Founder at Packamama.
Development grant secured
To support this development, Packamama has secured an AU$1 million grant from the Australian government.
This grant, which Avantium supported, was awarded under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) and provides support to Packamama’s efforts to decarbonize Australian wine packaging.
This international recognition and governmental support underscore the growing global interest in sustainable wine packaging solutions.
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 to iconic, premium packaging applications. We look forward to working closely with Packamama to drive meaningful progress in sustainable packaging, commented Bineke Posthumus, Commercial Director at Avantium.
