The Netherlands-headed Avantium N.V., a leading company in renewable and circular polymer materials, has announced collaboration with Japan-headed Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd (Kirin) to explore the use of Avantium’s biobased polyethylene furanoate (PEF) for packaging of the Kirin product portfolio.
In beverages, Kirin is known for brands such as Kirin Ichiban (beer), Nama Cha, Gogo no Kōcha (teas), and Bon Rouge (wine).
The partnership with Avantium focuses on R&D activities to explore the application of Avantium’s 100 percent plant-based and recyclable material polyethylene furanoate (PEF), known under the brand name Releaf, to the bottles and other packages of Kirin’s product portfolio.
Deepen existing collaboration
PEF has been known to Kirin’s R&D team for over a decade. Recognizing its superior barrier properties, higher mechanical strength, and lower processing temperature, Kirin began working with Avantium in 2020 to explore the potential of PEF for its product portfolio.
Over the past three years, Avantium and Kirin have engaged in a productive collaboration, working on polyethylene furanoate/polyethylene terephthalate (PEF/PET) multilayer applications, PET/PET blending, and PEF monolayer evaluation.
These efforts have been directed towards verifying the recyclability, barrier properties, and formability of PEF. The results have been promising.
Kirin has decided to intensify the collaboration with Avantium by broadening PEF evaluation to various types of containers for Kirin group’s products.
Integrate PEF into PET recycling
Kirin is furthermore providing support to Avantium in their effort to integrate PEF recycling within the current PET stream in Japan, as part of the application process to the Japanese Council for PET Bottle Recycling (CPBR).
Avantium has already secured such allowance for PEF in the PET recycling stream in Europe, recognized by the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP), and in the USA, acknowledged by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).
Avantium’s application to CPBR will add a new environmentally favourable package alternative to Japan’s beverage industry. Kirin has been a leading company in Japan in sustainable practices, for example by developing sustainable containers and packaging that employ recycled materials and biobased feedstocks. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Kirin’s Environmental Vision 2050, which seeks to create a positive impact on nature and people: it will not only enhance the sustainability of Kirin’s packaging but also contribute to a circular economy of our society, said Masaki Nakaya, Unit General Manager of the Institute for Package Innovation at Kirin’s Research & Development Division.
The collaboration between Avantium and Kirin is a testament to both companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Kirin’s decision for this partnership underlines the shared vision of a circular economy and the use of sustainable resources.
We are deeply grateful for Kirin’s support of Avantium’s application to the CPBR for PEF recycling within the PET stream in Japan. Working alongside Kirin Group, a company that exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and innovation, is an honour. The consideration of our plant-based, recyclable PEF in Kirin’s packaging is a significant step toward a sustainable future for all. We believe that every consumer has the right to enjoy their favourite products, knowing that the packaging is not only safe and high-quality but also kind to our planet, said Yuzhong Chen, Business Development Manager Asia at Avantium.
