Avantium Renewable Polymers, a division of the Netherlands-based renewable chemical process developer Avantium N.V. confirms its strategy to turn to high-value applications for polyethylene furanoate (PEF) by establishing a branch office in Japan. This branch office will operate under the name Avantium Japan K.K and will help to accommodate the development and marketing of PEF in high-value applications in the innovative Japanese packaging and electronics market.
Avantium has been active in the Japanese market for several years. Avantium Renewable Polymers has a long-term partnership with the Japanese chemical company Toyobo Co., Ltd for PEF polymerization and PEF film. Avantium also collaborates with Mitsui & Co., Ltd for the market development of PEF in high-value applications and the distribution of PEF to high-end Japanese consumer brands.
Japan is considered to be the key market for introducing innovative and advanced materials. Now that Avantium is entering the commercialization phase for PEF, the establishment of the Avantium Japan branch office will provide local support for Avantium’s Japanese customers. Avantium Japan K.K. will serve as the office for regulatory affairs and business development in Japan.
Industry veteran and experienced chemicals executive Jan Waninge has also been appointed the representative director of Avantium Japan K.K. A Japan expert, Jan Waninge worked for 31 years at DSM in various senior business roles, of which nearly 13 years were spent in Japan.
The establishment of Avantium Japan K.K. shows not only our commitment to the Japanese market but also shows our determination to develop high-value applications for PEF. Japan is a very innovative market, with a highly advanced packaging and electronics market. We have the ambition and expertise to bring PEF successfully to these high-value PEF markets and are very pleased that Jan Waninge will strengthen our team to lead our branch office in Japan, commented Marcel Lubben, Managing Director of Avantium Renewable Polymers.
