The Netherlands-headed Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has announced a strategic partnership with Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation to drive the adoption of Avantium's plant-based materials furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and polyethylene furanoate (PEF), the latter marketed under the "releaf" brand, in the Japanese market. The partnership combines Avantium’s innovative technology with Sojitz Pla-Net’s extensive commercial network and expertise in plastics, packaging materials and sustainable solutions.
PEF is plant-based, recyclable, and offers superior barrier properties compared with conventional plastics, making it an attractive material for packaging, textiles, consumer goods, and other high-performance applications.
Key market for sustainable materials
Japan is a key market for sustainable materials, driven by increasing demand for renewable and circular packaging solutions.
As one of Japan’s leading plastics trading companies and part of the Sojitz Group, Sojitz Pla-Net will support market development and customer engagement for releaf across Japan, while also exploring opportunities to develop business with customers and partners in international markets jointly with Avantium.
Through this partnership, Avantium and Sojitz Pla-Net aim to accelerate awareness and adoption of releaf among Japanese brand owners, converters, packaging producers, and other value chain partners.
As a first step in their collaboration, Avantium and Sojitz Pla-Net will jointly participate in Sustainable Material Expo (SUSMA) 2026, taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2026 in Chiba, Japan, one of Japan’s leading exhibitions for sustainable materials.
At the event, the companies will showcase a range of PEF applications and engage with prospective customers and partners interested in next-generation plant-based materials.
Japan has long been an important market for Avantium, with strong interest in sustainable, high-performance materials. We are pleased to partner with Sojitz Pla-Net, whose extensive market knowledge, customer relationships, and sustainability focus make them an ideal partner to further expand opportunities for FDCA and PEF. While our initial focus is on Japan, we also look forward to exploring broader opportunities together through the international Sojitz network, commented Yuzhong Chen, Business Development Manager Asia at Avantium.
