Avantium N.V., a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has signed a multi-year capacity reservation agreement with BIOVOX, a developer of sustainable healthcare plastics, to supply polyethylene furanoate (PEF) for pharmaceutical applications.

Under the agreement, BIOVOX will use Avantium’s PEF in various pharmaceutical and medical uses, securing preferred access to future volumes produced by Avantium’s licensed partners. This PEF will be manufactured at industrial scale under license from Avantium, following the commercialization of its proprietary FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) production process.

Avantium has branded its FDCA technology as Releaf®, the core of its YXY® Technology platform. The company recently completed construction of the world’s first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands, and has initiated the plant’s startup phase. This facility is key to Avantium’s licensing model, enabling global industrial-scale production of FDCA and PEF by partners.

The agreement with BIOVOX reinforces Avantium’s growing portfolio of capacity reservation agreements and reflects rising commercial interest in FDCA and PEF. These agreements are instrumental to Avantium’s strategy of scaling through technology licensing.

BIOVOX, a supplier of renewable, medical-grade polymers and compounds, has assessed PEF for pharmaceutical and medical packaging. The material presents notable sustainability benefits over conventional petrochemical-based alternatives and supports the healthcare sector’s transition to greener solutions.

PEF is a 100% plant-based, high-performance polymer that is recyclable within existing PET recycling systems. It offers a significantly reduced carbon footprint and superior performance compared to commonly used monomaterials like PVC, PET and PP. PEF's outstanding barrier properties enhance the protection of pharmaceutical products, while its mechanical strength and chemical resistance contribute to packaging durability and safety.

“Partnering with Avantium secures access to a groundbreaking sustainable material for our customers in pharmaceutical, medical and laboratory sectors,” said Dr. Julian Lotz, CEO of BIOVOX. “This agreement supports our commitment to delivering best-in-class sustainability and patient safety. PEF allows us to address demanding applications where renewable materials previously fell short, while even reducing material usage.”

Bineke Posthumus, commercial director of Avantium Renewable Polymers, added: “Our collaboration with BIOVOX highlights the broad applicability of FDCA and PEF. Through our licensed plants, we are able to deliver high-performance, eco-friendly packaging solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. We look forward to the positive impact of PEF in BIOVOX’s innovative applications.”

BIOVOX is the pioneering company to introduce biopolymer-based engineering plastics specifically for the healthcare sector. It develops and manufactures sustainable plastic compounds designed for medical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory use. These materials are derived from renewable resources, are recyclable, and comply with stringent regulatory standards, including ISO 13485 certification for quality management.