Dutch renewable materials company Avantium has partnered with the Bottle Collective, a collaborative initiative focused on scaling fiber-based packaging solutions. The move aims to integrate Avantium’s plant-based polymer PEF into the Bottle Collective’s Dry Molded Fiber (DMF) bottle technology — a development seen as a significant step forward in sustainable packaging innovation.
Avantium’s polymer, polyethylene furanoate (PEF), is derived entirely from plant sources and is known for its high mechanical strength and excellent barrier properties. By using PEF as an inner liner in fiber-based bottles, the Bottle Collective seeks to extend shelf life, preserve carbonation in beverages, and reduce overall packaging material usage.
“Avantium’s innovative, plant-based polymer PEF offers exceptional sustainability and high-performance benefits for our Dry Molded Fiber bottles,” said Paulo Correia, Chief Technology Officer at Logoplaste, a member of the Bottle Collective. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to pioneering sustainable packaging solutions and leveraging cutting-edge materials like PEF to meet the evolving needs of our partners.”
The Bottle Collective was formed in 2023 by PA Consulting and PulPac, the Swedish IP firm behind Dry Molded Fiber technology. The DMF process transforms renewable pulp and cellulose into rigid packaging formats using minimal water and significantly less CO₂ than conventional plastic or wet-moulded alternatives. Since then, the initiative has attracted key industry players, including Logoplaste and global brands such as Diageo, Haleon, and Opella.
As a technical partner, Avantium will supply PEF for injection molding and blow-molding applications used in the inner liners of the bottles — a role considered pivotal for boosting both functional and environmental performance.
“Together with global brand partners such as Opella, Diageo, and Haleon, the Bottle Collective can fast-track the development of world-first Dry Molded Fiber bottles,” said Bineke Posthumus, Director of Business Development at Avantium. “Our polymer PEF can play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and performance of these bottles, offering superior barrier properties and mechanical strength. This partnership aligns perfectly with Avantium’s mission to create innovative, plant-based solutions that contribute to a circular economy.”
The long-term ambition of the Bottle Collective is to commercialize DMF bottles at scale. Keith Thornley, commercial lead for Dry Molded Fiber collectives at PA Consulting, commented: “We’re pleased to have Avantium join us as a technical partner in the Bottle Collective. Avantium’s participation aligns perfectly with our mission to fundamentally change the environmental footprint of packaging.”
The introduction of PEF-based liners into Dry Molded Fiber bottles represents an effort to move closer to fully renewable, recyclable, and high-performance packaging formats — a key concern for consumer goods companies navigating tightening environmental regulations and shifting consumer preferences.
