Avantium N.V. has signed a capacity reservation agreement with Packamama, marking a new step in the development of lower-carbon packaging solutions for the wine industry. Under the agreement, Packamama will secure future volumes of Avantium’s plant-based and recyclable polymer PEF (polyethylene furanoate), marketed as releaf®, produced at licensed facilities using Avantium’s proprietary YXY® Technology.
The collaboration brings together Avantium’s bio-based polymer technology and Packamama’s established presence in lightweight, alternative wine bottles. Packamama’s bottles are designed to reduce emissions compared with traditional glass formats, combining a shatterproof structure with a flat-pack geometry that improves transport and storage efficiency. To date, the company has focused on bottles made from 100% recycled PET, positioning itself as a proponent of circular packaging in the wine sector.
By introducing releaf® into its development pipeline, Packamama aims to further reduce the environmental footprint of its packaging. According to the companies, releaf® is plant-based, recyclable and offers a lower carbon footprint than conventional materials such as glass or virgin plastics. In addition, the polymer’s barrier properties are positioned as suitable for protecting wine quality, supporting its use in premium packaging applications.
The project has also received public-sector backing in Australia. Packamama has secured an AU$1 million grant from the Australian government under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), with support from Avantium. The funding is intended to advance efforts to decarbonise wine packaging in Australia and reflects growing governmental interest in alternatives to traditional glass bottles.
“Packamama is delighted to partner with Avantium to bring the plant-based polymer releaf® into our wine bottle solutions,” said Santiago Navarro, CEO and founder of Packamama. “We have been searching for a material that meets our performance standards and sustainability requirements, and is made from plants. We believe that releaf® offers a unique combination of high performance, environmental responsibility, and appealing consumer messaging.”
From Avantium’s perspective, the agreement is positioned as a validation of releaf® in high-visibility consumer packaging. “Packamama’s innovative approach to wine packaging and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner for Avantium,” said Bineke Posthumus, commercial director at Avantium. “Their decision to test and adopt releaf® is a strong endorsement of our material’s potential to transform to iconic, premium packaging applications. We look forward to working closely with Packamama to drive meaningful progress in sustainable packaging.”
The capacity reservation agreement signals Packamama’s intention to move beyond recycled PET towards next-generation bio-based polymers, while giving Avantium further exposure in branded, consumer-facing packaging markets where carbon reduction and material innovation are increasingly central to purchasing decisions.
