By Plasteurope.com correspondent

Dutch chemicals group Avantium (Amsterdam; www.avantium.com) said it is partnering with Spanish textile group Antex (Anglès; www.antex.net) and Swiss fabric and yarn producer Monosuisse (Emmen; www.monosuisse.com) to produce yarns based on Avantium’s polyethylene furanoate (PEF) material.

The plan is for Avantium to spearhead the development, production, supply, and recycling of the plant-based biopolymer, the company said, with Antex in charge of multifilament yarns and Monosuisse to focus on monofilament yarns.

The yarns will then be supplied to the final partner, Dutch mattress maker Auping (Deventer; www.auping.com), who plans to test the design and manufacturing of mattresses using PEF-based fabric.

Avantium develops and commercialises technology innovations for the production of materials based on sustainable carbon feedstocks. Its YXY Technology is said to catalytically convert plant-based sugars into furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a key building block for PEF.

Related: Avantium inks deal with compatriot firm to develop PEF packaging

The Dutch group has successfully demonstrated the technology at its domestic pilot plant in Geleen, and is currently constructing what it calls the world’s first commercial plant for FDCA. An official opening ceremony for the FDCA flagship plant is scheduled for 22 October 2024, the company said.