02 Oct 26
Avantium has produced the first FDCA at its new Delfzijl facility in the Netherlands, moving the project from commissioning into operational start-up and product qualification.
FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) is the principal building block for PEF, a polyester developed for applications including bottles, films and other packaging. PEF can be produced from renewable feedstocks and is being developed as an alternative to conventional PET in selected applications.
All major process units have been successfully commissioned, according to Avantium’s 28 September announcement. The company will now produce additional batches while completing qualification work against customer specifications and progressing towards continuous operation.
The facility is described by Avantium as the world’s first commercial-scale plant for furandicarboxylic acid, or FDCA. The monomer is the key building block for polyethylene furanoate, or PEF, which Avantium markets under its releaf brand.
Commercial sales are expected to begin toward the end of 2026. The company said operating the technology at commercial scale will also support discussions with prospective licensing partners. Avantium previously demonstrated its FDCA technology at a pilot plant in Geleen.
GC Intelligence publishes monthly price and forecast reports for European engineering resins: assessments, 10-month forecasts and market analysis. Request a free trial