PEF to debut in early 2026

Avantium has successfully completed a capital increase of 84.8 million euros, exceeding initial expectations and confirming investors’ confidence in the group’s strategy. The operation is part of the recently announced financing package and provides the company with a solid capital base to continue its growth path, with the goal of achieving group-level EBITDA break-even by 2027.

According to CEO Tom van Aken, the success of the transaction reflects the shared commitment to supporting the transition towards innovative and circular materials, in particular FDCA and PEF, two key molecules for green chemistry. “This operation marks an important milestone and confirms the confidence in our vision of a more sustainable future,” commented the executive.

On the industrial front, Avantium has already started production of MMF and is preparing for the completion of the start-up phase of its FDCA plant. Commercial operations will commence in the first quarter of 2026 and will mark the market debut of PEF, the 100% plant-based and fully recyclable polymer, which will be launched under the brand name releaf.

Thanks to mechanical and barrier properties superior to PET, PEF is set to find applications across multiple sectors – from food and beverage packaging to thin films and textiles – offering a concrete alternative to fossil-based polymers and contributing to reducing the environmental footprint of industry.