January 23, 2026 14:56

Officially inaugurated in Delfzijl in October 2024 in the presence of the Queen of the Netherlands (see article), the demonstration plant for the production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from sugars is now expected to come on line in mid-2026.
First deliveries of polyethylene furanoate (PEF) polymer under existing off-take agreements are planned to begin in the second half of 2026.

The delay compared with the schedule announced last September, Avantium said, was caused by issues detected in certain titanium welds in the piping.
These problems emerged during commissioning and require additional work to ensure a safe and reliable start-up, resulting in extra costs estimated at €7 million. The Dutch company is reviewing contractual and legal provisions to potentially obtain compensation for these unexpected cost increases and delays.

Commissioning and start-up activities are continuing, the company reported. Utilities and the sugar dehydration unit are already operational, while current efforts are focused on bringing the oxidation and purification units on stream.

“We are taking all necessary measures to ensure a safe, reliable and high-quality start-up of the FDCA Flagship Plant. With the weld repair program underway and commissioning progressing well across all parts of the plant, we have a clear plan to complete start-up by mid-2026. This will enable us to begin commercial product sales in the second half of 2026,” says Hero de Jager, interim Chief Operating Officer of Avantium.

Using FDCA produced from biobased feedstocks, Avantium will manufacture polyethylene furanoate (PEF) under the Releaf brand. The polymer is similar to PET but offers superior barrier properties for packaging applications. While it is not biodegradable at end of life, the use of renewable raw materials reduces the carbon footprint of both the material and the resulting packaging.

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