Avantium

Company Description

Avantium is a renewable chemistry company developing plant-based plastics to replace fossil fuel-derived materials. The company's breakthrough technology converts plant sugars into FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), which is then used to make PEF (polyethylene furanoate)—a 100% plant-based, recyclable plastic that outperforms conventional PET in key properties. PEF, sold under the brand name Releaf, offers superior barrier properties against oxygen and CO2 compared to PET, making it ideal for beverage bottles, food packaging, and fiber applications. Because it's made from plant sugars rather than petroleum, PEF has a significantly lower carbon footprint. In October 2024, Avantium opened the world's first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands, inaugurated by Queen Máxima. This flagship facility can produce 5,000 tons of FDCA annually. Founded in 2000 in Amsterdam by Claude Stoufs, Avantium spent over two decades developing and scaling its YXY Technology platform. The company went public on Euronext Amsterdam in 2017 to fund its transition from R&D to commercial production. Avantium operates R&D laboratories in Amsterdam and pilot plants in Geleen and Delfzijl. Headquartered in Amsterdam with approximately 300 employees, Avantium is led by CEO Tom van Aken, with Hero de Jager joining as interim COO in January 2026 to oversee the flagship plant's ramp-up. The company aims to reach €100 million in revenue and EBITDA profitability by 2026, positioning itself as a pioneer in the nascent bio-based plastics industry.