Avantium signs agreement with Sojitz to distribute plant-based materials in Japan
Avantium has sealed a commercial agreement with Japanese company Sojitz Pla-Net to develop the distribution of its plant-based materials FDCA and PEF on the Japanese market.
The operation comes following the completion of the commissioning of the latest unit of its commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, announced on September 7, 2026.
A commercial partnership targeting the Japanese market
On September 8, 2026, Avantium N.V., a Dutch company specializing in renewable and circular polymer materials, announced a strategic partnership with Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation.
The agreement aims to support the adoption of Avantium's plant-based materials FDCA and PEF (marketed under the releaf brand) in Japan. Sojitz Pla-Net, a plastics trading company affiliated with the Sojitz group, is to support market development and customer engagement for releaf across the country.
The partnership also provides for exploring opportunities for joint development with customers and partners on international markets, through the Sojitz network.
FDCA and PEF: composition and properties of releaf materials
FDCA (furanedicarboxylic acid) is a plant-based component used in the production of PEF (polyethylene furanoate), Avantium's flagship polymer marketed under the releaf brand. According to the company, PEF is plant-based, recyclable and offers superior barrier properties compared to conventional plastics, for applications in packaging, textiles and consumer goods.
As a first step in the collaboration, Avantium and Sojitz Pla-Net will jointly participate in the Sustainable Material Expo (SUSMA) 2026, which will be held from September 30 to October 2, 2026 in Chiba, Japan.
