Avantium Unveils First Textile Prototypes in PEF with Casa da Malha and Lacatoni
Avantium has announced a collaboration with Portuguese textile manufacturer Casa da Malha and sportswear brand Lacatoni to develop and showcase textile prototypes made from PEF (polyethylene furanoate), Avantium's plant-based polymer marketed under the Releaf brand. The project combines Avantium's renewable polymer technology with Casa da Malha's expertise in advanced knitted fabrics and Lacatoni's experience in designing high-performance sportswear.
A Sportswear Prototype to Demonstrate PEF Applications
The three partners have developed a series of sportswear and textile prototypes incorporating PEF-based yarns and fabrics. Among the first tangible results is a sportswear prototype developed by Casa da Malha for Lacatoni, showcasing the potential of recyclable plant-based PEF in performance apparel applications. This prototype jersey was presented at the Milano Unica fair in Milan from July 7 to 9, 2026, one of the leading European textile fairs, as part of a broader range of textile prototypes intended to be showcased to brands, manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and consumers.
The Properties of PEF and Its Positioning in the Textile Sector
PEF is a recyclable, plant-based polymer made from renewable raw materials. The material offers an attractive combination of sustainability and performance characteristics, including excellent mechanical properties, making it a promising candidate for various textile applications. Casa da Malha is a Portuguese knitting company specialized in high-end circular knitted fabrics and innovative textile solutions. Lacatoni is a Portuguese sportswear brand and manufacturer that designs and supplies technical clothing, team outfits, and performance wear for a wide range of sports, operating both in Portugal and internationally.
Commercial Prospects for Renewable Materials
Laleh Maleki, Head of Business Development at Avantium, stated: 'We are excited to explore the potential of PEF in textiles with leading partners across the value chain. Collaborations like this help accelerate the development of new high-performance applications for renewable materials and bring them closer to commercial adoption.' Avantium develops and commercializes innovative technologies for the production of materials based on sustainable carbon raw materials, derived from biomass or CO₂ from the air. The most advanced technology is the YXY technology, which catalytically converts plant-based sugars into FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid), the key building block of sustainable PEF. Avantium has successfully demonstrated the YXY technology at its pilot plant in Geleen, Netherlands, and is in the process of starting up the world's first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands.
