Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF)

Properties and Applications

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF), also called polyethylene furanoate, is an aromatic, (partially) biobased thermoplastic polyester that can be easily molded and thermoformed.¹ It can be produced by polycondensation of ethylene glycol and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The later can be derived from renewable feedstock (C₆ sugar).
PEF has many attractive properties including high strength and high puncture toughness, good heat resistance, as well as outstanding gas barrier properties which are superior to PET.² It also has a lower melting point and a higher glass transition temperature than PET, and thus has more attractive thermal and mechanical properties.

PEF is an interesting alternative to polyethylene terephthalte (PET).³ Since it is partially or fully produced from renewable feedstocks, it reduces the carbon footprint. Potential applications include fibers, films as well as food and beverage containers, in particular blow-molded bottles for carbonated soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Manufacturers & Distributors⁴

¹Other biobased furanoates with potential use in packaging applications include poly(isosorbide furanoate) (PIsF), poly(methyl-propylene furanoate)
(PMePF) and poly(1,4-cyclohexane-dimethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PCHDMF)⁴

²According to Avantium, PEF's gas and vapor permeability is 10 times (O₂), 4 times (CO₂) and 2 times (H₂O) lower than that of PET.

³According to Grand View Research, the global demand for polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is expected to reach almost 17,000 tons by 2022. 

⁴FDCA and PEF is currently (2018) produced on a pilot scale by a joint venture of Avantium, Synvina, and BASF. To ensure optimal product quality, Synvina plans to extend the pilot phase by 24 to 36 months.