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Recyclability of PET/PEF Multilayer Barrier Bottles Gets Further Validation

Europe’s RecyClass considers PET/PEF multilayer bottles to be fully recyclable in the PET stream.

Matthew Naitove
Matthew Naitove
Contributing Editor, Plastics Technology

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N.V. of the Netherlands, maker of Releaf polyethylene furanoate (PEF), reports that a multilayer PET bottle design containing 100% plant-based PEF polyester is now recognized in Europe as fully recyclable in the PET waste stream.

, a nonprofit initiative for plastics circularity based in Brussels, Belgium, reached that conclusion after lab tests of Avantium’s multilayer bottle containing PET and a 10% inner layer of Releaf RP90N PEF. RecyClass collaborates with the U.S.-based  (APR) to harmonize recyclability recommendations and testing procedures. APR gave Critical Guidance Recognition of recyclability to Avantium’s PEF in 2023.

PET bottles with a 10% inner layer of bio-based, high-barrier PEF polyester can be recycled together with standard PET bottles. Source: Avantium

Many multilayer PET bottles currently include nylon as a barrier layer for added shelf life, which can cause issues when added to the PET recycling stream. PEF alleviates that problem, according to Avantium. Besides being clear like PET, 100% bio-based PEF boasts much better oxygen, CO2 and moisture barrier than PET, as well as substantially higher stiffness, strength and heat resistance, the company says.

Avantium catalytically converts plant sugars into the precursor for PEF at a pilot plant in the Netherlands and says it’s starting up the world's first commercial plant for the precursor.

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