Avantium partnering to develop PEF-based yarns for Auping mattresses

Amsterdam-based renewable chemistry company Avantium N.V. recently announced a strategic collaboration with textile companies Auping, Monosuisse and Antex. Avantium says the aim of the partnership is to develop polyethylene furanoate- (PEF-) based yarns to be used in Auping mattresses.

According to Avantium, the partnership demonstrates the broad potential of fibers and yarns made from Avantium’s PEF across different application areas, supporting the introduction of PEF to the everyday life of consumers.

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Through the partnership, Avantium will spearhead the development, production, supply and recycling of PEF, a recyclable bioplastic compatible with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while textile developers Monosuisse and Antex will focus on creating PEF-based yarns. Monosuisse, headquartered in Switzerland, will specialize in monofilament PEF yarns, while Spain-based Antex will supply multifilament PEF yarns. Avantium says their expertise ensures high-quality, versatile materials for various textile applications. Netherlands-based Auping will test the design and manufacturing of mattresses utilizing the PEF-based fabric.

Avantium says Royal Auping is the largest developer and producer of personal sleep solutions in the Netherlands, and follows a circular business model that minimizes waste, pollution and material incineration. The company’s goal is to achieve a fully circular product range by 2030.

“As part of our sustainability roadmap, Auping continuously works to reduce our environmental impact,” says Auping researcher Geert Doorslag. “That is why we are constantly looking for innovative, sustainable solutions for our sleep products. The environmental features of PEF-based fabrics are unique and very promising to meet our sustainability and circularity goals. We look forward to working together with Avantium, Antex and Monosuisse to further develop circular Auping mattresses made from PEF-based yarns.”

Avantium’s Director of Business Development, Bineke Posthumus, says the company is proud to partner with the three firms.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to reducing the environmental impact of textile production,” Posthumus says. “By leveraging Avantium’s breakthrough technology and the collective expertise of our partners, we are poised to transform the textile landscape.”