Synvina JV by BASF and Avantium Invests in Antwerp FDCA Plant

7 October 2016

Key highlights

Synvina will invest a medium three-digit million Euro sum in a reference plant in Antwerp.
The plant will have an annual capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons.
Synvina will use Avantium's YXY process for FDCA production.
FDCA is used for PEF, suitable for food and beverage packaging.

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Joint Venture Formation

BASF and Avantium have formed a joint venture named Synvina, headquartered in Amsterdam, to produce and market furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and polyethylenefuranoate (PEF). The JV aims to establish leading positions in these markets.

Investment and Production

Synvina plans to invest a medium three-digit million Euro sum to build a reference plant at BASF’s Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. The plant will have an annual capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons and will use Avantium's YXY process for FDCA production.

Applications and Benefits

FDCA is a promising platform chemical for various applications, most notably for producing PEF. PEF offers improved barrier properties and higher mechanical strength compared to conventional plastics, making it suitable for food and beverage packaging, fibers for carpets and textiles, and other uses.

Partnerships and Development

Synvina will continue Avantium’s partnerships with leading brands to develop a complete supply chain for PEF. Collaborations include Toyobo for PEF films, Mitsui for PEF thin films and bottles in Japan, and ongoing development with The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, and ALPLA for PEF bottles.