Avantium Starts Up Its Delfzijl FDCA Flagship Plant, Produces First Batch

Avantium has successfully started up its FDCA Flagship Plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, and produced its first batch of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), marking a major step toward commercial-scale production of renewable and circular polymer materials.

The first production batch was announced on September 28, 2026, following the successful commissioning of all major process units at the facility. Avantium describes the Delfzijl plant as the world's first commercial-scale facility dedicated to FDCA production.

The milestone moves the project from commissioning into operational start-up and product qualification, with commercial FDCA sales anticipated toward the end of 2026.

First FDCA Batch Marks Start of Commercial-Scale Operations

The production of the first FDCA batch represents an important milestone for Avantium's flagship facility.

Before production could begin, the company completed commissioning of the plant's major process units. The purification unit was the final major process area to be commissioned earlier in September, allowing the facility to progress toward integrated start-up and initial production.

With the first batch now successfully produced, Avantium will focus on optimizing plant operations, producing additional batches and preparing the product for customer qualification.

The company plans to gradually move from batch production toward continuous operations as the facility progresses through its ramp-up phase.

What Is FDCA?

Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a renewable chemical building block that can be used to produce polyethylene furanoate (PEF).

PEF is a bio-based polymer that can be used in applications where conventional petroleum-derived plastics such as PET are currently used. Avantium produces FDCA using its proprietary YXY® Technology, which converts plant-based sugars into the chemical building block.

The company markets PEF under the releaf® brand.

FDCA and PEF are attracting interest from the packaging and polymer industries because they provide a route toward materials based on renewable carbon rather than relying entirely on fossil-based feedstocks.

Avantium's YXY® Technology Moves Toward Commercial Validation

The Delfzijl plant is an important test of Avantium's YXY® Technology at commercial scale.

The technology uses catalytic processes to convert renewable carbon from plant-based sugars into FDCA. The resulting FDCA can then serve as the primary building block for PEF production.

Producing the first FDCA batches under commercial operating conditions allows Avantium to begin validating the technology at the scale required for industrial production. The company expects successful start-up and qualification to support the further commercialization and licensing of its technology internationally.

From Plant Commissioning to Product Qualification

The completion of plant commissioning does not mean the facility has immediately reached full production capacity.

Avantium is now entering a product qualification and operating program. During this phase, the company will evaluate production performance and ensure that the FDCA produced meets customer specifications.

The company will also optimize operating conditions as it moves from initial batch production toward continuous operations.

This qualification process is important because downstream customers need consistent product quality before commercial volumes can be incorporated into their manufacturing processes.

Commercial FDCA Sales Expected by End of 2026

Avantium expects to begin commercial FDCA sales toward the end of 2026, subject to the successful completion of start-up and product qualification activities.

The first batches will therefore serve an important role in both operational optimization and customer qualification.

The company has existing commercial relationships and offtake arrangements for its FDCA and is preparing the product for delivery once qualification requirements are completed.

Full Production Ramp-Up Will Take Time

Although the first production batch has now been completed, Avantium expects the plant to require 12 to 24 months after start-up to reach full design capacity.

The gradual ramp-up will allow the company to optimize production processes, establish stable operating conditions and increase output progressively.

This means the immediate availability of commercial-scale FDCA will initially be limited while the plant moves through its qualification and ramp-up stages.

As production increases, the facility is expected to provide a larger supply of FDCA for downstream PEF production.

Potential Impact on the PEF Market

The start-up of the Delfzijl facility represents an important development for the emerging PEF market.

PEF has been investigated for applications including packaging, bottles, films and other polymer products. Its development depends on the availability of FDCA at commercial scale.

A dedicated commercial-scale FDCA facility can therefore provide an important link between renewable feedstock technology and downstream polymer manufacturing.

As Avantium increases production, the availability of FDCA could support companies developing and commercializing PEF-based products.

Interest From Packaging and Polymer Companies

The development of the Delfzijl plant is taking place alongside growing interest in renewable and circular packaging materials.

Avantium has already entered into agreements with companies involved in the downstream value chain. In September 2026, for example, the company announced a capacity reservation agreement with Klöckner Pentaplast related to PEF applications in food packaging.

Such agreements can provide downstream customers with access to future PEF capacity while Avantium develops commercial-scale FDCA production.

The combination of FDCA production and downstream PEF partnerships is intended to help establish a broader commercial value chain around renewable polymer materials.

Delfzijl Plant Strengthens Avantium's Commercialization Strategy

The Delfzijl facility is central to Avantium's strategy of moving its renewable chemistry technologies from laboratory and pilot-scale development toward commercial production.

The company previously demonstrated its YXY® Technology at its pilot plant in Geleen, the Netherlands.

The new facility takes the technology to a much larger industrial scale, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the production process under commercial operating conditions.

Successful operation of the plant could also support Avantium's plans to license its technology to partners in other geographical markets.

A New Stage for Renewable Polymer Production

The production of the first FDCA batch represents a transition from construction and commissioning to actual manufacturing.

For Avantium, the immediate priorities are clear: optimize the plant, produce additional FDCA, complete customer qualification and prepare for commercial sales.

For the wider chemical and polymer industries, the project provides another development in the movement toward renewable-carbon-based materials.

The commercial success of FDCA and PEF will ultimately depend on production reliability, customer qualification, economics, downstream manufacturing capabilities and market adoption.

What Happens Next?

Avantium's next phase will focus on several key activities:

• Producing additional FDCA batches

• Optimizing plant operations

• Completing product qualification

• Transitioning toward continuous production

• Preparing for commercial FDCA sales

• Increasing production toward design capacity

• Advancing global licensing discussions

The company expects commercial sales toward the end of 2026, while full design-capacity ramp-up is expected to take approximately 12 to 24 months following start-up.

Conclusion

Avantium's successful production of the first FDCA batch at its Delfzijl Flagship Plant marks a major milestone in the commercialization of renewable polymer technology.

The facility is described by Avantium as the world's first commercial-scale FDCA production plant and represents the next stage in the company's development of its YXY® Technology.

With all major process units commissioned, Avantium has now moved into operational start-up, product qualification and production ramp-up. Commercial FDCA sales are anticipated toward the end of 2026, while reaching full design capacity is expected to take approximately 12 to 24 months.

The development could provide a larger commercial supply of FDCA, supporting the production of PEF and the development of renewable and circular polymer applications. It also gives Avantium an opportunity to demonstrate its technology at industrial scale and advance licensing discussions with potential partners around the world.