Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: Analysis By Application (Bottles, Fibers, and Films), By Type (Plant-Based and Bio-Based), By Region Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast up to 2029

Description

List of Tables

The global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market was valued at US$32.54 million in 2023. The market value is expected to reach US$48.86 million by 2029. Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) is an innovative, bio-based polymer that has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Its eco-friendly origins and unique properties make PEF a promising material in addressing the global demand for sustainable and biodegradable solutions.

In the forthcoming years, the PEF market is expected to witness robust growth due to several emerging trends and opportunities. The increasing focus on circular economy principles and the growing emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint across industries will drive the adoption of bio-based materials like PEF. Moreover, technological advancements in polymerization processes are likely to reduce production costs, making PEF more competitive with conventional polymers. The expansion of the e-commerce sector is anticipated to boost demand for sustainable packaging solutions, providing additional impetus for market growth. Furthermore, the integration of PEF in applications beyond packaging, such as textiles and automotive parts, is expected to create new growth avenues. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 7% during the forecasted period of 2024-2029.

Market Segmentation Analysis:

By Application: The report provides the bifurcation of the global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market based on the application: Bottles, Fibers, and Films. The bottles segment has dominated the polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market and is expected to be the fastest-growing application due to its alignment with global sustainability goals and its superior performance characteristics compared to conventional PET bottles. PEF bottles exhibit excellent barrier properties, significantly reducing the permeability of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which enhances the shelf life of beverages such as carbonated drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages. This makes PEF an attractive alternative for the food and beverage industry, which is under growing pressure to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, the increasing consumer preference for bio-based and recyclable products is driving the demand

By Type: The report provides the segmentation of the market based on the following type: Bio-Based and Plant Based. The bio-based segment held the highest share in the polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market and is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the forthcoming years due to the increasing global emphasis on sustainable and renewable materials. PEF derived from bio-based sources, such as agricultural feedstocks, offers a significant reduction in carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastics, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious industries. This segment benefits from growing consumer awareness about plastic pollution and the need for alternatives with minimal environmental impact. The food and beverage packaging industry, in particular, has been a major driver for bio-based PEF due to its superior barrier properties and sustainability credentials.

By Region: The report provides insight into the polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market based on the following regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. China has been a driving force in the growth of the Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) market, primarily due to its large-scale industrial capacity, strong demand for sustainable packaging, and governmental emphasis on reducing environmental pollution. As the largest producer and consumer of plastics globally, China has been increasingly investing in bio-based alternatives like PEF to address the environmental challenges posed by conventional plastics. The country's robust food and beverage industry, which requires high-performance and sustainable packaging solutions, has been a key contributor to the demand for PEF.

Germany's advanced R&D capabilities and collaborations with global bio-based polymer innovators have also played a crucial role in enhancing the scalability and cost-efficiency of PEF production. Furthermore, Germany has a long and strong reputation for producing high-quality knitted apparel fabrics, synthetic yarns, and apparel accessories. It is also one of the largest apparel exporters. One of the distinguishing features of the German clothing industry is the shift in production from cheap, mass-produced clothing to high-quality products and a focus on sustainability and bio-based. This is likely to contribute to the adoption of raw materials such as PEF. The US is a major contributor to plastic pollution in the world. Less than 5% of the total waste generated is recycled in the country. The growing concerns related to plastic pollution have led to the development of bioplastics in the country. The US Department of Agriculture has offered a range of support programs to increase the research, development, and buyer or consumer awareness of bioplastics derived from raw materials such as sugarcane and other agricultural produce. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the country has a total of 30 inventions filed in the polyethylene furanoate (PEF) industry. Companies such as Procter and Gamble, DuPont, Kriegel Robert, and others have invested in technological developments in the field of PEF in the country. Procter & Gamble (P&G) has developed PEF that is used in applications such as disposable articles, fibrous webs, and packaging material.

Market Dynamics:

Growth Drivers: The global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market has been growing over the past few years, due to factors such as booming e-commerce industry, increasing demand in food and beverages industry, increasing demand for high-performance material in automotive sector, favorable government regulation and policies, increasing awareness related to toxic issues of petrochemical, and many other factors. As e-commerce continues to expand, the volume of products being shipped, particularly in sectors like food, beverages, and consumer goods, has surged. This has created a heightened need for packaging materials that are both functional and environmentally friendly. PEF, with its superior barrier properties, biodegradability, and recyclability, is increasingly being adopted as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in e-commerce packaging. Companies are under pressure to meet consumer expectations for eco-friendly solutions, and PEF's ability to protect products during transit while reducing environmental impact aligns with this demand.

Challenges: However, the market growth would be negatively impacted by various challenges such as dominant market presence of conventional plastic, higher cost associated with the production process of PEF, etc. The dominant market presence of conventional plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), significantly hampers the growth of the global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market. Conventional plastics have established themselves as the primary choice for packaging and other applications due to their low cost, large-scale production infrastructure, and widespread availability. The global production capacity for traditional plastics far exceeds that of PEF, providing economies of scale that make PET and other petrochemical-based materials more cost-competitive.

Trends: The market is projected to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period, due to technological advancements in PEF production, shifting consumer preferences toward eco-friendly products, advancements in bio-based polymers, etc. Advancements in bio-based polymers are poised to significantly accelerate the growth of the global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market by enhancing production efficiency, scalability, and material properties. Technological innovations in the synthesis of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), the key precursor to PEF, have enabled the development of cost-effective and sustainable production methods. These advancements have improved the yield of FDCA from renewable feedstocks like sugars, agricultural residues, and other biomass, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering production costs.

Impact Analysis of COVID-19 and Way Forward:

In 2020, the market value of PEF declined due to the global economic slowdown and operational challenges faced by end-user industries such as food & beverages, packaging, and consumer goods. The widespread lockdowns, restricted industrial activities, and reduced consumer spending during the early months of the pandemic resulted in delayed or canceled projects, negatively affecting the market. However, investments in bio-based industries and technological advancements in PEF production accelerated in the post-COVID-19 era, helping reduce costs and improve scalability. As global economies prioritized sustainability and green investments, the PEF market witnessed robust growth, transitioning from pandemic-induced challenges to long-term opportunities driven by a collective shift toward environmental responsibility.

Competitive Landscape:

The global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market is consolidated in nature, with top players operating globally and dominating the market with patented technologies. The key players in the global polyethylene furanoate (PEF) market are:

Avantium N.V.

Stora Enso

Toyobo Co. Ltd.

Sulzer

Origin Materials, Inc.

Alpla Group

Sukano

AVA Biochem AG

Swicofil AG

Leading companies, including Avantium, are heavily investing in research and development to enhance the material's properties and expand its application scope. These players are leveraging advancements in bio-based polymers to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, collaborations between manufacturers and end-use industries, such as food and beverages and cosmetics, are driving innovation in PEF-based packaging.

1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction

2.1 Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF): An Overview
- 2.1.1 Introduction to Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF)
2.2 Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Segmentation: An Overview

3. Global Market Analysis

3.1 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Analysis
- 3.1.1 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Overview
- 3.1.2 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 3.1.3 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Application (Bottles, Fibers, and Films)
- 3.1.4 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Type (Bio-Based and Plant-Based)
- 3.1.5 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region (Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa)
3.2 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: Application Analysis
- 3.2.1 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Application: An Overview
- 3.2.2 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Bottles Market by Value
- 3.2.3 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Fibers Market by Value
- 3.2.4 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Films Market by Value
3.3 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: Type Analysis
- 3.3.1 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Type: An Overview
- 3.3.2 Global Bio-Based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 3.3.3 Global Plant-Based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value

4. Regional Market Analysis

4.1 Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Analysis
- 4.1.1 Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Overview
- 4.1.2 Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.1.3 Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region (China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of the Asia Pacific)
- 4.1.4 China Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.1.5 India Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.1.6 Japan Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.1.7 South Korea Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.1.8 Rest of Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
4.2 Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Analysis
- 4.2.1 Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Overview
- 4.2.2 Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.2.3 Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region (Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Rest of the Europe)
- 4.2.4 Germany Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.2.5 The UK Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.2.6 France Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.2.7 Italy Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.2.8 Rest of Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
4.3 North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Analysis
- 4.3.1 North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Overview
- 4.3.2 North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.3.3 North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region (The US, Canada, and Mexico)
- 4.3.4 The US Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.3.5 Canada Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
- 4.3.6 Mexico Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
4.4 Latin America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Analysis
- 4.4.1 Latin America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Overview
- 4.4.2 Latin America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value
4.5 Middle East & Africa Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Analysis
- 4.5.1 Middle East & Africa Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: An Overview
- 4.5.2 Middle East & Africa Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value

5. Impact of COVID-19

5.1 Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market
5.2 Post COVID-19 Impact on the Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market

6. Market Dynamics

6.1 Growth Drivers
- 6.1.1 Booming E-Commerce Industry
- 6.1.2 Increasing Demand in Food and Beverages Industry
- 6.1.3 Increasing Demand for High-Performance Material in Automotive Sector
- 6.1.4 Escalating Apparel Industry
- 6.1.5 Favorable Government Regulation and Policies
- 6.1.6 Increasing Awareness Related to Toxic Issues of Petrochemical
6.2 Challenges
- 6.2.1 Dominant Market Presence of Conventional Plastic
- 6.2.2 Higher Cost Associated with the Production Process of PEF
6.3 Market Trends
- 6.3.1 Technological Advancements in PEF Production
- 6.3.2 Economic Diversification and Industrial Transition
- 6.3.3 Shifting Consumer Preferences Toward Eco-friendly Products
- 6.3.4 Advancements in Bio-based Polymers
- 6.3.5 Growing Demand for Bio-based Polymers in the Medical Sector

7. Competitive Landscape

7.1 Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market: Competitive Landscape

8. Company Profiles

8.1 Avantium N.V.
- 8.1.1 Business Overview
- 8.1.2 Operating Segments
- 8.1.3 Business Strategy
8.2 Stora Enso
- 8.2.1 Business Overview
- 8.2.2 Operating Segments
- 8.2.3 Business Strategy
8.3 Toyobo Co. Ltd.
- 8.3.1 Business Overview
- 8.3.2 Operating Segments
- 8.3.3 Business Strategy
8.4 Sulzer
- 8.4.1 Business Overview
- 8.4.2 Sales by Division
- 8.4.3 Business Strategy
8.5 Origin Materials, Inc.
- 8.5.1 Business Overview
- 8.5.2 Business Strategy
8.6 Alpla Group
- 8.6.1 Business Overview
- 8.6.2 Business Strategy
8.7 Sukano
- 8.7.1 Business Overview
- 8.7.2 Business Strategy
8.8 AVA Biochem AG
- 8.8.1 Business Overview
8.9 Swicofil AG
- 8.9.1 Business Overview

List of Figures

Figure 1: Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Segmentation
Figure 2: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 3: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 4: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Application; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 5: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Type; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 6: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 7: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Bottles Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 8: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Bottles Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 9: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Fibers Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 10: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Fibers Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 11: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Films Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 12: Global Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Films Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 13: Global Bio-Based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 14: Global Bio-Based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 15: Global Plant-Based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 16: Global Plant-Based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 17: Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 18: Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 19: Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 20: China Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 21: China Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 22: India Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 23: India Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 24: Japan Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 25: Japan Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 26: South Korea Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 27: South Korea Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 28: Rest of Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 29: Rest of Asia Pacific Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 30: Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 31: Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 32: Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 33: Germany Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 34: Germany Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 35: The UK Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 36: The UK Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 37: France Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 38: France Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 39: Italy Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 40: Italy Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 41: Rest of Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 42: Rest of Europe Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 43: North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 44: North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 45: North America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Region; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 46: The US Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 47: The US Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 48: Canada Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 49: Canada Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 50: Mexico Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 51: Mexico Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 52: Latin America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Million)
Figure 53: Latin America Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Million)
Figure 54: Middle East & Africa Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2019-2023 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 55: Middle East & Africa Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) Market by Value; 2024-2029 (US$ Thousand)
Figure 56: Global B2B E-Commerce Market; 2020-2026 (US$ Trillion)
Figure 57: Global Food and Drink Market; 2021-2029 (US$ Billion)
Figure 58: Global Passenger Car Production; 2019-2023 (Million Unit)
Figure 59: Global Apparel Market Revenue; 2021-2029 (US$ Trillion)
Figure 60: Avantium N.V. Revenues by Segment; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 61: Stora Enso Sales by Segment; 2023 (Percentage, %)
Figure 62: Toyobo Co. Ltd. Net Sales by Segment; 2024 (Percentage, %)
Figure 63: Sulzer Sales by Division; 2023 (Percentage, %)