Amsterdam-based Avantium is collaborating with Auping, Monosuisse, and Antex to develop yarns made from its PEF (polyethylene furanoate) for use in mattresses. Monosuisse, located in Emmen, Switzerland, will produce monofilament yarns for the project, while Antex, based in Anglès, Spain, will provide multifilament yarns.

Auping, a certified B Corporation based in Deventer, The Netherlands, will test the design and manufacture of mattresses using the resulting PEF-based fabrics. The company aims to achieve a fully circular product range by 2030 and has already developed a Cradle-to-Cradle certified process for mattress design, manufacturing, and recycling as part of a separate project.

"As part of our sustainability roadmap, Auping continuously works to reduce environmental impact," said Auping researcher Geert Doorslag. "We are always looking for innovative, sustainable solutions for our sleep products, and the environmental benefits of PEF-based fabrics are unique. We look forward to working with Avantium, Antex, and Monosuisse to develop circular Auping mattresses made from PEF-based yarns."

Avantium's patented YXY technology produces PEF as a 100% biobased material derived from any biomass feedstock containing carbohydrates. Using YXY's efficient chemical-catalytic technology, these carbohydrates can be converted into various bioplastics.

"By leveraging Avantium's technology and the combined expertise of our partners, we are set to transform the textile landscape," said Bineke Posthumus, director of business development at Avantium.