Avantium and Heynen Systems Explore PEF Applications in Bedding and Upholstery
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Avantium N.V. and Heynen Systems B.V. have announced a collaboration to explore applications of releaf® PEF (polyethylene furanoate) in bedding and upholstery, developing prototype comfort foams and technical textiles based on Avantium’s 100% plant-based, recyclable polymer.
The partnership combines Avantium’s polymer technology with Heynen Systems’ expertise in technical textile knitting, interliner automation, and comfort foam lamination — targeting the Interzum Forum Italy event (Bergamo, June 4–5, 2026) for first prototype showcase.
Collaboration Scope
| Avantium Contribution | Heynen Systems Contribution |
|---|---|
| releaf® PEF polymer grades (injection, extrusion, foam) | Technical textile knitting (warp/weft/circular) |
| Polymer processing support | Interliner automation & lamination |
| LCA data for bedding applications | Prototype development & testing |
| Recyclability validation | Pilot production at Heynen facility (NL) |
Target Applications
1. Comfort Foam Cores
- PEF-based polyol → polyurethane foam for mattress cores & upholstery padding
- Target properties: Durability, resilience, breathability, reduced VOC emissions
- Circularity: Designed for chemical recycling (glycolysis) at end-of-life
2. Technical Textile Covers
- PEF fiber/spunbond → mattress tickings, upholstery fabrics
- Knitted structures with zoned ventilation, moisture management
- Integrated interliners for fire retardancy (without halogenated FRs)
3. Hybrid Laminates
- PEF foam + PEF textile → monomaterial comfort systems
- Design for recycling: Single-polymer construction enables mechanical recycling
Sustainability Drivers for Bedding/Upholstery
| Driver | PEF Advantage |
|---|---|
| EU ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) | Recyclable, biobased content, digital product passport ready |
| Mattress EPR schemes (France, Netherlands, Belgium) | Monomaterial design simplifies EoL sorting & recycling |
| Hotel/Contract market | Carbon footprint reduction claims (LCA-backed) |
| VOC/Indoor air quality | Low-emission potential vs. conventional PU foams |
Interzum Forum Italy 2026 Showcase
Prototypes to be displayed at Heynen Systems booth (Hall B, Stand 12):
- PEF comfort foam mattress core (180 × 200 cm)
- Knitted PEF mattress cover with integrated climate zones
- Upholstery panel with PEF foam + textile laminate
- LCA comparison: PEF vs. conventional PU/polyester systems
“Bedding and upholstery are high-volume, long-life applications where PEF’s combination of biobased origin, durability, and recyclability creates unique value,” said Gert-Jan Gruter, CTO of Avantium. “Heynen’s textile automation capability is the perfect complement to our polymer platform.”
“We see strong demand from mattress OEMs for circular material systems that don’t compromise on comfort or processing,” said Jan Heynen, CEO of Heynen Systems. “PEF’s thermal stability and melt strength open new design possibilities for knitted technical textiles.”
Technical Background: releaf® PEF
| Property | Value | Relevance to Bedding |
|---|---|---|
| Biobased carbon | 100% (ASTM D6866) | Renewable content claims |
| Tg (glass transition) | ~86°C | Thermal stability in comfort foam |
| Melting point | ~235°C | Processing window for foam/textile |
| O₂ barrier | 10× better than PET | Potential for modified atmosphere packaging of rolled mattresses |
| Mechanical recycling | Demonstrated at pilot scale | Circularity pathway |
| Chemical recycling | Glycolysis to BHET + FDCA | Monomer recovery |
Resources
- Avantium Press Release: PEF in Bedding & Upholstery
- Euronext distribution
- Adsale Plastics Network coverage
- PolyesterTime coverage
- Technical Textiles India coverage
- MarketScreener
Company Boilerplates
Avantium N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: AVTX) develops YXY® technology for conversion of plant-based sugars to FDCA and PEF (releaf®) — a 100% plant-based, recyclable, high-barrier polymer. Flagship FDCA plant in Delfzijl, Netherlands.
Heynen Systems B.V. (Netherlands) specializes in technical textile knitting, interliner automation, and comfort foam lamination for bedding, upholstery, automotive, and medical applications. Pilot facility in Brabant for prototype-to-production transition.
Source: Avantium press release, May 26, 2026 (18:00 CEST)