PEF Biobased Chemicals for High Barrier Packaging

From Biomass to Packaging: A Circular Future

PEF vs. PET Performance Advantages with Practical Benefits

Physical properties	PET	PEF	Packing Application Benefit
Melting Point/℃	245-255	205-215	Energy-saving low-temperature processing
Tg/℃	74-76	86-90	Hot-fill & pasteurization compatible
MI/(g/10min)	1-2.5（270°）	15-60（260°）	Better flowability for molding
Crystallization（min）	3-5	20-60	Enables thick-wall transparency
Elongation at break（%）	110-150	8-10	Lightweight High-rigidity and durability Reduce transportation and storage costs
Tensile strength（Mpa）	60-70	70-90
Tensile modulus（GPa）	2.1-2.4	2.3-3.6

Solution Advantages

High barrier — Longer Shelf Life

O₂ Barrier > 7× PET
H₂O Barrier > 2× PET
CO₂ Barrier > 15–20× PET

UV Shielding — Extends Shelf Life

1.5 mm PEF film near-zero UV transmittance
Superior UV Protection Compared to PET & Nylon

Recyclable — PET Recycling Systems-Compatible

PEF can be recycled independently or co-processed with PET, enabling a circular packaging lifecycle

Related Products & Use Cases

High-barrier packaging is essential for protecting products that are sensitive to oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, or aroma loss. FDCA-based PEF (Polyethylene Furanoate) offers a next-generation solution for brands seeking longer shelf life, lighter sustainable packaging materials, and lower environmental impact—without compromising performance.

These high barrier food packaging materials, based on advanced PEF material technology, have been trialed and commercialized in partnership with leading global beverage and specialty packaging materials brands.

What High-Barrier Packaging Products Can Be Made with PEF？

PEF can be processed using existing PET-compatible technologies, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial packaging formats: beverage bottles, food packaging bottles & containers, high-barrier films & laminates, fiber-based packaging with barrier liners, multilayer packaging structures

Why Choose Bio‑Based Packaging Materials?

In today’s materials landscape, bio‑based packaging materials offer a unique combination of environmental responsibility and technical performance. Made from renewable feedstocks like FDCA and PEF polymers, these materials provide high‑barrier packaging performance for superior gas and moisture resistance. They are engineered to deliver reliability, recyclability, and compatibility with existing manufacturing systems.

FAQs

What's the difference between PEF and traditional PET in barrier properties?

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PEF has significantly better barrier properties: it offers over 7x oxygen, 15-20x CO₂, and 2x water vapor barrier performance compared to PET, making it ideal for high barrier packaging applications. As a fully bio-based polymer derived from plant-based feedstocks, PEF also supports brands’ sustainability and carbon-reduction goals.

Is PEF recyclable? Can it be processed with PET?

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Yes. PEF is recyclable either independently or co-processed with PET in existing recycling streams. It is compatible with current recycling infrastructure, making it a sustainable option as a bio based packaging material.

What are the biomass sources of PEF?

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PEF is made from renewable feedstocks such as fructose and glucose derived from agricultural residues or sugars.

Can PEF packaging be customized for specific applications?

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Absolutely. GS Biomats offers flexible customization of PEF packaging in terms of molecular weight, processing parameters, and application formats to meet various market and brand needs.