Avantium and Heynen Systems Explore Plant-Based PEF for Bedding and Upholstery – Avantium releaf PEF bedding applications

Avantium and Heynen Systems Explore Plant-Based PEF for Bedding and Upholstery

Avantium and Heynen Systems B.V. are collaborating to evaluate the use of plant-based PEF materials in bedding and upholstery applications.

The partnership focuses on Avantium’s renewable polymer PEF, sold under the brand name releaf®, and its potential use in comfort foam products for mattresses, cushions, furniture, and seating applications.

As part of the collaboration, Tricover®, a Heynen Systems brand, developed a prototype cushion incorporating releaf® material. The prototype will be presented at the Interzum Forum Italy 2026 on June 4–5 in Bergamo, Italy.

Collaboration Targets Circular and Sustainable Foam Applications

The project aims to explore how releaf® PEF can be integrated into automated foam encapsulation systems while improving sustainability and product performance.

Heynen Systems has specialized in comfort foam technologies for more than 40 years. Its solutions help manufacturers automate encapsulation processes, reduce production costs, and improve product durability.

The company’s technologies are used by major global brands, including IKEA and Tempur.

According to the companies, the collaboration is currently focused on prototyping and testing potential industrial applications.

Prototype Cushion Demonstrates Potential of releaf® PEF

Gabriela Caraman, Communication and Sustainability Adviser at Heynen Systems, said the project reflects the company’s continued focus on innovation and sustainable material development.  Avantium releaf PEF bedding applications

The prototype cushion was created to help customers evaluate the practical use of circular and plant-based materials in comfort foam products made in Europe.

The companies also believe the collaboration could support lower environmental impact while helping manufacturers remain competitive in the evolving furniture and bedding market.

Avantium Expands Commercial Applications for releaf®

Avantium said exploring new application areas is important as the company scales production and commercialization of releaf® PEF materials.

Laleh Maleki, Business Development Manager at Avantium, said the partnership provides an opportunity to test the material in real-world bedding and upholstery applications while encouraging broader industry adoption of renewable polymers.

What Is releaf® PEF?

releaf® is Avantium’s brand name for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a plant-based plastic designed as an alternative to traditional fossil-based materials.

The material is produced using Avantium’s YXY® Technology, which converts plant-based sugars into FDCA, a key building block for producing PEF plastics.

According to the company, PEF is designed to support circular and renewable material solutions for industries seeking lower-carbon alternatives.

About Heynen Systems

Founded in 1979 and based in Lelystad, the Netherlands, Heynen Systems combines technical textile knitting with automated encapsulation machinery development.

Its Tricover® solutions are used in:

• Mattresses
• Cushions
• Upholstered furniture
• Automotive seating

The company’s systems also provide features such as moisture resistance and flame retardancy.

About Avantium

Avantium is a commercial-stage renewable materials company headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The company develops technologies that use renewable carbon feedstocks sourced from biomass or captured CO2.

Its flagship YXY® Technology has already been demonstrated at a pilot facility in Geleen, while the company is preparing to launch the world’s first commercial FDCA plant in Delfzijl.

Avantium shares trade on both Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels under the symbol AVTX.

 

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