Toyobo Develops 100% Plant-based PEF Film

Japan's Toyobo has developed what it describes as the industry’s first biaxially oriented polyethylene furanoate (PEF) film made from 100% plant-derived materials, Samples of the product will start shipping in June.

Although entirely plant-derived, PEF film offers 60% higher rigidity and ten times better oxygen gas barrier properties than petroleum-derived polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. These properties enable PEF films to enhance the reliability and functional performance of industrial components, including those used in electronic devices.

Commercialization in 2035

Toyobo plans to optimize the properties of the PEF film—particularly its excellent rigidity and gas barrier characteristics for industrial applications—in line with clients’ needs, while maintaining its inherent bio-based nature as a fully plant-derived material. It aims to actively expand applications in fields such as optics, surface protection, mold release, and electronic components, as well as other industrial domains, with the goal of commercializing the product by 2035.

PEF, which has a molecular structure and properties similar to PET, is a plastic made from 100% plant-derived materials. While PET is produced from petroleum-derived terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, PEF is manufactured entirely from plant-based furandicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol. As a result, it is attracting significant attention as a sustainable material that contributes to carbon neutrality. PEF is expected to find wide application in films and other products due to its excellent rigidity and gas barrier properties, in addition to its inherent bio-based nature.

IMAGE: TOYOBO