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From Plants to Plastics

A collaboration between Releaf x designstudio Hoogvliet Jongerius

Material experiments with Releaf — © David van Dartel

Can plastics be both sustainable and beautiful? Absolutely —when we reduce our reliance on fossil fuel feedstock and innovate responsibly. Our collaboration with designers Nienke Hoogvliet and Tim Jongerius showcases how biobased, circular solutions can harmoniously coexist with beauty.

Transforming nature's bounty into a beautiful sustainable mini collection.

Releaf, the brainchild of Avantium, is transforming the landscape of conventional fossil-based plastics used in bottles, packaging, and clothing with its plant-based PEF. PEF can be produced from first-generation feedstock like high fructose syrup derived from corn or wheat as well as 2nd-generation feedstock such as agricultural waste. This makes Releaf a promising alternative in our quest for eco-friendly materials.

For this year's Dutch Design Week, Releaf has teamed up with design studio Hoogvliet Jongerius to create an installation that not only highlights the origins and benefits of Releaf’s biobased plastic but also underscores the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. The installation celebrates both the beauty and the artistic potential of the sustainable material.

The versatile industrial applications of this biobased plastic—such as foils, yarns, and sheets—offer endless possibilities for creating unique textures and structures. Inspired by this diversity, the designers have crafted a mini furniture collection, including a cabinet, bench, side table, lamp, vase, and bowls. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, challenging the conventional single use perception of plastic.

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About Releaf

Releaf is the result of Avantium's relentless innovation, rooted in nature, and designed for the future. Our mission is to transform plants into packaging and textiles. We're not just creating products; we're cultivating change. With Releaf, made from PEF: every bottle, container, and fabric becomes a testament to sustainability. 100% plant-based. Fully recyclable. Endlessly renewable. We envision a world where eco-friendly choices are the norm, not the exception.

One step in the process to make Releaf — © David van Dartel

Designers Nienke Hoogvliet and Tim Jongerius — © David van Dartel

Material experiments with Releaf — © David van Dartel

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