In a significant leap for sustainable packaging innovation, Japan has officially implemented its “Positive List” system for food-contact plastics, and it’s great news for the circular economy. As of June 1, 2025, Avantium’s bio-based monomer FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) has secured a coveted spot on the list, marking a major regulatory milestone that paves the way for its derivative polymer, PEF (polyethylene furanoate), to be used in food-contact applications across the Japanese market.
The Positive List Japan’s rigorous regulatory framework introduced in 2020 under its Food Sanitation Law ensures that only vetted and approved substances can be used in packaging that comes into contact with food. With this full implementation now in place, Japan is reinforcing its commitment to safety, transparency, and environmentally responsible packaging materials.
FDCA’s inclusion not only confirms its compliance with Japan’s safety standards but also unlocks new potential for PEF, a next-generation plant-based polymer known for its superior barrier properties, strength, and recyclability. Already approved in the US and Europe, this latest nod from Japan positions PEF for global uptake as a truly circular alternative to fossil-based plastics.
Ana Sousa Dias, Manager of Product Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs at Avantium, hailed the announcement as a breakthrough:
“This is an important milestone for Avantium’s FDCA and PEF. The implementation of the Positive List with FDCA not only validates the safety of our innovative materials, but also paves the way for broader adoption of PEF in food packaging in Japan. It marks an exciting step forward in bringing circular and renewable solutions to one of the world’s most advanced markets.”
As consumer demand and regulatory pressures push the industry toward greener alternatives, Japan’s regulatory green light for FDCA is more than a technical approval it’s a signal that the future of food packaging is renewable, circular, and ready for scale.