DSM Engineering Materials Partners with DiFOLD

DSM Engineering Materials Partners with DiFOLD DSM Engineering Materials has announced a partnership with start-up company DiFOLD to develop reusable and foldable products. DiFOLD selected DSM Engineering Materials' bio-based thermoplastic copolyester Arnitel® Eco to manufacture its flagship product, the Origami foldable water bottle.

DiFOLD's Origami Bottle Manufactured from DSM Engineering Materials' Arnitel® Eco Material

DiFOLD's Origami Bottle features a patented and award-winning design inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding. The Origami Bottle can fold down to less than 10% of its original volume, significantly enhancing user convenience and reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping. Additionally, it provides a durable, reusable and recyclable alternative to single-use water bottles, helping to prevent plastic packaging waste. The bottles are made from DSM Engineering Materials' Arnitel® Eco material and offer substantial environmental benefits.

Material Reduces CO₂ Emissions

Arnitel® Eco is a bio-based thermoplastic copolyester derived in part from renewable rapeseed oil. This significantly reduces the material's CO₂ emissions and lowers its carbon footprint by up to 50% compared to conventional copolyesters. This measurement is based on a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) encompassing every stage of the material's production process, from the cultivation of raw material crops to the finished product leaving the factory. These characteristics make Arnitel® Eco highly compatible with DiFOLD's Origami Bottle. DiFOLD co-founders Radina Popova and Petar Zaharinov stated: "We wanted to develop a recyclable bio-based material that, in addition to having specific mechanical properties required by the folding design, would offer environmental benefits. We are pleased to say that Arnitel® Eco provides an excellent balance of flexibility, plasticity and circularity." Arnitel® Eco delivers high performance while minimizing environmental impact. It is BPA-free and can withstand temperatures between -30°C and +100°C. It also does not absorb odors or flavors from liquids, which extends its service life. Arnitel® Eco can be recycled without any loss of quality in the recovered material. In addition to supplying Arnitel® Eco material, DSM Engineering Materials also provides DiFOLD with sustainability, technical consultation and regulatory compliance services. "Arnitel® Eco Contributes to Creating a Circular Economy for Materials" Pim Janssen, Marketing Manager for Food Contact, Water Contact and Tool Markets at DSM Engineering Materials, stated: "We are pleased that our services and materials can assist DiFOLD in its mission to minimize the environmental impact of packaging, a topic that is vital to us as well. Arnitel® Eco contributes to creating a circular economy for materials by helping to defossilize the supply chain."