US media spotlight CJ CheilJedang's biodegradable PHA material

CJ CheilJedang announced Friday that its biodegradable biomaterial PHA has been featured in major US media outlets.

The Associated Press recently published a story presenting bioplastics as a solution to petroleum-based microplastic pollution, spotlighting PHA's biodegradability and range of applications. The AP described CJ CheilJedang's US PHA subsidiary, CJ Biomaterials, as a "leader in PHA manufacturing" and cited commercial uses spanning disposable cutlery and straws to packaging materials and reusable paper towels. The story was also picked up by the Washington Post, ABC News, the LA Times and NBC Boston.

PHA is a biomaterial produced by microorganisms that feed on plant-derived sugars — such as those from sugarcane — through a fermentation process. It biodegrades in both soil and marine environments. Only a handful of companies worldwide can mass-produce it, and CJ CheilJedang is the sole domestic producer in South Korea.

CJ CheilJedang launched its biodegradable material brand Phact in 2022 and has since applied PHA across a range of products. That year, the company used PHA for the cleansing balm container of makeup brand Banila Co. In 2024, it developed PHA vinyl packaging and introduced it for products shipped through CJ Olive Young's same-day delivery service. Last year, the company partnered with Swedish biomaterial firm BIQ Materials to use PHA as infill for artificial turf at a football stadium in Sweden.

This year, CJ CheilJedang began supplying PHA straws to domestic coffee chains including Paul Bassett and a major US coffee chain. In February, the company teamed up with Yuhan-Kimberly and Eugene Hanil to launch Kleenex Biodegradable Washable Wipes, a product blending PHA, polylactide and pulp.

"PHA's biodegradability and versatility as a material of the future are drawing growing attention," a CJ CheilJedang official said. "Through continued research and development and collaboration, we will introduce PHA-based products across an even wider range of fields."