The lining or coating of a package may seem minor, but it plays a crucial role in its sustainability.
CJ Biomaterials, Inc., a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang and a leading producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers, has unveiled its patented PHA technology used in crafting a new noodle cup available at South Korea’s prominent convenience store chain, CU.
This innovative noodle cup marks a significant advancement in eco-friendly packaging for the country. With CJ Biomaterials’ PHA technology seamlessly integrated into the cups’ inner coating, they are now biodegradable and compostable, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste.
In 2023, CJ Biomaterials introduced microwavable paper coating technology, blending its patented PHA with polylactic acid (PLA). This solution not only boosts bio-based content but also diminishes petroleum-based plastic, all while maintaining the functionality and quality of the paper cup. Through a strategic collaboration with CU, this coating technology will adorn the convenience store’s popular New Today’s Chicken Noodle cup packaging.
Market under the brand name PHACT, CJ Biomaterials' PHA underscores the company's dedication to sustainability.
Max Senechal, Executive VP and COO at CJ Biomaterials, explains the benefits of combining PHA with PLA, emphasizing its versatility and superior oil-barrier properties compared to conventional polypropylene coatings. This partnership with CU not only fosters eco-friendly packaging but also showcases the practicality and affordability of sustainable alternatives.
Heidi Lebel, VP of Strategic Marketing at CJ Biomaterials, highlights the potential for this technology to extend beyond noodle cups, with CU actively exploring new applications. She underscores the versatility and barrier resistance of the extrusion paper coating using PHA and PLA, suggesting its potential adoption in the US and globally.
Lebel identifies three key factors determining US adoption of bio-based packaging: supportive policies, waste management infrastructure, and brand interest in promoting sustainable alternatives.
CJ Biomaterials' PHA biopolymers, derived from nature and sustainably produced, serve as versatile building blocks for a wide range of applications. The company continues to innovate, collaborating with various industries to broaden the use of PHA and promote sustainability across diverse markets and applications.
