CJ Biomaterials, Inc, part of South Korea’s CJ CheilJedang, is a leading producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers. The company is excited to unveil a new range of PHA compounds tailored for extrusion coating on paper and board for food serviceware and food packaging applications. These innovative solutions are designed to achieve repulpability and home compostability certifications. By merging CJ’s unique amorphous (aPHA) and semi-crystalline PHAs (scPHA), this new platform generates fully biobased PHA compounds that ensure a stable melt curtain during processing, providing exceptional barriers against liquids, oils, grease, and fats. Moreover, these coatings exhibit remarkable adhesion to paper and board, successfully passing seal testing and lip rolling trials for various applications, including hot and cold cups, trays, bowls, and lids for take-out meals.
After their intended use, food serviceware items made from these PHACT™ PHA compounds can be composted in both home and commercial settings. This feature actively aids in diverting food scraps from landfills to composting alternatives. Furthermore, the coatings have recently excelled in lab-scale trials related to repulpability, showcasing flexibility to adapt to diverse local composting and recycling infrastructures.
“Food service companies and brands are increasingly turning to biobased materials like paper and PHA biopolymers to create packaging that aligns with their sustainability commitments and fast-evolving extended producer responsibility legislation in the US,” said Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer. “This new platform demonstrates how we are accelerating the performance capabilities of new PHA compounds to meet the demand for products that won’t negatively impact human health or persist in our environment.”
PHACT™ PHA is fully compliant for food contact as approved by the US FDA. Additionally, it holds certifications from TÜV Austria, including OK biodegradable MARINE, OK biodegradable SOIL, OK compost HOME, and OK compost INDUSTRIAL. It is also commercially compostable as recognized by the Biodegradable Products Institute and is 100% biobased as certified by the USDA BioPreferred program. These attributes guarantee its inherent biodegradability, ensuring it does not contribute to the increasing prevalence of persistent microplastics in our environment.
For more details on PHACT™ PHA and its applications in items such as straws, cutlery, and flexible films, follow CJ Biomaterials on LinkedIn or visit cjbiomaterials.com.
