South Korea's CJ BIO cooperates with American NatureWorks to degrade high-performance plastics

CJ BIO, a subsidiary of South Korea-based CJ Group (CJ), is a major producer of PHA polyhydroxyalkanoates
.
NatureWorks is a leading global producer of the advanced material PLA polylactic acid
.
The two companies jointly signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish a strategic alliance and announced that they are working towards a Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA)
.
The two companies will jointly develop solutions for sustainable materials using CJ BIO's PHACT® marine biodegradable polymers and NatureWorks' Ingeo™ biomaterial technology
.
The goal of the agreement is to develop high-performance biopolymers that can replace fossil fuel-based plastics, covering applications ranging from compostable food packaging and food utensils, to personal care products
.

NatureWorks is a pioneer in developing bio-based materials that not only reduce the impact of carbon emissions, but also enable new waste treatment options through its Ingeo technology
.
As a producer of biomaterials, it has developed many major application areas where PLA can be used in large quantities
.
In recent years, PLA, as a bio-based material, has experienced significant growth in diverse end-use applications
.
Due to its unique functionality, it has been used to replace petrochemical plastics, and in addition to being 100% bio-based, it also enables a variety of waste recycling options, including composting, chemical recycling, or recycling of coated paper
.
Both companies recognize that there is further potential to improve the performance of biopolymers and waste solutions, as well as increase adoption in new product areas
.
The shared purpose of NatureWorks and CJ is to bring next-generation solutions to the market by combining their expertise and technology platforms
.
The initial collaboration between the two parties to develop the use of CJ BIO's unique amorphous PHA and Ingeo biopolymers has shown very encouraging positive results
.

CJ BIO is the world's leading supplier of bio-fermentation products, and its 13 factories around the world mainly produce products related to animal nutrition, human nutrition and biomaterials
.
The company recently announced the inauguration of its new plant in Pasuruan, Indonesia, and began commercial-scale production of PHA
.
CJ BIO is currently the only company in the world that produces amorphous PHA (aPHA), the first product under its new brand PHACT, named PHACT A1000P
.
Amorphous PHA is softer and more elastic, and has quite different properties than PHA in crystalline or semi-crystalline form
.
It is certified and meets standards for biodegradability in industrial compost, soil (environmental) and marine environments
.
Modification with PLA using amorphous PHA enhances its mechanical properties, such as toughness and ductility, while maintaining transparency
.
It also improves the biodegradability of PLA and has the opportunity to be a home compostable product
.

"Plastic is an important material for improving human life, but the serious climate challenges caused by its fossil origin and post-disposal impact must be addressed now,
" said Seung Jin Lee, head of CJ BIO's biomaterials business.
"NatureWorks And its Ingeo technology has brought new material functionality and a variety of post-use treatment options to the market
.
They have excellent product and multi-application R&D capabilities enough to support products suitable for utilizing PHACT amorphous PHA technology, Such as flexible and rigid packaging
.
I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with NatureWorks to create new solutions that will have a real impact on the challenges facing plastics today and will help improve the living environment for future generations
.
”

Rich Altice, President and CEO of NatureWorks, said: "There is a growing demand for sustainable products around the world.
For
more than 30 years, NatureWorks has been involved in the circular economy, developing advanced biomaterials for sustainable Contribution
in the future.
Looking ahead, we hope to develop more potential new bio-based solutions to expand the impact of Ingeo technology, and we believe that CJ BIO's PHACT aPHA technology is the ideal partner to achieve our goals
.
"

NatureWorks and CJ BIO will gather feedback from current and potential customers on product applications and markets, including packaging, food tableware and organics recycling management, to understand the growing market demand for functional products that meet sustainability goals
.
This collaboration will provide valuable information on the company's product and technology development roadmap
.
Both companies said that the letter of intent is just the beginning of a long-term partnership between NatureWorks and CJ BIO, with both parties planning to jointly sign a master cooperation agreement in the near future
.