CJ CheilJedang said on the 26th that it will introduce in Korea and abroad items such as a "washable biodegradable sanitary dishcloth" and "biodegradable straws" made with the biodegradable bio material PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) developed through fermentation technology.
PHA is drawing attention as a next-generation material that fits the "de-plastic" trend because it is compostable, and it has the characteristic of not leaving microplastics in the environment.
The "washable biodegradable sanitary dishcloth" was developed using only biodegradable materials by blending PHA, PLA (polylactic acid), and pulp. It is the world's first case of commercializing PHA in sanitary products, developed through collaboration among CJ CheilJedang, Yuhan-Kimberly, and nonwoven specialist Yujin Hanil Synthetic Fiber. Because no petroleum-based materials are used, it can reduce environmental burdens such as microplastic issues. Through a domestic accredited testing agency, more than 90% biodegradation was achieved in 45 days compared with the standard substance "cellulose," and the product is set to launch under the Kleenex brand at retail supermarkets.
"Biodegradable straws" using PHA are also scheduled to roll out at a number of domestic café franchise locations, beginning with a pilot introduction at select Paul Bassett stores early next year. The PHA straws deliver a usage feel and high durability similar to conventional straws without using petroleum-based materials. In addition to Korea, the company is expanding adoption of PHA straws in the United States by partnering with local straw suppliers to reach various local café franchises.
In early this month, the company teamed up with Swedish bio-material compounding company BIQ Materials to apply PHA as infill for artificial turf at some soccer fields in Sweden. The European Union (EU) has classified infill made from petroleum-based materials as a key product that generates microplastics and will ban its use starting in 2031. CJ CheilJedang said this move is a preemptive response.
Earlier, CJ CheilJedang launched the biodegradable material brand "PHACT" in 2022 and has since applied PHA to various products. In 2022, it introduced PHA in the cleansing balm container of the makeup brand BANILA CO. In 2024, it developed PHA-based plastic film packaging and adopted it for Olive Young's instant delivery service "Today Dream" product packaging. It developed the "Le Dual toothbrush," which uses a mix of PHA and PLA in the handle, and a "compostable paper coating technology" using PHA, which was applied to the packaging of "Hetbahn Cupbahn."
CJ CheilJedang's PHA recently won the "2025 Bioplastics Award Innovation Award" from the Plastics Industry Association in the United States, recognizing the innovation and sustainability of aPHA, the world's first mass-produced product.
A CJ CheilJedang official said, "We are expanding PHA commercialization through close cooperation with partners at home and abroad," and added, "We will continue to introduce biodegradable material solutions that consider not only consumer usability but also reducing environmental burdens."