Daesang said on the 5th that it signed a contract with materials science solutions corporations Dongsung Chemical for joint research and development of "starch-based compostable materials and products," and will begin developing eco-friendly biodegradable packaging that uses thermoplastic starch based on corn starch.
Starch-based compostable material refers to an eco-friendly material that uses thermoplastic starch (TPS), made by specially processing starch, as the main raw material and is 100% naturally decomposed by microorganisms in landfills to return to compost.
Unlike regular starch, TPS does not burn at high temperatures and can be melted like plastic to freely change shape, making it suitable for processing into film or packaging. Daesang, through technical cooperation with Dongsung Chemical, aims by 2027 to develop air caps for logistics and films for food packaging using TPS produced in-house.
Daesang will develop and produce TPS materials that meet the processability and physical properties required for eco-friendly biodegradable packaging production and supply them to Dongsung Chemical. Daesang noted that it developed TPS in 1999 for the first time in the domestic industry and holds numerous related patents, and has focused on research for high quality and high strength of products based on accumulated materials technology and production know-how.
The TPS developed by Daesang proved excellent degradation performance in assessments such as "industrial composting," "home composting," and "soil biodegradation," and in 2025 obtained certifications in a total of four categories from Germany's certification body "DIN CERTCO" in the field of biodegradation certification.
In addition, Daesang's package research and development department will conduct multifaceted physical property tests related to product shelf life and durability to commercialize TPS-based compostable packaging, and will also rigorously verify process suitability on product packaging lines. Daesang plans to first apply the biodegradable packaging produced through this collaboration to packages for seasonings and processed foods, while sequentially introducing it to large packaging used in places such as logistics centers.
A Daesang official said, "This collaboration will be an important stepping stone to practicing ESG management through the development of eco-friendly materials based on corn starch and opening new possibilities for the starch industry," adding, "We will solidify cooperation between the two companies so that we can lead the sustainable packaging market by combining the materials production know-how Daesang has accumulated over the past 70 years with Dongsung Chemical's processing technology."