CJ Biomaterials and NatureWorks Sign Master Collaboration Agreement on Development of New Bioplastics

CJ Biomaterials, Inc., (U.S. office in Woburn, Mass.) a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang and leading producer of proprietary PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), and NatureWorks, the leading global producer of PLA (polylactic acid), have signed a Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA) for the development of sustainable materials solutions based on CJ Biomaterials’ Phact Biodegradable Polymers and NatureWorks’ Ingeo biopolymers in applications ranging from compostable food packaging and food serviceware to personal care, films, and other end products.

As previously reported, Phact polymers are based on the only amorphous PHA on the market  based on a proprietary amorphous PHA technology. Amorphous PHA is a softer, more rubbery version of PHA that offers fundamentally different performance characteristics than the crystalline or semi-crystalline forms that currently dominate the PHA market. It is certified biodegradable under industrial compost, soil (ambient), and marine environments. Modifying PLA with amorphous PHA has been shown to result in improved mechanical properties, such as toughness, and ductility, while maintaining clarity. It also allows adjustment in the biodegradability of PLA and could potentially lead to a home compostable product.

The initial focus of this joint agreement will be to develop biobased solutions that create new performance attributes for compostable rigid and flexible food packaging and food serviceware. The new solutions will also aim to speed up biodegradation to introduce more “after-use” options consistent with a circular economy model. CJ Biomaterials and NatureWorks plan to expand their relationship beyond cooperative product development for packaging to create new applications in the films and nonwoven markets. For these additional applications, the two companies will enter into strategic supply agreements to support development efforts.

Said NatureWorks CEO Rich Altice, “We feel strongly that the next generation of sustainable materials needs to begin with renewable, biobased feedstocks, have a wide range of tailorable performance attributes, and be designed for after-use scenarios from compostability to chemical recycling. These principles are inherent in both CJ’s Phact PHA and our Ingeo PLA, and we have witnessed very positive early results when incorporating these two industry-leading biomaterials. This collaboration between our two organizations is going to lead to the development of exciting, industry-advancing technologies.”

Earlier this year, CJ Biomaterials announced commercial-scale production of PHA following the inauguration of its production facility in Pasuruan, Indonesia.