CJ CheilJedang speeds up commercialization of biodegradable PHA materials

(CJ CheilJedang)

CJ CheilJedang, South Korea’s leading food company, is ramping up commercialization of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate)—a fully biodegradable biopolymer derived from plant-based feedstocks. PHA is produced when microorganisms consume plant-derived nutrients and naturally store them as polymers within their cells. The material can decompose not only in industrial and home composting facilities but also in soil and marine environments, making it a next-generation sustainable alternative to plastics.

On Thursday, CJ CheilJedang announced plans to introduce a range of biodegradable household products, including reusable dishcloths and drinking straws made from PHA, in both domestic and overseas markets.

According to the company, the reusable biodegradable dishcloth is made entirely from eco-friendly materials by combining PHA, PLA (polylactic acid), and pulp. It marks the world’s first commercial application of PHA in sanitary products, developed jointly by CJ CheilJedang, Yuhan-Kimberly, and Yujin Hanil Synthetic Fiber, a nonwoven fabric manufacturer.

Tests by a certified domestic testing agency showed that the product decomposed by more than 90 percent within 45 days, compared with the cellulose reference standard. The new product will be launched under the Kleenex brand.

CJ CheilJedang will also introduce PHA-based biodegradable straws in select Paul Bassett coffee shop locations early next year, with plans to expand distribution across multiple café chains nationwide. The new straws, which do not use petroleum-based materials, offer similar texture and durability to conventional plastic straws.

The company has also partnered with Sweden’s BIQ Materials to apply PHA as infills for artificial turf at Swedish soccer fields—demonstrating the material’s scalability across diverse industries.

“We are working closely with global partners to accelerate the global commercialization of PHA-based biodegradable materials,” said a CJ CheilJedang spokesperson.