Dongguk CM Develops World's First Biodegradable Protective Film

Microorganisms in Film Break Down Plastic
LG Electronics Considers Application in Dryers

Dongkuk CM announced on the 11th that it has developed the world's first eco-friendly color steel sheet protective film DK-BDF that decomposes into harmless substances in natural conditions.

As part of its 'DK Color Vision 2030' sustainable growth strategy, Dongkuk CM conducted preliminary research to improve the eco-friendliness of protective films, a core material for color steel sheets. Through over a year of joint development with film coating specialist Kukbo Chemical, the eco-friendly protective film DK-BDF technology was developed.

Color steel sheet applying Dongguk CM DK-BDF technology. [Photo by Dongguk CM]

The core of DK-BDF is the microbial capsules contained within the film. Plastic-eating microbes naturally decompose the film at room temperature. By finely adjusting the content, the decomposition timing can be set from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 5 years depending on the application of the color steel sheet.

Dongkuk CM conducted production tests of color steel sheets using the DK-BDF film and achieved both appearance and functionality at the level of existing products. Physical properties for shape changes in home appliances and construction applications were also secured. After completing production verification with LG Electronics within this month, application to new dryer products will be considered.

Additionally, this new technology will be combined with the 'Re-Born Green Color Steel Sheet' technology developed last November to produce color steel sheets with enhanced eco-friendliness. The Re-Born Green Color Steel Sheet is a color steel sheet made by adding recycled waste plastic raw materials to electric furnace hot-rolled steel sheets.

Dongkuk CM plans to share related technologies after the one-year short-term business agreement with Kukbo Chemical ends, to promote co-growth of eco-friendly manufacturing technologies in the domestic color steel sheet industry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.