Sanitary Cloths and Straws That Disappear in Nature... CJ CheilJedang Expands Eco-Friendly Lineup

Launch of Yuhan-Kimberly's 'Washable Biodegradable Sanitary Cloth' Using PHA
Introduction of 'PHA Straws' at Caf? Franchises in Korea and the United States

CJ CheilJedang is expanding the introduction of new products utilizing its proprietary biodegradable bio-material, PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), in both domestic and international markets.

On November 26, CJ CheilJedang announced that it would accelerate the commercialization of PHA by launching products such as 'washable biodegradable sanitary cloths' and 'biodegradable straws.' PHA is considered a next-generation eco-friendly material suitable for the 'de-plasticization' trend, as it is compostable and does not leave microplastics after use.

'PHA Applied Nonwoven Fabric' Sample. Provided by CJ CheilJedang.

The newly released 'washable biodegradable sanitary cloth' is made entirely from biodegradable materials, blending PHA, PLA (polylactic acid), and pulp. This marks the first case of commercializing PHA in hygiene products, jointly developed by CJ CheilJedang, Yuhan-Kimberly, and Eugene Hanil Synthetic Fiber. Its key strength lies in reducing environmental impact by not using any petroleum-based raw materials. Testing by an accredited domestic institution (based on ISO 14855 standards) confirmed that the product decomposed by more than 90% compared to cellulose, the standard material, within 45 days. The product will be distributed under the 'Kleenex' brand.

The PHA-based 'biodegradable straw' will be piloted at select Paul Bassett stores early next year and then expanded to major domestic caf? franchises. It maintains a similar user experience and durability to conventional plastic straws but does not use any petroleum-based materials. In the United States, the company is also expanding its supply chain to major caf? chains through collaboration with local suppliers.

Sample of 'PHA-applied straw'. Provided by CJ CheilJedang.

CJ CheilJedang is also expanding the application of PHA to industrial materials. Earlier this month, in cooperation with Swedish biomaterials company BIQ Materials, PHA was used as infill for artificial turf at several soccer fields in Sweden. With the European Union set to ban petroleum-based infill from 2031, the company is seen as proactively targeting the market for biodegradable alternatives.

Since launching its biodegradable materials brand 'PHACT' in 2022, CJ CheilJedang has expanded PHA applications across a range of consumer goods, including Banila Co cleansing balm containers (2022), Olive Young's 'Oneul Dream' delivery packaging (2024), and 'Le Dual toothbrushes.' The company has also introduced PHA-based compostable paper coating technology in packaging for 'Hetbahn Cupbahn' products.

PHA is a polymer accumulated inside microbial cells when they consume plant-derived ingredients, and it naturally degrades in both soil and marine environments. CJ CheilJedang is also conducting demonstration projects for PHA-based biogas production, verifying the feasibility of building a resource circulation model.

A CJ CheilJedang representative stated, "We are expanding PHA commercialization through close collaboration with domestic and international partners," and added, "We will continue to introduce biodegradable material solutions that consider not only consumer usability but also the reduction of environmental impact."

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