PHA manufacturer CJ Biomaterials, a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang, has launched two new PHA-based compounds developed for blown, cast, and machine direction orientation (MDO) film applications. The company began producing its Phact-branded PHA biopolymers in 2022 and has since been working with different partners to create solutions using its PHA technology.
These new compounds are a blend of NatureWorks’ Ingeo PLA and CJ’s Phact PHA, providing considerable performance and environmental benefits and offering brand owners a 100% biobased, industrially compostable, competitively priced alternative to traditional plastic films.
Phact CA1270P (clear) and Phact CA1240PF (opaque) can be used for various applications, including food packaging, produce bags, compost bags, bin liners (for organic waste management), shopping bags, shrink wrap, and labels.
Both have carbon footprints more than 50% lower than those of low-density polyethylene and linear-low-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (LDPE/PE/PP/PET) solutions traditionally used in packaging.
Tests revealed both compounds have an outstanding balance between stiffness, strength, tear, and puncture resistance, ensuring durability in various packaging applications. The opaque CA1240PF compound is currently undergoing tests for home compostability, in line with consumers’ growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
“The introduction of CA1270P and CA1240PF represents a major milestone in CJ Biomaterials' ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation,” said Max Senechal, CCO at CJ Biomaterials.
“These biobased films offer a compelling combination of performance, versatility, and environmental responsibility, reducing the world’s reliance on traditional plastic while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.”
Both compounds have been successfully subjected to blown-MDO processing. MDO films with CA1240PF result in microporous films, providing opportunities for various packaging applications. Both products have also been qualified on industrial production lines by several large film converters.
CJ Materials is exhibiting at NPE2024, booth S28193 (South Hall, Level 1, Science Material Zone).