CJ CheilJedang develops microwave-safe coated paper with PHA

South Korean food company CJ CheilJedang Corp. announced on Monday that it developed a compostable coated paper technology using the biodegradable bio-material polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

This is the first compostable coated paper in the world with PHA. It's microwave-safe and can be applied to various paper packaging including paper cups, cup noodles, and complex rice containers.

PHA is a polymer substance that microorganisms accumulate inside their cells after consuming plant-derived components. It's biodegradable in most environments, including soil and the ocean. Currently, only a few companies worldwide, including CJ CheilJedang, are producing PHA in bulk.

The technology developed by CJ CheilJedang enhances the durability and heat resistance of traditional compostable coated paper, making it comparable to petrochemical coatings like polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) which do not break easily and can withstand cooking heat.

This compostable coated paper can be applied not only to paper cups but also to packaging that requires pouring hot water like cup noodles and microwaveable rice containers made of paper.

Moreover, it is expected to increase the sustainability of packaging since it can also decompose in a home composting environment.

CJ CheilJedang plans to first apply this technology to the paper containers of Hetban Cupban, an instant rice product designed for microwave cooking, starting in the first half of next year, and then to expand its application to various other paper food packaging materials. 

Write to Kyeong-Je Han at hankyung@hankyung.com