The new compounds, PHACT CA1270P (clear) and PHACT CA1240PF (opaque), are designed for blown, cast, and machine direction orientation (MDO) film applications
South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang’s division CJ Biomaterials has unveiled two polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based compounds for compostable film packaging.
The new compounds, PHACT CA1270P (clear) and PHACT CA1240PF (opaque), are designed for blown, cast, and machine direction orientation (MDO) film applications.
According to CJ Biomaterials, the materials offer superior performance and environmental benefits for sustainable flexible packaging.
The PHA-based compounds were developed in partnership with NatureWorks by combining the performance of Ingeo PLA with PHACT PHA.
The 100% biobased CA1270P and CA1240PF films offer a compostable substitute for conventional plastic films, diverting food waste from landfills.
CJ Biomaterials said that the carbon footprint of these two products is over 50% lower than typical solutions used in packaging.
Both compounds were found to be strong, flexible, and resistant to tearing and punctures throughout testing. This guarantees durability in various packaging applications, said the PHA biopolymers producer.
In addition, the two compounds are biodegradable in an industrial setting, while CA1240PF shows promise for potential compostability at home.
PHACT CA1270P and PHACT CA1240PF are designed for snack food and produce packaging, frozen food bags, shopping bags, shrink-wrap and labels, hygiene backing films, organic waste diversion bags, and agricultural mulch films.
CJ Biomaterials chief commercial officer Max Senechal said: “The introduction of CA1270P and CA1240PF represents a major milestone in CJ Biomaterials’ ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation.
“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.”
The compounds are suitable for oriented films for shrink wrap applications as they have undergone blown-MDO processing, disclosing orientation, and reaching up to 4.0x stretch.
Furthermore, CA1270P and CA1240PF are said to offer more strength and modulus than blown films made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
Both are more resilient to tearing than other compostable and biodegradable polymers, CJ Biomaterials said.
In 2022, the company started manufacturing PHA biopolymers under the PHACT brand. Since then, the business has collaborated with organizations to use its PHA technology in the development of new solutions.
Last month, the company partnered with California-based Beyond Plastic to develop a completely biodegradable plastic bottle cap using PHA biopolymers.
