In a world increasingly burdened by plastic pollution and environmental concerns, innovation in materials science has never been more crucial. CJ Group, a global conglomerate with diversified business interests, is taking meaningful steps toward sustainable materials through its affiliate CJ Biomaterials. At the heart of this effort is PHA plastic — a groundbreaking biopolymer offering real promise as a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
This article explores CJ Group’s involvement in sustainable bioplastics, the characteristics of PHA plastic, how CJ Biomaterials is commercializing this technology, and why these efforts matter in the global shift toward a more circular economy.
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Who Is CJ Group?
CJ Group is a South Korea–based multinational corporation with businesses spanning food and food services, logistics, entertainment and media, biotechnology, and more. Among its sustainability-focused ventures is CJ Biomaterials, a division dedicated to developing bioplastics and sustainable polymer solutions.
CJ Biomaterials leverages advanced biotechnology to create Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), bio-based polymers that can replace conventional plastics in many applications while offering enhanced biodegradability and reduced environmental impact.
What Is PHA Plastic?
PHA plastic refers to a family of polyesters known as Polyhydroxyalkanoates. These polymers are produced naturally by microorganisms (such as bacteria) through processes like fermentation of sugars or other renewable feedstocks. Unlike conventional plastics derived from fossil fuels, PHAs are biodegradable and can break down completely under natural conditions — including soil, ocean water, and industrial composting — without leaving harmful microplastic residues.
PHA plastics have been studied and developed as a sustainable alternative because they can mimic many desirable properties of traditional plastics — such as flexibility and strength — while being environmentally responsive.
CJ Biomaterials and the PHACT™ Brand
CJ Group’s bioplastics arm produces pha plastic under the brand name PHACT™, which combines “PHA” and “Act” to symbolize the company’s commitment to action toward sustainability and zero waste.
CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT™ products are created through advanced fermentation processes that convert plant-derived sugars into high-performance biopolymers. These materials are suitable for a wide range of applications and can be processed using conventional plastics manufacturing equipment — making them accessible for current industrial use.
Some key attributes of CJ Biomaterials’ PHA plastics include:
- Bio-based origin — derived from renewable sources such as sugarcane, corn, tapioca, and other plant biomass.
- Biodegradability — capable of complete degradation in soil, marine, home composting, and industrial composting environments.
- Compatibility with traditional plastic processing — enabling easier adoption in industries already equipped for conventional plastics production.
These characteristics make PHA plastic a versatile solution for brands that want to reduce dependence on fossil-based materials while maintaining functionality and performance.
Real-World Applications of PHA Plastic
CJ Biomaterials is actively working with partners and industries to expand the use of PHA plastics across multiple sectors:
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
PHA plastic is being used to develop fully biodegradable packaging products, including polybags for retail delivery, which replace petroleum-based plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. These bags can offer properties such as opacity and durability while remaining compostable at end of life.
Biodegradable Bottle Caps
In an important milestone, CJ Biomaterials collaborated with Beyond Plastic to create the world’s first fully biodegradable plastic bottle cap using PHA. This represents a significant advancement toward reducing persistent plastic waste in consumer packaging.
Agricultural and Industrial Uses
PHA biopolymers are being explored for rigid and flexible packaging, agricultural films, coatings and adhesives, and other applications that benefit from both bio-based content and biodegradability.
Cosmetic and Consumer Goods Packaging
Collaborations are underway to blend PHA with other biopolymers (such as PLA) to enhance sustainability in cosmetic packaging and other consumer products.
These examples show how PHA plastic can address diverse needs while significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastics.
Environmental Impact and Benefits
The global challenge of plastic pollution is well documented. Traditional plastics persist in the environment for decades, accumulating in landfills and oceans and posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Bioplastics like PHA offer a promising alternative because they can biodegrade naturally without leaving behind microplastic fragments.
PHA biodegrades into carbon dioxide and water — and depending on conditions — may even break down in marine environments. This capability makes it a strong candidate for applications where plastics are likely to enter natural habitats.
From a sustainability perspective, using plant-based feedstocks also reduces reliance on fossil resources and can contribute to lower carbon footprints for products made with PHA plastic.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Although PHA plastics present many advantages, they also face challenges such as higher production costs and the need for broader industrial composting infrastructure. The industry is actively working to overcome these barriers by scaling production, improving cost competitiveness, and expanding end-of-life solutions for biodegradable materials.
CJ Group, through CJ Biomaterials, continues to invest in technology development and partnerships to support the commercialization and adoption of PHA plastic globally. Initiatives include expanding production capabilities and securing collaborations that accelerate real-world use cases in both commercial and consumer markets.
Conclusion
As the world seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, CJ Group’s PHA plastic initiatives represent a forward-looking approach grounded in cutting-edge biotechnology and responsible resource use. Through CJ Biomaterials and its PHACT™ platform, the company is helping transform how materials are made and used — offering biodegradable, bio-based solutions that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance.
By expanding the reach of PHA plastics into packaging, consumer goods, agriculture, and beyond, CJ Group is playing an important role in shaping a more sustainable future while supporting the transition to circular economy practices.