In Jincheon, South Korea, CJ HDC biosol has started up a compounding facility for biopolymers. The joint venture between CheilJedang (CJ, Seoul; www.cj.net) and the largest local compounder, HDC Hyundai Engineering Plastics (Dangjin, South Chungcheong; www.hdc-hyundaiep.com), established in February 2022, has set up capacity for 11,000 t/y at the site.

The company works closely with CJ Biomaterials, the PHA producer of the CJ Group, but is also to develop and produce compounds based on PLA and cellulose. Among the first series applications are parts for cosmetics, for which a mixture of PHA and PLA is used.

Related: Biopolymer demand drives innovation

CheilJedang bought into the biopolymer sector in 2016 with the acquisition of former biopolymer specialist Metabolix (see Plasteurope.com of 24.08.2016). Since then, the small but promising division has been further developed through cooperations. Partners include US-based BioAmber (Plymouth, Minnesota – see Plasteurope.com of 02.01.2017) and NatureWorks (Minnetonka, Minnesota; www.natureworksllc.com – see Plasteurope.com of 30.05.2022).