Bioplastics specialist Helian Polymers (Belfeld, the Netherlands; https://helianpolymers.com) has taken charge of the sale and distribution of amorphous PHACT A1000P in Europe for South Korean polymer producer CheilJedang (CJ, Seoul; www.cj.net). The two companies recently issued an announcement to this effect.

According to CJ Biomaterials, which developed the biopolymer, TÜV Austria has certified its biological degradability, not only industrially but also for domestic composting, soil contact, and in the sea. CJ Biomaterials runs a 5,000 t/y plant for aPHA in Pasuruan, Indonesia, acquired from former owner Metaboli, which CJ purchased in 2016.

A year ago, CheilJedang and compounder HDC Hyundai Engineering Plastics (Dangjin, South Korea; www.hdc-hyundaiep.com) also set up a compounding facility in Jincheon, South Korea.

With its new PHAradox brand, Helian has since summer 2022 been focusing exclusively on biopolymers, working closely with ColorFabb (Venlo, the Netherlands; www.colorfabb.com) on applications including 3D printing filaments. The masterbatch unit previously operated in parallel has been given to partner Addvanze Masterbatch (Helsingborg, Sweden; www.addvanze.com), which was acquired by Israeli masterbatch manufacturer and compounder Kafrit Industries (Negev; www.kafrit.com) in 2021.

Together with US materials specialist NatureWorks (Minnetonka, Minnesota; https://www.natureworksllc.com), CJ Biomaterials is working on the development of sustainable materials solutions based on CJ Biomaterials’ aPHA and NatureWorks’ Ingeo PLA technologies. The companies initially focus on developing high-performance bio-based materials for compostable food packaging and food serviceware.