CJ Biomaterials, a division of South Korean polymer producer CheilJedang (CJ, Seoul; www.cj.net) and producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers, has announced a new application for its PHACT-branded PHA. US-based Beyond Plastic (Commerce, California; www.beyondplastic.com) is to develop reportedly the world’s first fully biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable plastic bottle cap.

CJ Biomaterials began producing its PHACT-branded PHA biopolymers in 2022. Earlier this year, the company introduced a PHA-based polybag with properties similar to traditional petroleum-based polybags. The South Korean company also works with NatureWorks to broaden the use of PHACT PHA in multiple markets and applications.

Related: Dutch Helian Polymers distributes South Koreans’ first PHA in Europe

The raw materials for CJ’s sustainable biopolymers are sugars sourced from plants like sugar cane, tapioca, corn, and cellulosic biomass. The company also claims to increase PHA content in microorganisms from about 5% accumulation in the wild to up to 85% through fermentation via engineered microbial strains. 

Fred Pinczuk, Beyond Plastic’s chief technology officer, said, “Utilising CJ Biomaterials’ PHA biopolymers, we’ve developed an authentically eco-conscious alternative to conventional plastic bottle caps. This marks a significant leap forward in sustainability, but it’s just the beginning.”