World-first completely biodegradable bottle cap with CJ Biomaterials’ PHA

CJ Biomaterials, a South Korea-based producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers, expands the application of its advanced PHA technology. Its PHA biopolymers are used by California-based Beyond Plastic to develop world’s first completely biodegradable plastic bottle cap.

CJ Biomaterials’ PHA biopolymers are used to develop world-first completely biodegradable plastic bottle cap.

PHAs work well as modifiers to other polymers or biopolymers. The material can also serve to increase bio-based content, accelerate biodegradable and improve the functional properties of resins and finished products.

By including CJ Biomaterials’ PHA, the Beyond Plastic bottle cap is both recyclable and compostable, in addition to being fully biodegradable.

Previous application of PHA biopolymers

CJ Biomaterials began producing its PHACT-branded PHA biopolymers in 2022. Since then, the company has partnered with multiple organizations to expand application of its PHA technology.

Apart from the PHA-based plastic cap from Beyond Plastic, the company introduced a PHA-based polybag with properties similar to traditional petroleum-based polybags earlier this year. The technology was also used in the development of microwaveable paper coating used in New Today’s Chicken Noodle Cup packaging.

The company also works with NatureWorks to broaden the use of PHACT PHA combined with Ingeo PLA in multiple markets and applications.