PHA producer CJ Biomaterials, a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang, is working with K-beauty brand Riman Korea to create packaging for Riman’s premium line of Incellderm skincare products.
The new packaging is based on a blend of PLA and CJ Biomaterial’s proprietary PHA material and reflects Riman’s ambitions to reduce the use of fossil-fuel based packaging for its skin care products.
The collaboration is the latest in a series announced over the past year. Previously, the company has also entered into agreements with NatureWorks Dongil Platech, Banila Co., CJ Olive Young and others.
CJ Biomaterials uses sucrose derived from sugar cane to manufacture PHA materials at a 5,000 tonne-per-year plant located in Pasuruan, Indonesia. The company is the sole producer in the world of amorphous PHA, a softer, more rubbery version of the PHAs that are currently being produced elsewhere. In themselves home compostable, PHA may also be used as building blocks to replace and improve the functional characteristics of a broad range of polymers - amongst others, improving the compostability profile of these other polymers. As modifiers, they can therefore be used to increase bio-based content and accelerate biodegradation. The company produces its PHA under the brand name PHACT, short for ‘PHA + Action’.
“This collaboration with Riman showcases the versatility of our PHA biopolymers while reinforcing our commitment to reduce plastic waste and the world’s reliance on petroleum-based technology,” says Max Senechal, chief commercial officer at CJ Biomaterials.
The combined PLA-PHA material will be used to package three products in Riman’s Incellderm line. These three products alone account for more than 5.4 million unit-sales each year, and the company plans to gradually expand use of CJ Biomaterials’ PHA across more of its product line. The companies are also looking at broadening their collaboration to develop 100% PHA solutions for injection moulding applications.
“Sustainability and sustainable practices are no longer trends, but rather, necessities,” said Betty Perez, General Manager, Riman North America.
“To do our part in alleviating the negative impact companies have had on the planet for years, we pledge to support our environment by any means necessary and to invest in our future and in the quality of life for future generations, even with the expected increase in costs and technical challenges. To us, sustainability is not simply a goal; it’s a part of who we are and who we aim to be as a personal care and wellness company, for the people, and for their planet.”