Bioplastics powerhouses partner to increase adoption

In Massachusetts, two bioplastic makers have signed a letter of intent to codevelop sustainable materials using their respective products. 

CJ BIO and NatureWorks—leading producers of polyhydroxyalkanoate and polylactic acid, respectively—say the LOI is the first step toward a Master Collaboration Agreement. The companies will work together to develop sustainable materials solutions based on CJ BIO’s PHACT® Marine Biodegradable Polymers and NatureWorks’ Ingeo™ biomaterials technology. 

The goal of the agreement is to develop high-performance biopolymers that will replace fossil fuel-based plastics in applications ranging from compostable food packaging and food service ware, to personal care, and beyond. 

“Both companies realize the potential to further enhance performance and end-of-use solutions for biopolymers, and increase the level of adoption across many new applications,” they say in a joint statement. “By combining their expertise and technology platforms, NatureWorks and CJ aim to deliver next generation solutions together. Initial development and collaboration are showing very promising results when using CJ BIO’s unique amorphous PHA in combination with Ingeo biopolymer.”