CJ CheilJedang, together with the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL), confirmed the marine biodegradability of PHA through experiments conducted along the coast of Daebudo in the West Sea.
[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] CJ CheilJedang announced on the 28th that its eco-friendly plastic material 'PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate)' has been recognized for its excellent biodegradability by an internationally accredited institution.
CJ CheilJedang, together with the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL), confirmed the marine biodegradability of PHA through experiments conducted along the coast of Daebudo in the West Sea. KCL is a government-designated internationally accredited institution that tests, evaluates, and certifies products and services in fields such as construction, daily life, and environment.
KCL submerged amorphous aPHA, semi-crystalline scPHA, and grain-derived biodegradable PLA film (A4 paper size) in the sea and measured weight changes every two weeks over 11 weeks.
The experiment results showed that the weight of aPHA decreased by approximately 57%, and scPHA by about 28%. In contrast, the weight of PLA film, an industrial biodegradable material that decomposes only under specific conditions, decreased by only 1.2%. This confirmed that 'PHA decomposes well in the ocean.'
Additionally, verification was conducted on the ecological impact when PHA decomposes in soil. Seeds of barley and lettuce were grown in soil where more than half of the PHA had biodegraded and in soil without PHA, resulting in almost no difference in germination rate and growth level. This means that PHA does not release harmful toxic substances to plants when biodegrading underground.
A CJ CheilJedang official stated, "KCL's experiment has become an opportunity to recognize the excellent biodegradability and industrial value of PHA," adding, "Since mixing aPHA with other materials such as PLA or PBAT, which have limitations in biodegradability, is expected to enhance decomposition, we will continue related research and development."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
