Spread of Plastic-Free Awareness
Launch of Paper Products with Enhanced Water and Heat Resistance
The paper industry, which has reached its growth limits, is expanding its market using eco-friendly technology as a weapon. In particular, it is focusing on developing technologies that can replace plastic. As awareness of plastic-free initiatives spreads and the value of paper is highlighted, the strategy is to develop eco-friendly new materials as a core area.
Murim P&P recently announced on the 29th that it signed a strategic business agreement (MOU) with the startup ‘Nanu,’ which possesses eco-friendly coating technology. Through this agreement, Murim P&P, which will develop the country’s first 'pulp mold' applying eco-friendly water-based coating technology, plans to accelerate its entry into the plastic substitute market.
Pulp mold is a packaging container made using pulp, the main raw material of paper. Murim P&P owns ‘Muhae,’ a pulp mold made from 100% natural raw pulp. Murim P&P plans to enhance Muhae’s functionality as a plastic substitute by applying eco-friendly water-based coating technology.
Murim P&P expects that by integrating eco-friendly coating technology, Muhae’s water resistance, heat resistance, and strength will be improved, enabling its expanded application to hot food containers such as cup noodles and even microwave-ready instant food containers. Previously, Murim P&P partnered with Kyochon F&B to introduce Muhae in chicken boxes.
Hansol Paper introduced ‘Protego,’ an eco-friendly functional packaging material, and recently received the ‘Green Technology Certification’ from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the eco-friendly packaging manufacturing technology applied to this product. Protego is a paper-based packaging material with excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties, and it is evaluated as capable of replacing existing plastic or aluminum packaging materials.
Taerim Packaging, a corrugated box manufacturing specialist and a subsidiary of the global SeAH Group, developed the country’s first ‘high-performance eco-friendly cooling box’ (TECO BOX) this year. This box, which has functions similar to styrofoam boxes, is characterized by being made solely from corrugated cardboard using Taerim’s proprietary ‘cooling performance enhancement technology and evaluation method.’
High-performance eco-friendly insulated box (TECO BOX) developed by Taerim Packaging using only corrugated cardboard. (Photo by Taerim Packaging)
The principle involves applying a multi-layer truss structure to the corrugated cardboard to form an insulating air layer between the inside and outside of the box. Additionally, eco-friendly water-repellent coating technology prevents the inside of the box from getting wet. It has about 98% of the cooling performance compared to existing styrofoam boxes, and it is expected to be used for packaging various products such as refrigerated and frozen goods for delivery in the future.
The reason the paper industry is focusing on developing eco-friendly technology is because eco-friendly new materials are expected to become a new growth engine. Lee Bok-jin, chairman of the Korea Paper Association, emphasized, "This year will be a very important year like a ‘turning point,’" adding, "Changes in demand structure, expansion of paper material business areas, research and development (R&D) of eco-friendly products, and market expansion are growth engines we must secure."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
