Dongsung Chemical Develops Korea's First Biodegradable Bead Foam to Replace Styrofoam

Pilot Facility Completion Next Month... Expansion of Product Lineup

Chemical material specialist Dong Sung Chemical has developed an eco-friendly bead foam to replace Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, for the first time in Korea.

On the 25th, Dong Sung Chemical announced, "Our biodegradable packaging brand ECOVIVA® has launched a bead foam made from 100% plant-based biomass materials as a substitute for Styrofoam."

Styrofoam is widely used for packaging due to its excellent cushioning and insulation properties, but it takes hundreds of years to decompose after disposal.

ECOVIVA bead foam biodegrades more than 90% within six months under certain temperature and humidity conditions. Compared to Styrofoam, its production process reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 70%.

Dong Sung Chemical supplies ECOVIVA bead foam to various industries including electrical and electronic products, sports goods, fresh food, and pharmaceutical cold chains. The company plans to expand its product lineup by developing bead foam that biodegrades not only in general soil at room temperature but also in marine environments.

Biodegradable bead foam developed for the first time in Korea by Dongsung Chemical
[Photo by Dongsung Chemical]

In line with the global carbon neutrality (net zero) transition trend, Dong Sung Chemical has chosen bioplastics as a new business focus and is intensively fostering its biodegradable packaging business.

Since launching ECOVIVA in 2021, the company has released air caps and ice packs. In addition to the newly introduced bead foam, it is developing functional films and adhesives. Next month, it will hold an opening ceremony for the Ulsan Bioplastic Complex to secure mass production technology.

Lee Man-woo, CEO of Dong Sung Chemical, said, "ECOVIVA bead foam is significant as an alternative to reduce plastic usage and recycling, as well as to solve problems caused by single-use plastics. We will accelerate the development of biodegradable packaging technology to provide a sustainable eco-friendly packaging total solution."