Participation of Two Companies: Rivation and Objet Bio
Yuhan-Kimberly announced on the 21st that it has developed biodegradable tissue containers and soil conditioners through the 'Yuhan-Kimberly Open Impact' program, which discovers promising startups in the agricultural industry.
The Yuhan-Kimberly Open Impact program, which started in July last year, is hosted by the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency and operated by Yuhan-Kimberly and the investment management firm MY Social Company (MYSC). The program aims to find startups with technologies related to rural life, environment, health, safety, and hygiene, providing open innovation and investment opportunities.
The startups finally selected through the screening process in this program are 'Rivation' (providing eco-friendly product and packaging development solutions) and 'Objet Bio' (developing microbial-based plant protectants that can replace chemical fertilizers). These companies conducted an open innovation project with Yuhan-Kimberly Seocho Research Center for about five months.
Rivation developed biodegradable tissue cases by blending materials such as agricultural and food by-products and utilizing process technology. Since the material is paper-based and can be designed in various forms, it also enhanced interior effects. Objet Bio, together with Yuhan-Kimberly Seocho Research Center, conducted research evaluating the efficacy of soil conditioners and plant protectants by mixing by-products generated during diaper manufacturing with its antifungal agents. In this process, they confirmed improvements in fertilizer retention performance and moisture retention capacity.
A representative from Yuhan-Kimberly Seocho Research Center said, "Collaborating with two companies that possess specialized capabilities has led to fruitful results, which is very rewarding," adding, "Based on this achievement, we plan to continue various programs to revitalize the business."
Lee Jung-in, head of the Venture Investment Support Team at the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency, said, "There have been many good results since the first year of program operation," and added, "We will continue to do our best to help agri-food startups achieve meaningful outcomes through open innovation and create opportunities to collaborate with various large corporations."
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