CJ Biomaterials
CJ Biomaterials is a division of CJ CheilJedang that manufactures PHA biopolymers via bacterial fermentation, selling neat resins, masterbatches, and compounds under the PHACT brand to brand owners, converters, and compounders across packaging, food service, cosmetics, nonwovens, and artificial turf.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersWoburn, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What CJ Biomaterials does
CJ Biomaterials, Inc. is a division of South Korean conglomerate CJ CheilJedang and a global manufacturer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers sold under the PHACT brand. Its core technology is proprietary bacterial fermentation of plant-derived sugars that produces both amorphous PHA (PHACT A1000P) and semi-crystalline PHA (PHACT S1000P), with downstream masterbatches and compounds engineered for specific applications. Commercial-scale PHA production began in 2022 at a 5,000 metric ton facility in Pasuruan, Indonesia, which is currently being expanded.
The product portfolio spans neat resins (A1000P, S1000P), masterbatches (MA1350Q for nonwovens, MA1250P series), and compounds (CA1270P and variants for straws, CB0504A for paper extrusion coatings). PHACT products are certified across home compost, industrial compost, marine biodegradability, soil biodegradability, BPI commercial compostability, US FDA food contact, and USDA BioPreferred 100% biobased. The company serves brand owners, converters, and compounders across food and beverage packaging, food serviceware, cosmetics packaging, nonwovens, and artificial turf infill.
CJ Biomaterials operates a sales-led B2B go-to-market based on enterprise co-development partnerships and quote-based custom pricing. Offices are in Seoul, Woburn MA, and Frankfurt, with distribution partnerships covering Japan (Itochu Plastics) and compounding partners in Europe (BIQ Materials). Customers span CJ Group affiliates (CJ Olive Young, CU, TOUS les JOURS) and external brands (Cosmax, Banila Co., Beyond Plastic, WinCup). The company is wholly owned by CJ CheilJedang with no independent cap table or external institutional investors, and is led since June 2025 by CEO Allan Chung.
CJ Biomaterials firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CJ Biomaterials
- Legal name
- CJ Biomaterials, Inc.
- Website
- https://cjbiomaterials.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CJ Biomaterials is a division of CJ CheilJedang that manufactures PHA biopolymers via bacterial fermentation, selling neat resins, masterbatches, and compounds under the PHACT brand to brand owners, converters, and compounders across packaging, food service, cosmetics, nonwovens, and artificial turf.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CJ Biomaterials industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bioplastics / Biopolymers
- NAICS
- Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211)
- SIC
- Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bio-based & Biodegradable Polymer Resin Manufacturing (PLA, PHA, PBS, starch blends) (IMANAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biodegradable Packaging Materials (films, trays, foams) (IMAEAOAB), Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), Bio-Based & Biodegradable Compounds (PLA/PHA/Starch Blends) (IMANABAF)
Keywords
Where CJ Biomaterials is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Woburn
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
CJ Biomaterials business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- PHA Biopolymer Sales: CJ Biomaterials generates revenue through the sale of PHACT-branded PHA biopolymers, including neat resins, masterbatches, and compounds. The company sells directly to converters, manufacturers, and brand owners who incorporate PHA into their products. Revenue is derived from both one-time product sales and ongoing supply relationships with major brands.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
CJ Biomaterials product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CJ Biomaterials develops and manufactures polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers under the PHACT brand through proprietary bacterial fermentation of plant-derived sugars. Its portfolio includes amorphous PHA, semi-crystalline PHA, masterbatches, and compounds sold as neat resins to converters, manufacturers, and brand owners for use in packaging, food serviceware, nonwovens, cosmetics, personal care, and other applications replacing fossil-fuel-based plastics.
Product overview
CJ Biomaterials is a global leader in the manufacture of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) under the PHACT brand, producing both polymers and related chemistries. The product portfolio centers on the PHACT PHA Biopolymer Platform, which includes neat resins (amorphous PHACT A1000P and semi-crystalline PHACT S1000P), masterbatches (MA1350Q for nonwovens, MA1250P series), and compounds (CA1270P, CA1270PF, CA1240PF, CB0400A for straws, CB0504A for extrusion coatings). CJ Biomaterials operates as a B2B biomaterials company whose technology transforms carbon dioxide sequestered in plant sugars into innovative biopolymers through fermentation. The company is structured as a division of CJ CheilJedang with headquarters in Seoul, Korea and offices in Woburn, MA, USA, and Frankfurt, Germany.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PHACT: CJ Biomaterials' proprietary brand of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers. PHACT biopolymers are 100% biobased, certified home and industrially compostable, and biodegradable in marine and soil environments. They do not create persistent microplastics. Available in amorphous (aPHA) and semi-crystalline (scPHA) forms, marketed as solutions to replace fossil fuel-based plastics across packaging, food serviceware, nonwovens, cosmetics, and other applications.
- PHACT A1000P
- PHACT S1000P
- PHACT MA1350Q
- PHACT CB0504A
- PHACT CB0400A
Products and services
- PHACT PHA Biopolymer Platform Core PHA biopolymer technology platform produced through proprietary bacterial fermentation of plant-derived sugars. 100% biobased, certified biodegradable under industrial compost, soil, marine environments, and home compostable. Sold to converters, manufacturers, and brand owners for packaging, food serviceware, nonwovens, cosmetics, personal care, and other applications.
- PHACT A1000P (Amorphous PHA) Amorphous PHA (aPHA) biopolymer offering a softer, rubbery performance profile. Certified TÜV OK for industrial and home compost, soil biodegradable, and marine biodegradable. Can be injection molded, extruded, or used as a modifier for other polymers. US FDA food contact approved. Used in cosmetic containers, straws, and as a modifier for other biopolymers.
- PHACT S1000P (Semi-Crystalline PHA) Semi-crystalline PHA (scPHA) biopolymer — a more rigid variety of PHA with high-heat stability. TÜV OK-certified home and industrial compostable, marine and soil biodegradable. US FDA food contact approved. Processable via injection molding, thermoforming, film, sheet, and fiber technologies.
- PHACT MA1350Q Masterbatch PHA masterbatch for staple fiber and spunbond nonwoven applications, composed of 45% amorphous PHA (PHACT A1000P) and 55% PLA. Improves softness, flexibility, and tensile strength compared to PLA alone. Certified OK compost HOME by TÜV AUSTRIA and commercially compostable by BPI.
- PHACT MA1250P Masterbatch Series PHA masterbatches for various applications including MA1250P, MA1250P-1, and MA1250P-2 grades. BPI certified for commercial compostability. Designed for converter use across packaging and other applications.
- PHACT CA1270P Compound PHA compound well-suited for transparent, industrially compostable straws. BPI certified for commercial compostability.
- PHACT CA1270PF Compound PHA compound for various applications. BPI certified for commercial compostability.
- PHACT CA1240PF Compound PHA compound for various applications. BPI certified for commercial compostability.
- PHACT CB0400A Compound for Straws PHA compound specifically designed for straw manufacturing. Uses amorphous PHA (PHACT A1000P) combined with semi-crystalline PHA (S1000P) to reduce brittleness and increase durability. All PHACT grades certified OK Biodegradable Marine by TÜV Austria.
- PHACT CB0504A Extrusion Coating Resin All-PHA extrusion coating resin combining amorphous and semi-crystalline PHA for paper food serviceware such as hot and cold cups. Certified home compostable, industrial compostable, and marine biodegradable by TÜV Austria. Contains no PFAS, leaves no persistent microplastics. FDA-approved for food contact. Targets replacement of fossil-based and PFAS-containing coatings in paper cups and foodservice applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- PHA market projected to exceed 170 kilotons by 2031
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use CJ Biomaterials
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CJ Biomaterials technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
CJ Biomaterials partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and strategic.
- WinCupminorPartnership for introduction of PHA-based compostable cups, cutlery, and straws at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, May 2026. First commercial debut of PHACT CB0504A extrusion coating resin.
- BIQ MaterialscorePartnership signed November 2025 with Swedish biomaterials compounding company BIQ Materials to accelerate commercialization of PHACT PHA-based artificial turf infill for European market. CJ supplies PHACT PHA A1000P; BIQ manufactures finished infill products. Addresses EU ban on petroleum-based microplastics in infill starting 2031.
- CosmaxcoreMOU signed September 2025 with Cosmax, the world's leading cosmetics ODM company, for development of cosmetic containers using PHACT PHA. MOU signing ceremony held at Cosmax Pangyo building in Seongnam City. CJ develops and supplies materials; Cosmax develops cosmetic containers and packaging.
- Itochu PlasticsstrategicCooperation announced March 2025 with Itochu Plastics, a subsidiary of Japan's Itochu Corporation, to begin exploring the Japanese bioplastics market. Strategic partnership to expand PHA commercialization in Japan.
- TOUS les JOURSminorUS introduction of plant-based straws produced with PHACT PHA for French-Asian bakery café chain. TOUS les JOURS is a French-Asian bakery café chain offering more than 300 different kinds of bakery products.
- Beyond PlasticcorePartnership to develop world's first completely biodegradable plastic bottle cap using CJ Biomaterials' PHA biopolymers. PHA-based bottle caps are both recyclable and compostable, in addition to being fully biodegradable. Beyond Plastic developing tailored PHA formulations for various applications.
- CJ Olive YoungcorePartnership to develop PHA-based polybag for Olive Young's same-day delivery service (Onul Dream). Also developed cosmetic containers and packaging materials using PHACT PHA.
- CUminorPartnership with South Korea's leading convenience store chain CU to launch new noodle cup coated with compostable, biodegradable PHA. First eco-friendly noodle cup in South Korea.
- RIMAN INCELLDERMminorPartnership to expand use of PHA in cosmetic packaging applications.
- Dongil PlatechminorPartnership to introduce eco-friendly straw made with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) technology.
- Banila Co.minorPartnership to develop first cosmetic jar based on CJ Biomaterials' amorphous PHA technology. Banila Co. cleansing balm jar in eco-friendly 'Clean It Zero' line now available at CJ Olive Young stores.
- NatureWorkscoreMaster Collaboration Agreement signed November 2022 for development of sustainable materials solutions combining CJ Biomaterials' PHACT PHA with NatureWorks' Ingeo PLA biopolymers. Initial focus on compostable food packaging and food serviceware. Expanded relationship beyond packaging to films and nonwoven markets with strategic supply agreements.
- Yuhan-KimberlyminorAgreement to expand development of sustainable products using PHA technology for personal care and household products.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CJ Biomaterials competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Danimer Scientific: US-based developer and producer of PHA biopolymers under the Nodax brand for packaging, foodservice, and consumer goods applications. Directly competes with CJ Biomaterials in commercial-scale PHA manufacturing and shares similar end markets including foodservice and cosmetics packaging.
- Kaneka Corporation: Japanese chemical company producing PHBH PHA (Aonilex) at commercial scale for packaging, agricultural films, and consumer goods. Direct PHA competitor with established production footprint and overlapping applications in compostable packaging and foodserviceware.
- TotalEnergies Corbion: Joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion producing Luminy PLA at scale for packaging, foodservice, and consumer goods. Direct bioplastic competitor serving overlapping markets in compostable packaging and foodserviceware where CJ Biomaterials' PHA also targets.
- Novamont: Italian bioplastics company producing Mater-Bi biodegradable and compostable bioplastics from starch and cellulose for packaging, foodservice, and agricultural applications. Competes directly with CJ Biomaterials in compostable packaging and foodservice end markets.
Broad incumbents
- NatureWorks: World's largest PLA producer (Ingeo biopolymers) and CJ Biomaterials' strategic collaboration partner. Competes with PHA in many of the same single-use packaging and foodservice applications and represents the incumbent bioplastic that PHA blends with or must displace.
- Braskem: Brazilian petrochemical major producing I'm green bio-based polyethylene (sugarcane-derived) at commercial scale. Competes in the broader bioplastics space for packaging and consumer goods applications, though Braskem focuses on bio-PE rather than PHA.
- BASF: Global chemical incumbent offering ecovio (PLA/PBAT blends) and other biodegradable bioplastic solutions for packaging, foodservice, and agricultural applications. Broad portfolio incumbent competing with CJ Biomaterials across multiple bioplastic use cases.
Emerging players
- RWDC Industries: Singapore/US-based PHA producer (formerly Pili) developing bio-based PHA for packaging, coatings, and consumer goods. Earlier-stage PHA competitor targeting overlapping applications including compostable packaging and marine-degradable use cases.
- Mango Materials: US-based startup producing PHA biopolymers from methane feedstock for textiles, packaging, and consumer goods applications. Emerging PHA competitor focused on alternative feedstock economics and serving adjacent markets to CJ Biomaterials.
- Newlight Technologies: US-based company producing AirCarbon PHA biopolymers from greenhouse gas-derived feedstock for packaging, foodservice, and consumer products. Emerging PHA producer competing in overlapping commercial applications with CJ Biomaterials' PHACT portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CJ Biomaterials social profiles
Digital presenceCJ Biomaterials compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
CJ Biomaterials financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CJ Biomaterials leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
CJ Biomaterials funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CJ Biomaterials M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CJ Biomaterials
What does CJ Biomaterials do?
CJ Biomaterials develops and manufactures polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers under the PHACT brand through proprietary bacterial fermentation of plant-derived sugars. Its portfolio includes amorphous PHA, semi-crystalline PHA, masterbatches, and compounds sold as neat resins to converters, manufacturers, and brand owners for use in packaging, food serviceware, nonwovens, cosmetics, personal care, and other applications replacing fossil-fuel-based plastics.
Is CJ Biomaterials a public or private company?
CJ Biomaterials is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was CJ Biomaterials founded?
CJ Biomaterials was founded in 2022. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is CJ Biomaterials based?
CJ Biomaterials is headquartered in Woburn, United States, in the North America region.
How does CJ Biomaterials make money?
One revenue line is on record: PHA Biopolymer Sales.
Who are CJ Biomaterials's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Danimer Scientific, Kaneka Corporation, TotalEnergies Corbion and Novamont. Broad incumbents are NatureWorks, Braskem and BASF. Emerging players are RWDC Industries, Mango Materials and Newlight Technologies.
Does CJ Biomaterials have an API?
No public API is recorded for CJ Biomaterials.
What industry is CJ Biomaterials in?
CJ Biomaterials's product category is Bioplastics / Biopolymers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMANAAAG, Bio-based & Biodegradable Polymer Resin Manufacturing (PLA, PHA, PBS, starch blends), with a secondary code of IMAEAOAB, Biodegradable Packaging Materials (films, trays, foams). Its NAICS code is 325211 and its SIC code is 2821.