WOBURN – CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Yuhan-Kimberly to introduce what is described as the first biodegradable, reusable nonwoven paper towel.
Based on an amorphous PHA binder, now launched in South Korea under the Kleenex Biodegradable Reusable Dishtowel brand, the development links a new PHA grade with established spunbond nonwoven technology to target household and food-service wiping applications while addressing concerns over microplastic generation.
Developed by CJ Biomaterials, PHACT A1000P is an amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate derived from plant-based feedstocks, including sugarcane, and is positioned as a soft, rubbery biobased alternative to conventional plastic binders.
In the new towel, it is used to bind cellulose fibres within a spunbond nonwoven construction, delivering strength and softness while enabling compostability claims across multiple end-of-life scenarios.
The polymer carries third-party certifications for both home and industrial composting, including Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) approval and TÜV Austria’s OK compost HOME and INDUSTRIAL labels, as well as OK biodegradable MARINE and SOIL.
Yuhan-Kimberly combines PHACT A1000P with other plant-derived components, including cellulose and PLA, to produce a spunbond nonwoven towel that is reported as being 100% biobased and designed not to generate persistent microplastics during use and disposal.
Nonwoven production is carried out by Eugene Hanil Synthetic Fiber, indicating that the PHA binder can be integrated into existing spunbond lines without fundamental changes to equipment.
According to the partners, the towel can be washed and reused multiple times before disposal, positioning it as a semi-durable nonwoven format for household kitchens and restaurant back-of-house environments. Reusability is intended to reduce overall towel consumption, while the biobased composition and compostability could offer a lower-impact route at end-of-life compared with fossil-derived, single-use wipes.
In developing the product, Yuhan-Kimberly says it sought a binder system that would both deliver the required mechanical performance and pass testing for persistent microplastics established by Korea’s KOTITI Testing & Research Institute. Earlier trials using PLA alone as the binder highlighted limitations in strength and durability, leading to issues on the line and in end-use. The introduction of PHACT A1000P is reported to have mitigated these concerns while preserving existing manufacturing conditions and production speeds.
CJ Biomaterials positions PHACT A1000P as a fermentation-derived PHA that performs effectively as a binder for cellulosic fibres, offering a balance of flexibility, toughness and processability in nonwoven structures. The company views the collaboration as evidence that amorphous PHA grades can move beyond niche trials into branded consumer products.
“We are proud that our amorphous PHA is being recognised for the unique performance attributes it brings, making functional and sustainable products like Yuhan-Kimberly’s first biodegradable nonwoven paper towel possible,” said Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer at CJ Biomaterials.
The technology will be on show at CJ Biomaterials’ booth at this month’s INDEX exhibition.
