Kleenex Launches World’s First Biodegradable and Reusable Nonwoven Paper Towel Made with Amorphous PHA
Seoul, South Korea – May 12, 2026 – In a significant stride towards sustainable household goods, CJ Biomaterials, a prominent U.S. subsidiary of South Korea’s CJ CheilJedang, has joined forces with Yuhan-Kimberly, a renowned joint venture between Korea’s Yuhan Corporation and global consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark, to introduce the world’s first biodegradable and reusable nonwoven paper towel incorporating amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers. This groundbreaking product, now available across South Korea, marks a pivotal moment in the consumer market’s shift towards environmentally conscious alternatives.
The newly launched Kleenex biodegradable and reusable dishtowel leverages CJ Biomaterials’ proprietary PHACT A1000P, a revolutionary amorphous PHA. This innovation is the culmination of a strategic partnership that commenced in 2022, aiming to develop high-performance, sustainable materials for everyday products. The development signifies a major advancement in the textile and nonwoven industries, addressing growing consumer demand for products that minimize environmental impact without compromising functionality.
The Science Behind the Sustainability: Amorphous PHA
PHACT A1000P, the core component of this new paper towel, is derived from sustainably sourced, plant-based raw materials, notably sugarcane. This bio-based material exhibits a unique combination of properties: it is soft, pliable, and possesses the inherent ability to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Crucially, PHACT A1000P is designed to break down naturally under various environmental conditions, including composting facilities and natural ecosystems.
The material has undergone rigorous independent testing and has received multiple certifications attesting to its biodegradability. It is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) for both commercial and home compostability, ensuring its responsible end-of-life management. Furthermore, it holds certifications from TÜV Austria as OK compost Home and Industrial, and importantly, OK biodegradable Marine and Soil. These accreditations underscore its capability to degrade without leaving behind persistent microplastics, a significant environmental concern associated with conventional plastics.
A Collaborative Approach to Innovation
The development of the Kleenex biodegradable and reusable dishtowel is a testament to the successful collaboration between CJ Biomaterials and Yuhan-Kimberly. Yuhan-Kimberly, known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in hygiene and household products, integrated PHACT A1000P with other plant-derived materials, including cellulose and polylactic acid (PLA). These components were then processed into high-performance spunbond nonwovens by Eugene Hanil, a manufacturing partner based in China. The resulting paper towel is not only 100% biobased but also engineered to prevent the formation of persistent microplastics, offering a truly circular solution.
Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer at CJ Biomaterials, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. "We have had a great partnership with Yuhan-Kimberly, conducting research to develop solutions using PHA that support the goal of achieving 95% of sales with sustainable products by 2030," Senechal stated. "We are proud that our amorphous PHA is being recognised for the unique performance attributes it brings, making functional and sustainable products possible and available to consumers." This statement highlights the strategic alignment between the two companies’ long-term sustainability objectives.
Beyond Single Use: Reusability and Performance
A key differentiator of the new Kleenex dishtowel is its inherent reusability. Consumers can wash and use these towels multiple times before their eventual disposal, significantly reducing the waste generated by conventional single-use paper products. This feature appeals to environmentally conscious households and businesses, particularly in the food service industry, where durable and hygienic cleaning solutions are paramount. The product is already gaining traction in homes and restaurants throughout Korea, signaling a positive market reception.
The versatility of PHACT A1000P extends to its efficacy as a binder for cellulose fibers. Yuhan-Kimberly had previously explored PLA as a binder for similar applications. However, they encountered mechanical performance limitations that posed significant challenges to product integrity and manufacturing efficiency. The incorporation of PHACT PHA largely mitigated these issues, allowing Yuhan-Kimberly to maintain its established manufacturing processes and production speeds while enhancing the overall performance of the dishtowel. This ability to integrate seamlessly into existing production lines is a crucial factor for widespread adoption in the industry.
The Growing Market for Sustainable Nonwovens
The introduction of this innovative paper towel comes at a time of escalating global demand for sustainable consumer goods. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental footprint of their purchases, and businesses are responding by seeking alternatives to traditional, often petroleum-based, materials. The nonwovens market, in particular, is experiencing a surge in innovation driven by the need for biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable solutions.
According to market research reports, the global biodegradable plastics market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. For instance, a report by Grand View Research estimated the global biodegradable plastics market size at USD 5.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. Within this, PHA bioplastics are recognized as a key segment due to their broad applicability and favorable end-of-life properties. The development of products like the Kleenex dishtowel is expected to accelerate this growth by demonstrating the practical and commercial viability of PHA in everyday applications.
The textile industry, a significant contributor to global waste and pollution, is under immense pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. Nonwoven fabrics, widely used in applications ranging from hygiene products and medical supplies to geotextiles and automotive interiors, are a focal point for this transition. The successful integration of PHA into nonwoven paper towels signifies a broader potential for PHA in other nonwoven applications, such as wipes, filters, and even certain apparel components.
Broader Implications for the Industry and Environment
The partnership between CJ Biomaterials and Yuhan-Kimberly, and the subsequent launch of the Kleenex biodegradable and reusable dishtowel, carries substantial implications for the future of household goods and the broader bioplastics industry.
For Consumers: This product offers a tangible way for consumers to reduce their environmental impact through their daily choices. The ability to reuse the towel multiple times before composting provides both economic and ecological benefits, shifting the perception of paper towels from disposable commodities to more durable, sustainable resources.
For the Nonwovens Industry: The success of this product validates the potential of amorphous PHA as a high-performance biopolymer in nonwoven applications. It paves the way for further research and development into PHA-based nonwovens for a wider array of products, potentially displacing a significant volume of conventional synthetic nonwovens. This could lead to a paradigm shift in material sourcing and manufacturing within the sector.
For Environmental Sustainability: The reduction of reliance on petroleum-based plastics, coupled with the biodegradability of the product, directly addresses critical environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and microplastic contamination. The marine and soil biodegradability certifications are particularly significant, suggesting a reduced risk to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems if the product enters the environment unintentionally.
For Corporate Sustainability Goals: The initiative aligns with the increasing corporate commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Companies like CJ Biomaterials and Yuhan-Kimberly are demonstrating leadership by investing in and bringing to market solutions that support a circular economy and reduce carbon footprints. Yuhan-Kimberly’s stated goal of achieving 95% of sales from sustainable products by 2030 underscores the strategic importance of such innovations for long-term business viability and environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Biopolymers in Consumer Goods
The launch of the Kleenex biodegradable and reusable dishtowel is more than just a new product; it represents a tangible step towards a more sustainable future for consumer goods. As the technology for producing and processing biopolymers like PHA continues to advance, and as market demand for eco-friendly alternatives grows, we can anticipate more such innovations across various product categories. The collaboration between material science innovators like CJ Biomaterials and established consumer product companies like Yuhan-Kimberly is a powerful model for driving this transition.
The journey of PHACT A1000P from raw material to a functional, biodegradable, and reusable household item highlights the potential of biomaterials to address pressing environmental concerns while meeting consumer needs for performance and convenience. The ongoing research and development in this field promise to unlock even greater possibilities for sustainable materials in the years to come, shaping a more responsible and eco-conscious marketplace.
For further information on CJ Biomaterials and their innovative biopolymer solutions, visit www.cjbiomaterials.com.
