SPC Pack Signs Agreement to Develop Eco-friendly Packaging Materials with Hanwha Compound
SPC Pack, a packaging materials manufacturing subsidiary of SPC Group, said on June 18 that it had signed a ‘business agreement for the development of eco-friendly biodegradable plastic materials’ with Hanwha Compound, an affiliate of Hanwha Solutions.
Through the latest agreement, Hanwha Compound, which boasts its outstanding technology in the field of polylactic acid (PLA) processing, and SPC Pack, which has produced various food packaging materials used in the group’s affiliates including Paris Baguette, Baskin Robbins, and SPC Samlip, will share their strengths and know-how to jointly develop eco-friendly biodegradable packaging materials.
The PLA packaging material, for which the two companies are promoting, is made by fermenting starch extracted from plants such as corn and sugar cane, and can be 100% biodegradable in soil within a few years. Although PLA is an eco-friendly material with excellent properties, its commercialization was difficult as it was not strong enough to be used in various consumer goods. SPC Pack plans to collaborate with Hanwha Compound to develop PLA that can be used in disposable spoons, forks, and salad containers.
Kim Chang-dae, CEO of SPC Pack, said, “The development of eco-friendly packaging materials is very important not only for the environmental protection, but also for consumers. We will do our best to help SPC Group become a leader in the pursuit of eco-friendliness in the food industry.”
Separately, SPC Pack has signed agreements with SK Global Chemical, SKC, and Lotte Chemical to develop eco-friendly packaging materials since March this year. The company is accelerating its eco-friendly management efforts by acquiring all three national green certifications, including Specialized Green Enterprise, Green Technology, and Green Technology Product certifications, for the first time in the food packaging material printing industry.
