Corn-Starch Compostable Packaging – Breakthrough: South Korea Accelerates Sustainable Shift as Daesang and Dongsung Chemical Scale Materials for Mass Use 06-02-2026
Daesang and Dongsung Chemical Join Forces to Advance Corn-Starch Compostable Packaging
South Korea is taking another decisive step toward sustainable packaging as Daesang announces a strategic partnership with Dongsung Chemical to jointly develop corn-starch-based compostable packaging. The collaboration focuses on research, development, and commercialization of biodegradable materials derived from thermoplastic starch, positioning both companies at the forefront of the eco-friendly materials transition.
The agreement reflects rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions in food, logistics, and consumer goods, driven by stricter environmental regulations, corporate ESG commitments, and changing consumer expectations across Asia.
What Makes Corn-Starch Compostable Packaging Different
Corn-starch compostable packaging is based on thermoplastic starch (TPS), a material produced by processing natural starch into a plastic-like form. Unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics, TPS is designed to be fully biodegradable, returning to compost through microbial activity in soil or composting environments.
Key characteristics of corn-starch compostable packaging include:
-
100% biodegradability under industrial and home composting conditions
-
Use of renewable agricultural raw materials
-
Reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-based plastics
-
Compatibility with existing packaging formats such as films and air cushions
This makes corn-starch compostable packaging an increasingly attractive alternative for companies seeking scalable, environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
Thermoplastic Starch Enables Plastic-Like Processing Without Plastic
A defining advantage of TPS is its processability. While untreated starch degrades at high temperatures, thermoplastic starch can be melted, shaped, and processed similarly to conventional plastic materials. This allows manufacturers to create flexible films, protective air caps, and packaging components without relying on synthetic polymers.
Through this partnership, Daesang will develop TPS materials with the mechanical strength, durability, and heat resistance required for commercial packaging applications. Dongsung Chemical will apply its advanced processing technologies to convert these materials into finished corn-starch compostable packaging products.
Commercial Targets Set for Food and Logistics Packaging by 2027
The companies have outlined a clear commercialization roadmap. By 2027, they aim to introduce:
-
Compostable air caps for logistics and e-commerce distribution
-
Biodegradable films for food packaging applications
-
Large-format packaging suitable for logistics centers
Initial applications will focus on seasonings and processed food packaging, where regulatory pressure and sustainability expectations are particularly high. The scope will then expand to bulk and transport packaging, addressing one of the most plastic-intensive segments of modern supply chains.
Daesang’s Long-Standing Expertise in Starch Innovation
Daesang brings decades of materials expertise to the collaboration. The company developed thermoplastic starch domestically as early as 1999 and holds numerous patents related to starch-based materials. Over the years, it has refined production processes to improve strength, stability, and performance of starch-derived products.
This accumulated know-how enables Daesang to supply TPS materials that meet industrial requirements for corn-starch compostable packaging, while maintaining environmental integrity and biodegradability.
International Certification Strengthens Market Credibility
The thermoplastic starch developed by Daesang has already demonstrated strong environmental performance. It has passed multiple biodegradation assessments, including:
-
Industrial composting
-
Home composting
-
Soil biodegradation
In 2025, the material received certifications across four categories from DIN CERTCO, Germany’s leading biodegradation certification body. These certifications significantly enhance the credibility of corn-starch compostable packaging in both domestic and international markets, particularly in Europe where regulatory scrutiny is high.
Rigorous Testing for Shelf Life and Industrial Compatibility
Beyond biodegradability, commercial success depends on performance. Daesang’s packaging R&D division will conduct extensive testing to verify:
-
Product shelf life and barrier properties
-
Mechanical durability during transport
-
Compatibility with high-speed packaging lines
This ensures that corn-starch compostable packaging not only meets environmental standards but also performs reliably in real-world industrial settings.
ESG Strategy and the Future of the Starch Industry
The partnership aligns closely with ESG management goals. By transforming corn starch into high-value, compostable packaging materials, Daesang and Dongsung Chemical are helping redefine the role of agricultural inputs in advanced materials science.
The collaboration also signals broader opportunities for the starch industry, moving beyond food applications into sustainable materials, circular economy models, and climate-aligned manufacturing.
A Strategic Move in Asia’s Sustainable Packaging Market
As Asian governments tighten plastic regulations and global brands demand greener supply chains, corn-starch compostable packaging is emerging as a practical, scalable solution. By combining Daesang’s materials innovation with Dongsung Chemical’s processing expertise, the two companies aim to lead Korea’s sustainable packaging market and compete globally.
This initiative represents not only a technological milestone, but also a strategic response to the accelerating shift toward biodegradable packaging worldwide.
More…
