Korean Paper Companies Busy Developing More Innovative and Versatile Products

Korean paper companies are speeding up development of new products to cope with a decline in paper demand.

On July 8, Moorim P&P introduced various products made of new materials, such as nanocellulose, pulp molds and bioplastics, at Nano Korea 2021, which was held at KINTEX in Goyang City. Nanocellulose is a substance that is obtained by dividing cellulose fibers extracted from pulp into nanometer-sized pieces. It weighs only one fifth of steel but is five times stronger than iron and has excellent safety and hydrophilicity. Thus, it can be used in many industries, including automobiles, cosmetics, and electronics.

In the exhibition, Moorim P&P also unveiled eco-friendly plates, lunch box containers and paper cups made of pulp molds. Pulp molds do not have plastic coating, so they are easy to recycle and biodegradable. The company also showcased samples of wood plastics and biodegradable eco-friendly bioplastic products developed using pulp, wood and sawdust. These materials can be used for hangers, toothbrushes and cosmetic cases in place of plastic.

Hansol Paper, another Korean paper manufacture, is also stepping up its research to develop new materials for tires and automotive parts by applying nanocellulose technology. It succeeded in commercializing biodegradable paper packaging material “Protego” and eco-friendly paper container “Terabas.” Protego biodegrade more than 90 percent and can be recycled. It can be used as a packaging material for products such as cosmetics, coffee and food. Terabas, an eco-friendly food container, is attracting attention as a replacement for plastic containers because it can be recycled and biodegradable.