The South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Market was valued at USD 412 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 785 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.3% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is being driven by stringent government regulations on single-use plastics, increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and accelerating adoption of bio-based polymers like PLA and PHA across packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods sectors.
As South Korea’s economy shifts toward circular sustainability and waste reduction, the spotlight is on the key producers driving innovation, scalability, and eco-friendly alternatives. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Industry—a mix of domestic specialists, global players with local presence, and biotech innovators shaping the future of green polymers.
🔟 1. ANKOR Bioplastics
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: PLA-based films, compostable bags, and bio-polymer blends
ANKOR Bioplastics stands out as a dedicated player in South Korea’s biodegradable materials space, focusing on high-quality PLA and starch-blend products for packaging and agriculture. The company supplies solutions that meet strict KS certification standards, serving major retailers and food manufacturers with reliable, home-compostable alternatives to traditional plastics. Their commitment to local production ensures quick supply chain response and cost efficiency for Korean businesses transitioning to sustainability.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Developed proprietary PLA formulations certified under KS M ISO 14855
- Partnerships with local municipalities for waste collection pilots
- Aiming for 50% production increase by 2026 to meet regulatory demands
Download FREE Sample Report: South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Serim Bong Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
Key Offering: Starch blends, PHA polymers, and biodegradable mulch films
Serim Bong Co., Ltd. excels in developing cost-effective starch-based biodegradable plastics tailored for agricultural applications like mulch films that decompose naturally in soil. Operating primarily in the southern regions, the company has gained traction among farmers and exporters by offering products that reduce plastic waste in farming while complying with the Plastic Waste Control Act. Their materials support South Korea’s green agriculture push, providing durable yet eco-friendly options.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Collaboration with agricultural cooperatives for field trials
- Investment in domestic starch feedstock sourcing
- Certified OK Compost products for marine-safe degradation
8️⃣ 3. Green Whale Global Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Incheon, South Korea
Key Offering: Bio-compostable packaging, PLA cups, and food serviceware
Green Whale Global Co., Ltd. is rapidly expanding its footprint in the food packaging segment, delivering PLA-based cups, trays, and containers used in cafes and convenience stores across South Korea. With the impending ban on disposable cups by 2027, the company is positioning itself as a go-to supplier for compliant alternatives that maintain functionality and aesthetics. Their global outreach complements domestic sales, leveraging K-beauty and food trends.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Supplied certified products to major chains like E-Mart
- R&D in algae-derived polymers for cost reduction
- Net-zero supply chain goals by 2030
7️⃣ 4. Hanchang Paper Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Key Offering: Cellulose-based bioplastics, coated papers, and hybrid films
Hanchang Paper Co., Ltd. bridges traditional paper with modern bioplastics, offering hybrid materials that combine paper strength with polymer biodegradability for flexible packaging. This innovation addresses performance gaps in pure bioplastics, making them suitable for consumer goods and textiles. The company’s established distribution network accelerates adoption among SMEs adapting to EPR regulations.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Large-scale production of bio-coated papers for FMCG
- Joint ventures for paper-polymer blending tech
- Target of 30% biodegradable content mandate compliance
Download FREE Sample Report: South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Color and Touch Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Colored PLA resins, textured bio-polymers for consumer products
Color and Touch Co., Ltd. specializes in aesthetically enhanced biodegradable polymers, adding value through vibrant colors and textures ideal for cosmetics packaging and textiles. Catering to K-beauty’s sustainability demands, they provide customized solutions that don’t compromise on design while ensuring full compostability, helping brands like AmorePacific meet supplier requirements.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Natural pigment integration for non-toxic coloring
- Certifications for cosmetics-grade biodegradability
- Expansion into apparel fibers
5️⃣ 6. Tohei Sangyo Korea Co Ltd
Headquarters: Ulsan, South Korea
Key Offering: PBS resins, industrial biodegradable films
Tohei Sangyo Korea Co Ltd brings Japanese precision to South Korea’s market with PBS-based polymers known for superior heat resistance, suitable for industrial and agricultural films. Their products support heavier-duty applications where standard PLA falls short, contributing to diversified adoption amid regulatory pressures.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- High-temperature compostable certifications
- Local manufacturing to reduce import dependency
- Trials in automotive interior materials
4️⃣ 7. Dana Co Ltd
Headquarters: Daegu, South Korea
Key Offering: PHA production, medical-grade bio-polymers
Dana Co Ltd is carving a niche in high-value PHA polymers for medical and pharmaceutical packaging, leveraging biocompatibility for sutures and drug delivery. As healthcare applications grow at 12.8% CAGR, their focus positions them for premium market segments with stringent safety standards.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Microbial fermentation tech advancements
- Partnerships with hospitals for testing
- Scaling to meet cross-industry demand
3️⃣ 8. HKC Co Ltd
Headquarters: Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Key Offering: Starch blends for bags and agriculture
HKC Co Ltd delivers affordable starch-blend biodegradable bags and films, targeting retail and waste management sectors hit hardest by single-use bans. Their scalable production supports volume needs for large retailers committing to 100% green packaging by 2027.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Blockchain-tracked recycling programs
- Rice surplus utilization for feedstock
- Cost reductions through blending innovations
2️⃣ 9. GTC Line Co Ltd
Headquarters: Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Key Offering: Custom bio-polymer compounds, textile fibers
GTC Line Co Ltd provides compounded biodegradable materials for textiles and consumer goods, capitalizing on the USD 290 million sustainable fashion market. Their fibers offer a viable alternative to synthetic textiles, aligning with fashion brands’ eco-shifts.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- PLA fiber development for apparel
- Collaborations with fashion industry leaders
- Infrastructure for closed-loop recycling
Download FREE Sample Report: South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
1️⃣ 10. Yongma Logis Co Ltd
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Comprehensive biodegradable logistics packaging, PLA/PHA hybrids
Yongma Logis Co Ltd leads as an end-to-end provider of biodegradable packaging for logistics, supporting e-commerce and distribution with robust, certified solutions. Serving over major platforms, they integrate with circular models like deposit-return systems, driving high return rates and cost savings.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Discount programs for returned packaging
- Strategic alliances with eco-platforms
- Expansion under Resource Recirculation 2030 Plan
Get Full Report Here: South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers in South Korea Is Greener and Circular
The South Korea biodegradable plastics market is undergoing a profound transformation. While conventional plastics persist, the industry channels massive investments into advanced bio-polymers, composting infrastructure, and regulatory compliance networks.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Rapid capacity expansion for PLA and PHA in Asia-Pacific hubs
- Government mandates for 30% biodegradable content by 2026
- Digital tracking for supply chains and circular recycling
- Cross-sector alliances for packaging and beyond
Get Full Report Here: South Korea Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only supplying green materials—they’re spearheading the sustainable transformation of South Korea’s polymers industry.
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