▲ Seaweed paper cup Janoodam, Marine Innovation’s eco-friendly packaging brand

Marine Innovation, a social venture supported by SK Innovation, announced that its eco-friendly cups “Janoodam” received recognition for advanced technology from Europe.

Janoodam is the brand name of Marine Innovation’s cups made from seaweed by-products, and this time it was recognized by DIN CERTCO, the certification body of TÜV Rheinland Group. It is well-known for its nearly 50 years of experience especially in the field of Compostable, Biobased and Recycled Materials certification services.

The company holds 5 cases of patent registration, 47 cases of the patent application, and 12 cases of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for its production of pulp mold using various materials such as seaweed and citrus pomace and the coating materials containing a chitosan* coating layer. It has already proved the technological prowess of its green products in the domestic market, and now, it is in the limelight of the international community.

▲ The certification from DIN CERTO that Marine Innovation received for its Janoodam eco-friendly cups

Marine Innovation has been supported by SK Innovation for a few years. Founded in 2019, Marine Innovation’s mission is to “think and act right for the next generation.” After a long, strenuous process of contemplation regarding the environmental issues and climate crisis, the company found the fundamental resolution to produce green packaging materials from the seaweed.

By now, Marine Innovation holds 5 cases of patent registration, 47 cases of the patent application, and 12 cases of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for its production of pulp mold using various materials such as seaweed and citrus pomade and the coating materials containing a chitosan* coating layer. It has already proved the technological prowess of its green products in the domestic market, and now, it is in the limelight of the international community.

(*) Chitosan: refers to the substance that is left after deacetylating the chitin, which is in the shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. Source: Doosan Encyclopedia.

The company’s brand Janoodam is the abbreviation shortened from the Korean sentence that translates to “Sharing and keeping the nature.” Aside from cups, under the Janoodam brand, other products that are made from seaweed are plates, food containers, plastic bags, and stationary like diaries, calendars, and memo pads. All of them are produced with Marine Innovation’s outstanding technology that are harmless to the environment. Not only that, they can be totally biodegradable after being used.

▲ Seaweed paper cup “Janoodam,” the eco-friendly packaging brand of Marine Innovation.

Unlike the conventional paper cups, Janoodam seaweed cups are made not only from different materials but also with different manufacturing process. Instead of using the typical adhesives, Marine Innovation applies eco-friendly molding technology that uses heat and pressure, and coats with edible chitosan, ensuring the well-beingness of consumers as well. The conventional paper cups that are widely use are coated with adhesives and polyethylene (PE), and on average more than 1 trillion nanoplastic come out in the process of using and producing such products. However, with Marine Innovation’s eco-friendly technology, the seaweed paper cups are free from nanoplastic, allowing consumers to stay healthy while using the cups. In addition, given that it can be completely biodegradable after use, it brings almost no harm to the environment.

Previously, Janoodam cups received a certificate from the Korea Analysis Test Researcher (KATR) in its microplastic analysis test, which confirmed no plastic was found in the cups. Moreover, the US-based Applied Paper Technology’s tests showed that the cups are sturdy and confirmed its water and oil resistance, proving to the market that Marine Innovation’s self-developed chitosan coating technology is effective.

In May 13, CEO Cha spoke at the World Expo 2030 Busan Special Roundtable Discussion Session, where he shared his experience at the EXPO LIVE, the start-up program held at 2020 Dubai World Expo, as he was selected as the only “Global Innovator” from South Korea. CEO Cha joined in the efforts to host the World Expo in Busan in 2030 as the company is receiving a lot of attention across the globe.