Innovative and sustainable: CJ BIO’s latest offerings at the forefront of nutritional wellness

29 Jul 2024 --- Based in Seoul, South Korea, CheilJedang (CJ) BIO utilizes its advanced proprietary fermentation technology and specialized microbial resources to boost nutrition and enhance the savory flavors of products. The company started producing monosodium glutamate in 1964 and now produces a range of products, including amino acids for feed and food, savory flavors, seasoning materials and plant-based protein ingredients.

At the company’s headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, we caught up with Steve Pak, CJ BIO’s chief marketing officer, to discuss its latest innovations and get a glimpse into its future.

Can you share some of the latest nutrition products that CJ BIO has developed, as well as the key nutritional benefits of these new products?
Pak: We have a worldwide brand, AMINATURE, which comprises three amino acids: citrulline, arginine and histidine. Traditionally, these products are widely available. However, we are now venturing into a specialty area with our new brand, BiomeNrich. This year, we are launching four products, with the first set to debut in July at the IFT First trade show, offering Sleep & Skin functionality in postbiotics.

With BiomeNrich, we are launching condition-specific biotic solutions. We are very excited about this new brand and are committed to spreading awareness about its benefits.

What innovative technologies has CJ BIO implemented in the development of its products and how do these technologies improve the nutritional value and production efficiency of your offerings?
Pak: Our key technological strength lies in fermentation, which we leverage to innovate new products. This expertise forms the foundation of our capabilities. In the realm of specialty nutrition, we understand the importance of thinking outside the box.Michel Nijland, VP of CNS Media and Steve Pak, CJ BIO’s chief marketing officer, outside of the company's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.

To drive our innovation forward, we established a task force team that developed a value design strategy. With thousands of innovative strains at our disposal, many of which are already patented, we can rapidly commercialize them. One example is Lactobacillus plantarum, a strain commonly found in kimchi.

What are the current trends CJ BIO is focusing on in consumer demand for nutrition products and how do your product offerings meet these trends?
Pak: Everyone talks about healthy aging and women’s specific needs, and these trends are gaining traction worldwide. While there are unique aspects to different markets, many of these trends are increasingly reaching a universal, global level.

In response, we are working on a project that we expect to launch early next year — a muscle loss prevention solution. As we age, muscle loss becomes a significant concern, and this innovative product is designed to address that issue.

How does CJ BIO incorporate sustainability into its nutrition product development and are there any specific sustainability goals or achievements related to your latest products?
Pak: We have increased the use of renewable energy, expanded the installation of solar panels, and established a foundation for a life-cycle assessment tool to monitor and analyze carbon use throughout the production process.

We have not only incorporated ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into our operations but also developed ESG products, such as plant-based solutions and biodegradable PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates). One notable innovation from our biomaterials business unit is our biodegradable PHA brand, PHACT. This material can be used in everyday plastic items like straws, packaging and utensils, offering the functionality of plastic while being biodegradable, underscoring our serious commitment to environmental sustainability.Park tells us the company will soon unveil a healthy aging product to help prevent muscle loss.

Are there plans to expand the availability of more of CJ BIO’s nutrition solutions and offering to more international markets?
Pak: We already have a significant global presence in the US, Europe, China, Japan and APAC. Our next step is to strengthen this presence by establishing solution hubs and tech centers in these regions.

These centers will enable us to distribute solutions quickly and develop lab-level applications, allowing us to respond rapidly to our customers’ needs.

Finally, is there anything else you would like to tell us about CJ BIO?
Pak: We have been a leader in the biotechnology industry for many years. Now, we are venturing into a new market with BiomeNrich, our brand name for condition-specific pro and postbiotics, built on a strong technological foundation. With 70 years of experience, CJ has perfected the technology behind our products over seven decades.

Building on our longstanding expertise, we advanced into plant-based fermentation. We bring nearly a century of expertise to the table, driven by the “OnlyOne” spirit, striving for excellence in every endeavor.

By William Bradford Nichols from CJ BIO’s Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea