September 25, 2026

ECOVIVA USA launches operation at Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center to Advance Compostable Packaging with Virginia Tech partnership

Ecoviva at VTCRC

ECOVIVA USA launches operation at Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center to Advance Compostable Packaging with Virginia Tech partnership

BLACKSBURG, Va. — September 14, 2026 — ECOVIVA USA, a sustainable bioplastics company operating as the U.S. subsidiary of Dongsung Chemical, announced the official launch of its U.S. operations at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC). With a focus on replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics, ECOVIVA USA provides high-performance, bio-based packaging solutions designed to help packaging stakeholders respond to growing global regulatory requirements and achieve their sustainability and carbon-reduction goals.

To drive innovation in sustainable materials and packaging, ECOVIVA USA is collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team at Virginia Tech led by Dr. Young Kim, Dr. Haibo Huang, and Dr. Zhiwu Wang, faculty members in the Departments of Sustainable Biomaterials, Food Science and Technology, and Biological Systems Engineering, respectively.

Over the past several years, the Virginia Tech team has advanced technologies for producing bioplastics from food and agricultural waste streams while developing sustainable packaging systems as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. This collaboration combines Virginia Tech’s expertise in bioplastic production, waste valorization, and sustainable packaging with ECOVIVA USA’s industrial and commercialization capabilities. Through this partnership, the team aims to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies from laboratory research to scalable production and market-ready applications.

Developed using bio-based and biodegradable polymers, including PLA, PBAT, and PHA, the flagship ECOVIVA® product line is designed to meet recognized industrial compostability and soil biodegradability standards  while maintaining the performance required for practical packaging applications. The product portfolio includes customized bioplastic compounds, bubble wrap, bead foam, strapping bands, films, hot-melt adhesives, and bioplastic-coated papers, providing sustainable material solutions for packaging, logistics, and other industrial applications.

The establishment of ECOVIVA USA comes at an important time as demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics continues to grow. The global bioplastics market is projected by MarketsandMarkets to reach approximately $45 billion by 2030. With increasing regulatory restrictions on conventional plastics and growing corporate commitments to sustainability, the packaging industry is actively seeking scalable alternatives that can provide both competitive performance and improved end-of-life options. ECOVIVA USA aims to address this need by developing customized biopolymer formulations and packaging solutions that balance material performance, processability, and end-of-life circularity.

By combining Dongsung Chemical’s expertise in polymer and chemical technologies with research collaboration at Virginia Tech, ECOVIVA USA aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation sustainable materials and expand their adoption across the North American packaging market.

Meet Us at PACK EXPO Chicago 2026!

We will be co-exhibiting with Dongsung Chemical at Pack Expo 2026.

Visit us at Booth #W-42110 to explore our latest sustainable packaging solutions and see our innovation in action.

For product information or press inquiries, please contact jisoo.han@bioecovivausa.comor sophie.lee@bioecovivausa.com.

Contact information:

ECOVIVA USA

Sophie Lee

5406552429

Sophie.lee@bioecovivausa.com