GORINCHEM, Netherlands – 8th May, 2026 – TotalEnergies Corbion, a global leader in polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics, and Yuhan‑Kimberly, a pioneer in sustainable consumer hygiene products, today announced the successful commercialization of a new generation of washable, biobased kitchen towels, marking a major milestone in their multi‑year joint development partnership.
The product, officially launched in 2026, is the result of more than three years of close collaboration between the two companies, combining Yuhan‑Kimberly’s application development expertise and market leadership with TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy® PLA, which has been solely qualified for this application following extensive development, testing, and industrial validation.
A Multi‑Year Co‑Development Built on Scientific and Industrial Expertise
Since the project’s inception, TotalEnergies Corbion and Yuhan‑Kimberly have worked together across the entire value chain – from material formulation and process optimization to downstream performance validation – toward the shared goal of developing high‑performance, renewable‑content wipe solutions that meet both consumer expectations and environmental objectives.
The washable kitchen towel is manufactured using a synergistic blend of biobased materials, including:
- Luminy® PLA (L130 from TotalEnergies Corbion)
- PHA
- FSC®‑certified pulp
This combination delivers durability, reusability, and functionality, while remaining entirely plant‑based and aligned with circular economy principles.
Demonstrating the Power of Biobased Material Synergy
Designed to be washed and reused multiple times, the new kitchen towel represents a compelling alternative to conventional disposable wipes and paper towels. It serves as a demonstrator for how advanced biopolymers can be combined to unlock new performance and sustainability benchmarks in everyday consumer products.
“This launch is not the result of a single project, but of a long‑term, trust‑based partnership,” said Mr. Kevin Cho, Senior Business Development Manager at TotalEnergies Corbion. “From concept to commercialization, Luminy® PLA has been co‑developed and validated together with Yuhan‑Kimberly to meet demanding functional and sustainability criteria. We are proud that Luminy® is the PLA solution qualified for this application and that our collaboration continues to set a benchmark for biobased innovation.”
Mr. Chang-Woo Ahn, R&D officer at Yuhan‑Kimberly, added:
“This reusable dishtowel demonstrates what is possible when material science and product design are developed hand‑in‑hand. Our close cooperation with TotalEnergies Corbion has enabled us to bring a differentiated, biobased product to market that reflects our long‑term commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
Global Relevance and Future Expansion
While initially launched in Asia through Yuhan‑Kimberly’s established retail and online distribution channels, the application has been developed with global scalability in mind. Both companies see this product as a platform innovation, opening the door to future developments in spunbond, meltblown, and other nonwoven hygiene and wiping applications.
The collaboration also reflects the companies’ shared ambition to advance the adoption of biobased materials globally, engaging converters, brand owners, and retailers in building credible, performance‑driven alternatives to fossil‑based plastics.
About TotalEnergies Corbion
TotalEnergies Corbion is a global leader in the production of Polylactic Acid, better known as Luminy® PLA. The biobased nature and compostability of our PLA mean that it has a lower carbon footprint while also contributing to the circular economy through mechanical and chemical recycling. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies Corbion operates a cutting-edge PLA facility in Rayong, Thailand. Through the application of PLA across various sectors and collaboration throughout the value chain, TotalEnergies Corbion drives widespread adoption of bioplastics, envisioning a future where it revolutionises industries and nurtures a healthier planet.
About Yuhan Kimberly
Yuhan Kimberly is a leading consumer goods company in South Korea, recognized globally for its innovation in hygiene, healthcare, and sustainable consumer products. Through continuous R&D and partnerships across the value chain, Yuhan Kimberly is committed to creating products that improve everyday life while reducing environmental impact.