KleanNara Expands Clay-Coated Board Exports to South Africa
South Korean paper products manufacturer KleanNara is expanding exports of its eco-friendly Clay Coated Kraft Board to South Africa, targeting new customers and growing demand for recyclable paper-based packaging solutions.
The Clay Coated Kraft Board is designed to combine strength, water resistance and printability, making it suitable for premium packaging applications, including home meal replacement products and household goods. The company is positioning the material as an alternative for packaging applications that require both functional performance and sustainability.
KleanNara said growing global demand for packaging materials that combine environmental benefits with functionality is creating new opportunities for Clay Coated Kraft Board in overseas markets. The company plans to build on its existing export competitiveness, including its business in Vietnam, while targeting additional markets such as South Africa.
The expansion comes as packaging producers and brand owners face increasing pressure to adopt recyclable and paper-based materials. Regulations such as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation are also encouraging the use of recyclable materials and packaging containing recycled content.
KleanNara aims to strengthen its presence in South Africa by leveraging the board’s combination of sustainability and performance while improving production stability and product quality through expanded overseas sales.
The company has also established a branch office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to strengthen regional sales capabilities and support expansion across Southeast Asia. South Africa is now being identified as another emerging market for recyclable packaging solutions.
South Africa’s paper recycling infrastructure also provides a supportive environment for the expansion of fibre-based packaging. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa reported that the country’s paper recycling rate reached 63.3% in 2025, compared with 60% in 2024.
Meanwhile, South Korean companies and research institutions are continuing to develop sustainable paper-coating technologies. Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Yonsei University have worked on high-performance paper coating materials aimed at reducing microplastic pollution.
Other developments include the use of CJ Biomaterials’ patented polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer in paper-based packaging for CU’s convenience food products. The technology combines PHA with polylactic acid to create a microwavable paper coating.
South Korea has also proposed changes to packaging requirements for courier shipments, including more flexible provisions for fragile products and packaging systems using automated equipment or recycled and paper-based materials.
KleanNara’s expansion into South Africa reflects the wider movement toward recyclable and functional paper packaging, as manufacturers seek to respond to changing regulations and growing demand for more sustainable packaging solutions.
