The 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament marks the first large-scale deployment of eco-friendly tableware made from PHACT™ PHA material. CJ Biomaterials partnered with WinCup's phade® brand to supply the event's dining and kitchenware; the entire product line is fully biodegradable and leaves no microplastic residue.
CJ Biomaterials, a subsidiary of South Korea's CJ CheilJedang, is a leading global producer of PHA bioplastics. The co-branded products-including paper cups, cutlery, and straws-are being deployed across tournament grounds, VIP suites, and the 750-square-meter "CJ House" experience center. The venue also showcases South Korean beauty products, specialty foods, and audiovisual technologies.
Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer of CJ Biomaterials, noted that the tournament's paper cups utilize innovative PHACT PHA coating technology, representing a breakthrough in PHA application. Certified by third parties, PHACT PHA biodegrades naturally in soil and marine environments and is suitable for both home and commercial composting. The products feature an all-PHA blend combining amorphous PHA (aPHA) and semi-crystalline PHA, balancing flexibility with structural strength.
Brazos Barber, Director of Sustainability for the PGA TOUR, stated that the event expects over 200,000 visitors. The phade® compostable tableware aligns with the PGA TOUR's commitment to sustainable event hosting, enhancing the spectator experience while encouraging the public to adopt green consumption habits.
WinCup CEO Brad Laporte remarked that the tournament deployment allows consumers to experience eco-friendly products firsthand. With phade® products now available in brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart, the initiative bridges the gap between tournament trials and mass-market availability for daily use.
In addition to the large-scale procurement of fully biodegradable tableware, the tournament implemented several other eco-friendly measures: six diesel generators were replaced with battery energy storage systems; two sites switched to grid power, reducing fuel consumption by over 30,000 liters; turf and wood waste were recycled prior to the event to avoid landfill disposal; and over 40,000 fully biodegradable items from CJ Biomaterials were procured for food and beverage services.
