CJ CheilJedang Corp. partners with T&R Biofab on bioprinted food

South Korean food and bio giant CJ CheilJedang Corp. signed a joint development agreement with T&R Biofab, a South Korean biomedical engineering company, utilizing 3D bioprinting technology to create alternative meat.

T&R Biofab possesses world-class technology in the field of regenerative medicine based on 3D bioprinting, which is used to develop artificial tissues. The collaboration aims to develop alternative meat and other bioprinted food products that surpass the limitations of conventional plant-based foods in terms of taste, texture, appearance and nutrition.

“We are thrilled to work with the global food giant CJ CheilJedang to redefine the future of alternative meat,” the company said in a statement via its LinkedIn profile. “Here at T&R, we are grateful that the technologies and solutions we tirelessly develop for the healthcare industry continue to inspire and drive progress across other industries, including the food sector, in advancing sustainability.”

The plant-based food market is expected to grow from $24.9 billion in 2020 to $162 billion in 2030. Achieving the taste and nutritional qualities of animal-based foods in plant-based alternatives remains a challenge. The use of bioprinting technologies to produce edible bioprinted food products using lab-grown meat cells (as well as fish and dairies) is at the same time a key enabler for product taste and a challenge to address in terms of productivity.

CJ CheilJedang continues to invest in technology development for securing sustainable future food resources. It has launched the plant-based food brand PlanTable, selling plant-based dumpling products domestically and internationally, and introduced the plant-based beverage brand Altive through an in-house startup program.