CJ Freshway’s food upcycling initiative has achieved significant traction in its first year, with cumulative sales reaching 900,000 bags of upcycled products. The company reports the product line has quickly become a leading choice in the children’s and youth meal service sector.
The success of CJ Freshway’s upcycled offerings aligns with a broader industry trend toward circular economy practices within South Korea’s food and beverage industry. CJ CheilJedang, the parent company of CJ Freshway, has demonstrated commitment to this area through investment in startups focused on food upcycling, such as Re:Harvest, and through the development of its own “Excycle” food upcycling brand, according to a recent ESG report.
CJ Freshway’s efforts also include collaboration with S&D Company to recycle waste cooking oil, a practice announced in March 2023. This initiative contributes to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable resource management within the food service industry. The company emphasizes its expertise in food safety as a key component of its sustainability efforts.
Beyond domestic initiatives, CJ CheilJedang has expanded its focus on bio-innovation with an investment in Australian bio startup Provectus Algae, seeking to combine microbial fermentation technology with its existing bio unit capabilities. This investment suggests a broader strategy to leverage biotechnology for sustainable food production and resource utilization.
In June 2025, CJ Freshway highlighted its commitment to utilizing food waste for upcycling purposes and selling the resulting products, as detailed in its 2022 ESG report. The company recently hosted a food truck event designed to boost employee morale, further demonstrating its internal focus on sustainability and employee engagement.
