The Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) participates annually in Maison&Objet Paris, the international fair showcasing "decoration, design, and lifestyle" consumer goods. KIDP's Design Korea Exhibition Hall at the event has served as a steppingstone for small and medium-sized businesses with design excellence to reach broader exposure and market opportunities.
This year, KIDP is participating from September 5 to September 9, joined by Korean design businesses showcasing furniture, stationery, tableware, and more. In collaboration with IT Donga, we are introducing 23 design-driven small and medium enterprises participating in Maison&Objet Design Korea.Even with thorough hand washing and the use of fresh ingredients, the risk of food poisoning cannot be completely eliminated. The danger of cross-contamination remains if even one tool is contaminated. Cutting boards are especially problematic in this regard, as they are used in every stage of food preparation and their knife marks can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
PARK Nohchul, the founder of JINHAN Industry, first became aware of the risks associated with cutting boards early in his marriage. Despite using high-quality ingredients for his daughter’s baby food, who had a sensitive stomach, she kept falling ill. Discovering that bacteria on the cutting board were causing her frequent illnesses, he conducted extensive research and testing. This led to the founding of JINHAN Industry in 1985 and the development of antibacterial cutting boards.
The cutting board brand “doblé” by JINHAN Industry / Source: JINHAN Industry
Over the past 39 years, JINHAN Industry has specialized in cutting boards and evolved into a company exporting products to 25 countries, including the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The company’s flagship brand, doblé, embodies the concept of "doubling the joy and convenience" of cooking.
The flagship product from Doblé is the Non-Scratch Cutting Board. PARK Nohchul explained, “We use a manufacturing method and material designed to maximize both durability and hygiene, achieving 99.9% antibacterial efficacy. Our cutting boards are made from TPU material, known for its safety and strength—it is even used in medical devices like artificial hearts. This material is distinguished by its low wear rate, high elasticity, and excellent resilience.”
He added, “Our products have received certifications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the Foods, Consumer Goods and Foodstuffs Code (LFGB) in Germany, and the SGS in Europe. They contain no Bisphenol-A (BPA) or environmental hormones, since we prioritize the user’s health.”
doblé “Non-Scratch Cutting Board” / Source: JINHAN Industry
It is available in three sizes, large, medium, and small, depending on the cooking environment or needs, and the soft curved design is also a feature of the 'non-cut cutting board.
PARK Nohchul explained, “JINHAN Industry has consistently showcased at global exhibitions like Maison&Objet, which has strengthened the doblé brand’s presence in markets such as the U.S. and Europe. This international recognition reflects our products' value. By participating in Maison&Objet this year, we aim to further highlight our products' innovation and brand value, explore new market opportunities, and connect directly with a wider audience of global consumers.”
PARK Nohchul explained, “JINHAN Industry has consistently showcased at global exhibitions like Maison&Objet, which has strengthened the doblé brand’s presence in markets such as the U.S. and Europe. This international recognition reflects our products' value. By participating in Maison&Objet this year, we aim to further highlight our products' innovation and brand value, explore new market opportunities, and connect directly with a wider audience of global consumers.”
PARK Nohchul, CEO of JINHAN Industry / Source: JINHAN Industry
JINHAN Industry emphasizes “customer-centric innovation” and “sustainability” as its core values. PARK Nohchul stated, “The doblé brand is driven by a passion to enrich our customers’ lives, maintaining an uncompromising approach to both design and functionality. We also prioritize environmental responsibility in our product development to uphold our social responsibilities. This philosophy is integrated deeply into every stage of our process, from design and production to distribution.”
Looking ahead, the company aims to establish itself as a trusted global brand through sustainable innovations. PARK Nohchul added, “We will continue to develop innovative products that address customer needs while contributing to environmental protection with eco-friendly products and processes. Our goal is to expand our influence in the global market and grow as a leading company in creating products for a sustainable future, especially through the doblé brand.”
Kwon Taek-Kyeong (tk@itdonga.com)