SK Chemicals Partners with LH Plus to Expand Kitchenware Market in Southeast Asia

SK Chemicals Partners with LH Plus to Revolutionize Kitchenware Market

In an exciting development for the kitchenware industry, SK Chemicals, a prominent player in industrial materials, has announced a strategic partnership with LH Plus, Malaysia's leading manufacturer of kitchen utensils. This collaboration aims to enhance SK Chemicals' footprint in the Southeast Asian market, focusing on sustainable materials and innovative product development.

Strategic MOU Details

On May 15, 2025, SK Chemicals formalized this partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LH Plus Sdn. Bhd. As a part of this agreement, SK Chemicals will supply LH Plus with up to 2,000 tons of two eco-friendly materials: ECOZEN, a copolyester that contains biomass, and SKYPET CR, a circular recycled PET. This significant supply is projected to enable the production of around 100 million one-liter water bottles by 2027.

Sustainable Material Innovation

ECOZEN is celebrated for its glass-like transparency, making it an ideal choice for food containers requiring high visibility. Additionally, it is BPA-free, ensuring a safe choice for consumers concerned about harmful chemicals in food contact materials. On the other hand, SKYPET CR utilizes advanced depolymerization technology to convert plastic waste into raw materials, preserving the quality of traditional petroleum-derived PET. This positions SKYPET CR as a versatile material suitable for a myriad of applications, from food packaging to tableware.

Collaborative Goals

The partnership includes collaborative efforts between SK Chemicals and LH Plus to innovate new kitchenware products that utilize these sustainable materials. Callum Chen, CEO of LH Plus, highlighted that SK Chemicals offers a diverse range of products that meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly kitchen solutions. By leveraging these materials, the partnership aims to enhance product offerings that not only fulfill market needs but also prioritize environmental sustainability.

Kim Eung-soo, head of the Green Materials Business Division at SK Chemicals, elaborated on the increasing trend of adopting eco-friendly plastics in the kitchenware market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. He stated, "Our goal is to provide optimized solutions from materials to finished products, accelerating our expansion into the kitchenware sector."

Market Impact and Future Prospects

The collaboration is expected to not only strengthen SK Chemicals’ market position but also contribute significantly to the sustainable transformation of the kitchenware industry in Southeast Asia. As consumer awareness regarding environmental issues rises, the demand for sustainable materials is anticipated to grow, paving the way for innovative partnerships such as this one.

With an estimated supply of up to 2,000 tons of ECOZEN and SKYPET CR, this MOU marks a pivotal step toward addressing market challenges associated with sustainability and consumer safety. The partnership positions both SK Chemicals and LH Plus at the forefront of the kitchenware industry's evolution, aligning their business objectives with the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.

Conclusion

In summary, this strategic alliance between SK Chemicals and LH Plus represents a significant investment in sustainable kitchenware solutions. As the companies work together to innovate and expand their product lines, they are not just responding to market demands—they are shaping the future of kitchenware in Southeast Asia, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable industry.