#South Korea #Seongnam #SK Chemicals #Recycled Materials #Durmont

SK Chemicals and Durmont: Pioneering Sustainable Automotive Solutions

In a major development for sustainability in the automotive industry, SK Chemicals has announced its exclusive partnership with Durmont, an Austrian company renowned for its production of automotive carpets. This collaboration is set to revolutionize how global automakers source materials, focusing primarily on environmentally-friendly options.

On June 23, 2025, during a signing ceremony held at SK Chemicals' headquarters, ECOLAB in South Korea, key figures from both companies, including SK Chemicals' President Ahn Jae-hyun and Durmont’s CEO Josef Zettl, emphasized their commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the automotive market. The partnership is expected to expedite the supply of recycled materials, benefitting a range of global automotive brands.

The Role of Recycled PET

As part of this agreement, SK Chemicals will provide Durmont with its innovative SKYPET CR, a 100% recycled PET material that is ISCC PLUS-certified and fully recyclable. This material is crucial for Durmont, which produces carpets for approximately 7 million vehicles annually. By leveraging cutting-edge chemical recycling technology, SKYPET CR maintains high-quality standards even after repeated recycling processes, making it comparable to petroleum-based products.

Durmont, now part of the Visscher-Caravelle Group, which holds over 40% market share in Europe for automotive accessories, including floor mats, expects this partnership to not only enhance its sustainability efforts but also to ensure compliance with growing industry regulations concerning CO2 neutrality.

Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency

To ensure seamless operations between SK Chemicals and Durmont, Paarang, a logistics and supply chain expert, will also play a pivotal role in this venture. Paarang’s expertise aims to boost reliability and efficiency, vital components for the success of this sustainable initiative. With active discussions underway with leading European automotive manufacturers, this collaboration is poised to set a benchmark in the automotive supply chain.

Future Implications for the Automotive Industry

The exclusivity of this partnership signals a strategic shift in how automotive manufacturers approach materials sourcing. By adopting closed-loop systems, SK Chemicals and Durmont are not just focusing on reducing waste but also on creating sustainable solutions that align with the stringent End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELV) in Europe. Furthermore, SK Chemicals has established a Recycling Innovation Center in South Korea, furthering its commitment to developing and enhancing recycling technologies.

Ahn Jae-hyun commented on the growing trend towards sustainability in Europe, noting, “The introduction of CO2-neutrality regulations is fostering increased interest in circular economies and the recycling of vehicles.” He reiterated SK Chemicals' dedication to supporting industry partners in meeting material and performance demands while promoting a circular economy.

Conclusion

As awareness and regulations surrounding sustainability continue to gain traction in Europe, partnerships like that of SK Chemicals and Durmont will be critical. By focusing on recycling and sustainable material solutions, these companies are not just meeting present demands but also paving the way for a greener automotive industry. In the coming years, it will be fascinating to observe how this collaboration influences broader market practices and consumer expectations in the age of sustainability.