#South Korea #Seoul #SK Chemicals #ECOTRIA CLARO #SKYPET

SK Chemicals Officially Validates its Plastic Materials for European Recycling

On May 26, 2026, SK Chemicals, a leader in sustainable materials, confirmed that its ECOTRIA CLARO copolyester and the SKYPET product range based on PET have been officially recognized by RecyClass as compatible with European recycling processes. This recognition marks a significant step toward increasing the recyclability of materials in Europe, aligning with the circular economy goals.

Understanding the Recognition

The recognition by RecyClass signifies that SK Chemicals' materials have passed rigorous assessments indicating their suitability as raw materials for recycling. The evaluation method adopted by RecyClass is designed to ensure that materials can reliably circulate in recycling streams without compromising the operations of existing recycling systems.

To qualify, SK Chemicals underwent the Technology Approval (TA) assessment, which verifies whether material can serve as an alternative to traditional raw materials in recycling processes. This approval is vital, as materials that are not verified may lead to operational disruptions or degrade quality, undermining effective recycling efforts.

CEO Ahn Jae-hyun expressed that this certification underscores the circular potential of their materials as recyclables, which is a critical pillar of their comprehensive circular framework aimed at building a sustainable economy.

The Seven Evaluated Products

The evaluation encompassed a total of seven products from SK Chemicals, comprising five copolyesters under the ECOTRIA CLARO brand and two SKYPET products. The highlighted products include:

• - ECOTRIA CLARO 100
• - ECOTRIA CLARO 200
• - ECOTRIA CLARO 300
• - ECOTRIA CLARO 100 CR50N
• - ECOTRIA CLARO 200 CR50N

All five copolyester products received a classification of “Full Compatible,” confirming their ability to be recycled together within the PET recycling stream without any restrictions. In contrast, the two SKYPET products, SKYPET BR and SKYPET BR-V, were classified as “Limited Compatible,” indicating that they can be recycled under specific processing conditions.

This classification is essential, as it provides a clear roadmap for manufacturers considering these materials for their products, ensuring they meet the recycling standards necessary to contribute to a circular economy.

The Importance of Recycling Compatibility

Achieving compatibility for recycling is not only about incorporating recycled contents into new products; it is equally crucial to ensure that discarded plastic can be reprocessed into usable materials. Failure to meet recycling compatibility can lead to increased waste and undermine efforts toward sustainability.

Industry experts stress that building a sustainable recycling ecosystem mandates that the materials fulfill two key requirements: they must include recycled content and be recyclable themselves. This dual-promise is pivotal for ongoing circularity and reducing the environmental impact of plastic production and waste.

In response to the increasing demand for sustainable materials, SK Chemicals aims to bolster its competitive position across the entire value chain, from raw material procurement to final product commercialization. Their commitment extends not only to improving technology related to recycling but also to fostering partnerships with European clients and engaged stakeholders.

This landmark achievement is expected to influence the industry significantly as manufacturers and brands strive to adopt materials that meet modern sustainability standards, paving the way for responsible consumption and production practices.

Stay tuned for more updates as SK Chemicals continues to lead the way in sustainable materials and circular economy initiatives.