#Germany #Düsseldorf #SK Chemicals #Recycled Materials #K 2025

SK Chemicals to Showcase Recycled Innovations at K 2025

SK Chemicals is set to participate in K 2025, the largest plastics and rubber trade fair globally, which will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 8 to 15. This exhibition, held every three years, is regarded as one of the leading international venues for the chemical and plastics industries, rivaled only by NPE in the United States and Chinaplas in China. This year's theme, "The Power of Plastics! Green, Smart, Responsible," emphasizes sustainability and innovation in the plastic sector, featuring exhibitors from over 61 nations and more than 3,000 companies.

Under the overarching slogan "On-hand solution for a sustainable tomorrow," SK Chemicals will present an extensive lineup of over 70 commercialized products and industrial goods derived from its innovative materials. This initiative underscores their technical readiness to supply effective solutions tailored to customer needs. The company's showcase will center around three main categories: Recyclable, Recycled, and Bio Solutions, all fortified by SK Chemicals' cutting-edge technologies.

Dedicated Recycle Zone

One of the highlights of the exhibition will be the dedicated Recycle Zone, where SK Chemicals will present fully commercialized end products crafted from circular-recycled materials. Visitors can expect to see products organized by industry, covering fields such as cosmetics, automotive, food and beverage, and fashion, featuring notable materials like SKYPET CR and ECOTRIA CLARO. This innovative section will provide an enlightening and immersive experience that visualizes the Closed-Loop Solution, illustrating the entire recycling process from waste collection, feedstock preparation, to production and commercialization.

Among the key products featured will be the recently developed yarn and finished vehicle mats made from SKYPET CR, co-created with Durmont, an Austrian automotive carpet manufacturer. Additionally, a collaborative project with Hyundai Motor Company will showcase the SKYPET CR headliner, which is already installed in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, highlighting the practical applications of recycled materials in the growing automotive market.

Bio Solutions

In the Bio Solutions segment, visitors can look forward to exploring an array of end products created using ECOZEN, a high-heat copolyester containing up to 15% biomass by carbon content. This lineup includes small kitchen appliances, food storage options, baby tableware, and sports water bottles. Furthermore, SK Chemicals will also showcase products made with ECOTRION, a 100% bio-based polyol, which serves as a key intermediate material for spandex and synthetic leather, alongside finished goods such as bags, shoes, gloves, and golf balls.

Products featuring SKYGREEN, known for its transparency and chemical resistance, will also be on display, used across cosmetics, food packaging, and home appliances. Likewise, the polyester-based TPEE SKYPEL will be showcased as a versatile material meeting the demands of automotive parts, industrial hoses, subsea cables, and breathable films.

Growing European Market

The event comes amid significant regulatory advancements in the European market, where the European Union has introduced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This regulation is indicative of Europe’s proactive stance in promoting the use of recycled materials. Industry analysis predicts Europe’s recycled PET market will expand at over 7% annually, projecting the global plastics recycling market to reach $120 billion by 2030, a notable increase from $58 billion in 2019.

Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK Chemicals, expressed a forward-looking vision, stating, "As circularity becomes a crucial requirement in global markets, SK Chemicals offers readily available recycling and bio-solutions, setting new standards in quality and commercial readiness. We aim to strengthen our collaborations with global enterprises while enhancing SK Chemicals' technological prowess and brand leadership as the world transitions towards recycled plastics."

With its pioneering spirit, SK Chemicals is poised to make a significant impact at K 2025, showcasing how innovation in recycled materials can contribute to a sustainable future.