#South Korea #Seongnam #Automotive #SK Chemicals #Durmont

SK Chemicals and Durmont Collaborate for Sustainability in Automotive

In a significant step towards promoting sustainability in the automotive industry, SK Chemicals, a South Korean company, has partnered with Austrian firm Durmont to supply sustainable materials to automobile brands worldwide. This collaboration was announced during a signing ceremony held at SK Chemicals' headquarters, ECOLAB, in Seongnam, South Korea, on June 25, 2025.

The Partnership Overview

SK Chemicals specializes in producing innovative materials that support eco-friendly solutions in various industries. By joining forces with Durmont, a leading manufacturer of automotive carpets that produced rolls of carpet for approximately 7 million vehicles annually, SK aims to deliver recycled materials that meet high-quality automotive standards. Such an alliance is quintessential for manufacturers aiming to comply with the increasing environmental regulations in the automotive sector.

Moreover, this partnership also involves the logistical expertise of Paarang, a partner that will ensure efficient communication and operational processes throughout the supply chain. The collaboration aims to facilitate a quicker supply and expansion of sustainable materials across the market.

Sustainable Materials

As part of the agreement, SK Chemicals is committed to supplying Durmont with SKYPET CR, a fully recyclable material containing 100% recycled components certified by ISCC PLUS. This material is derived from SK Chemicals’ advanced chemical recycling technology, which allows for the molecular recycling of plastics, ensuring consistent high quality even after multiple recycling cycles.

Often, conventional recycling methods fail to maintain the same quality standard as original petrochemical products. In contrast, SKYPET CR retains properties that are close to the original materials, making it an ideal choice for establishing closed-loop systems within the automotive industry. The application of such materials will not only contribute to reducing automotive waste but also facilitate compliance with vehicle circularity regulations, such as the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directive.

Moving Forward

The partnership seeks to extend its collaboration further, aiming to connect with other global automotive brands for additional products and applications. Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK Chemicals, highlighted the growing interest in circularity and recycling facilitated by regulations aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in Europe. He emphasized the ongoing commitment of SK Chemicals to leverage its depolymerization technology to meet the material demands of the automotive sector while collaborating with industry partners.

In 2023, SK Chemicals made a substantial investment of 1.3 trillion KRW (approximately 94 million USD) to enhance its recycling capabilities by establishing SK Shantou and launching its first commercial-scale chemical recycling facilities. Additionally, they are expanding their infrastructure in South Korea by developing the Recycling Innovation Center in Ulsan, equipped with pilot installations for chemical breakdown of plastic waste and production of recycled raw materials (r-BHET).

This collaborative venture between SK Chemicals and Durmont marks a vital trend in the automotive industry, demonstrating a significant move towards sustainability and responsible production practices. As the world takes urgent measures to combat climate change and reduce waste, such partnerships will play a crucial role in steering the industry towards more sustainable solutions and eco-conscious operations. The commitment to utilizing recycled materials could pave the way for a more circular economy in the automotive sector, ultimately reflecting a profound understanding of global environmental responsibilities.