#South Korea #Plastic Waste #Ulsan #SK Chemicals #Recycling Innovation Center

SK Chemicals Establishes Recycling Innovation Center in Ulsan

In a significant step towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, SK Chemicals has announced the establishment of the Recycling Innovation Center (RIC) in Ulsan, South Korea. This initiative marks the company's commitment to leading in the realm of chemical recycling, as they are the first globally to produce chemically recycled materials at scale. By integrating an advanced recycling solution into their existing production facilities, SK Chemicals aims to streamline the conversion of plastic waste into valuable resources, thereby promoting a circular economy.

A Comprehensive Approach to Plastic Waste

Scheduled to commence operations in 2026, the RIC will facilitate the production of recyclable raw materials, including recycled BHET (r-BHET). This facility is geared towards utilizing state-of-the-art pilot plants that employ depolymerization technology, designed explicitly to handle a variety of plastic wastes that traditional recycling processes find challenging. These include not only common transparent plastic bottles but also fibers, films, and components from vehicles,

One of the major challenges within the recycling industry has been the reclamation of textiles. Mixed materials such as cotton and polyester, combined with various accessories, prove difficult to process. The RIC aims to validate commercialization technologies that can effectively convert these complex waste forms into reusable materials.

Revolutionizing the Recycling Process

The RIC will integrate various processes, including depolymerization, demonstration research, polymerization, and mass production. This comprehensive system will allow SK Chemicals to produce circular recycled materials from r-BHET efficiently. Supported by a pilot polymerization plant capable of creating circular recycled PET, the RIC will set new standards for plastic recycling technology. This endeavor underscores the urgency and significance of establishing a robust closed-loop system where plastic waste is effectively converted back into materials indistinguishable from virgin petrochemical products.

The closed-loop methodology encompasses the collection, shredding, cleaning, depolymerizing, and re-polymerizing of plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. It aligns with SK Chemicals' corporate goal of addressing environmental challenges while meeting the needs of various industries, including automotive, electronics, and fashion.

Collaborating Across Industries

Understanding that each sector generates different types of plastic waste, SK Chemicals recognizes the necessity for tailored technology and processes. The RIC is designed to deliver rapid validation and commercialization of depolymerization and material production tailored to industry requirements. This forward-thinking initiative enables the company to provide flexible solutions in response to the evolving challenges of plastic waste management.

Ahn Jae-hyun, the managing director of SK Chemicals, noted, "This integrated research and production system from recycled raw materials to recycled plastics will be a pivotal point in accelerating innovation within the circular economy for plastics." The firm is confident that through close collaboration with businesses in the food and beverage, automotive, electronics, and fashion industries, they can build extensive recycling systems tailored to each sector's needs.

A Legacy of Innovation

SK Chemicals has a storied history in recycling innovation, being the first in the world to market circular recycled copolyester from chemically recycled feedstock in 2021, followed by circular recycled PET in 2022. Their strategic investments further solidify their fortitude in the recycling plastic business.

Through the establishment of the RIC, SK Chemicals hopes to fortify its partnerships with industries facing plastic waste challenges, aiming not only for efficient recycling solutions but also resilient supply chains for waste resources. As the world increasingly turns its attention towards sustainable practices, initiatives like the RIC represent a crucial pathway towards achieving environmental sustainability through innovative technological advancements.