SK Chemicals Highlights Sustainable Solutions at ECS 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany

SK Chemicals Makes a Splash at ECS 2025

SK Chemicals has made its first appearance at the European Coatings Show (ECS) 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, held from March 25 to 27. This prestigious exhibition is the largest of its kind in the coatings and paint industry, gathering over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 30,000 visitors from around the globe. The event serves as a platform for professionals to discuss cutting-edge materials, technologies, and trends while showcasing various components like pigments, additives, and chemical intermediates.

This landmark participation marks a significant pivot for SK Chemicals, which has previously focused on large-scale plastic trade fairs. By engaging in niche exhibitions such as ECS, SK Chemicals aimed to delve deeper into specialized markets and enhance communication with targeted customer segments. Under the banner of “Sustainable solutions for a responsible tomorrow,” the company showcased an array of eco-friendly products tailored for various applications within the coatings and painting sectors.

Among the highlights at SK Chemicals' booth were three flagship sustainable materials: SKYBON, SKYCHDM, and ECOTRION. Each of these products was selected for its unique properties and potential to contribute to a greener future.

SKYBON: A Leap Forward in Eco-Friendly Coatings

SKYBON, the star of the show, is a polyester resin designed for use in adhesives and coatings. Notably free from Bisphenol A (BPA) — a known environmental hormone — SKYBON has made waves in the industry as a safe alternative for food-contact applications. Its appeal extends to can coatings, where it promises to substitute traditional epoxy materials while mitigating health concerns related to BPA.

SKYCHDM: Versatile and Robust

Another significant material showcased was SKYCHDM, a key ingredient for copolyester formulations. Known for enhancing chemical and heat resistance alongside UV durability, SKYCHDM addresses industry concerns regarding environmental safety. This material serves as a reliable substitute for various traditional raw materials employed in polyurethane and other coatings, granting formulators flexibility without compromising strength necessary in coating applications.

ECOTRION: Nature Meets Innovation

Lastly, ECOTRION stands out as a 100% plant-based polyol, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability. Made from Polytrimethylene Ether Glycol (PO3G), ECOTRION is ideal for uses requiring softness and flexibility, such as spandex and polyurethane products. Offering not only environmental benefits, this material boasts superior elasticity and abrasion resistance compared to conventional petroleum-based alternatives.

Future Steps and Market Strategy

According to Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK Chemicals, the increasing emphasis on environmental regulations across Europe is driving the demand for sustainable materials in various industries. He stated, “We will continue to innovate and expand our product lines beyond copolyesters and incorporate circular recycled plastics to meet evolving market standards.”

Looking forward, SK Chemicals plans to refine its marketing initiatives around sustainability, participating in targeted exhibitions and engaging with customers to illustrate the broad capabilities of its sustainable technologies and materials. The company is committed to advancing synergies between ecological responsibility and industrial growth, actively targeting participation in other major trade shows worldwide, including K Show, NPE, and region-specific exhibitions for cosmetics.

By stepping into the European coatings arena, SK Chemicals is primed to enhance its influence, foster stronger partnerships, and drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.