#South Korea #circular economy #Ulsan #SK Chemicals #Waste Recycling

SK Chemicals Partners with Government for Banner Recycling

SK Chemicals has made significant strides in environmental sustainability by partnering with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of South Korea and several local governments. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of waste generated from discarded banners, a common sight in promotional campaigns that traditionally end up in landfills or incinerated.

The Collaborative Project

On June 5, 2025, SK Chemicals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Ulsan Plant, marking the beginning of a collaborative project involving five local governments: Sejong, Gangneung, Cheongju, Naju, and Changwon. The goal of this partnership is to create a circular system for waste banners, which includes collecting, recycling, and producing new products from these materials.

The project represents a paradigm shift from one-off recycling attempts to a systematic approach. Local governments will play a crucial role by ensuring a steady stream of waste banners, which SK Chemicals will then convert into new raw materials through advanced chemical recycling methods.

Innovative Recycling Technology

SK Chemicals plans to utilize depolymerization technology, which breaks down collected banners at a molecular level, transforming them into recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) materials. By employing this chemical recycling process, the company aims to generate high-quality materials suitable for multiple applications, thereby reducing the current recycling rate from a mere 30% to potentially 100%.

This systematic approach contrasts with previous recycling efforts which were limited to producing low-quality items, like shopping bags, that eventually ended up being disposed of again. In contrast, the chemically recycled PET can be reused repeatedly without a loss in quality.

Real-World Applications

The recycled materials produced through this initiative will be utilized by companies like REVELOP and Kakao for creating various products, including clothing and modern office furniture. Additionally, Sejinplus is set to develop materials for automotive interiors and construction through innovative processing techniques.

By reevaluating how discarded banners are treated, SK Chemicals aims not only to lead the way in effective recycling practices but also to contribute positively to local economies through sustainable business practices.

Future Implications

The South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety has expressed strong support for the initiative, stating that the outcomes of this pilot program will be integrated into future policies aimed at promoting recycling at a national level. The Ministry plans to draft recycling guidelines and encourage broader market adoption of products made from recycled materials.

Kim Hyun-seok, Head of the Recycling Business Division at SK Chemicals, noted the significance of this project in enhancing the sustainability of the circular economy. Banners, often viewed as a disposable promotional material, can now be part of a comprehensive recycling ecosystem.

In 2023, SK Chemicals invested significantly in developing facilities designed for producing chemically recycled materials, demonstrating their commitment to innovative solutions for waste management. Their new Recycling Innovation Center will serve as a hub for research and production, pushing the boundaries of recycling technology beyond just banner materials.

Conclusion

As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, SK Chemicals' initiative serves as a vital example of how private enterprise and public policy can collaborate to foster environmentally friendly practices. With an expected 6,000 tons of waste banners generated annually in South Korea alone, this partnership represents a crucial step toward establishing an efficient and sustainable waste management system that can be replicated worldwide.