#South Korea #recycling #Waste Management #Ulsan #SK Chemicals

SK Chemicals Establishes a New Plastic Recycling Innovation Center

In a bid to lead the charge in sustainable waste management, SK Chemicals has announced the establishment of a pioneering Plastic Recycling Innovation Center (RIC) in Ulsan, South Korea. This groundbreaking initiative will not only enhance the production of eco-friendly materials but also innovate the recycling processes by utilizing advanced depolymerization technology.

A Vision for Circular Economy

SK Chemicals, recognized as a trailblazer in chemically recycled materials, aims to develop a comprehensive solution system at the RIC. This facility will be integrated with the existing production infrastructure and will focus on producing circular recycled raw materials. Through advanced technology, the center will demonstrate research and produce materials that contribute to a sustainable circular economy.

Key Features of the Innovation Center

1. Advanced Depolymerization Facilities:
The center will feature pilot facilities capable of chemically decomposing waste plastics into recycled BHET (r-BHET). This is particularly crucial in managing low-quality waste plastics that traditional recycling methods struggle to process.

2. Diverse Material Recycling:
The RIC will not just recycle familiar materials like bottles, but also tackle recycling challenges posed by textiles, automotive parts, and complex films. The facility is expected to validate commercialization technology that can handle mixed materials typically found in garments, such as cotton fibers intertwined with polyester yarn.

3. Integrated Research and Production:
SK Chemicals plans to create an all-encompassing research and production system at the facility. This will see processes from depolymerization to polymerization carried out seamlessly in one location. With a planned operational capacity of 50 tons of r-BHET annually by 2026, the facility will be a significant player in plastic recycling.

Addressing Material Demands Across Industries

The versatility of the RIC is underscored by its potential to cater to various industries requiring different qualities of recycled plastic. From automotive to electronics, the ability to quickly validate and commercialize tailored material production processes will accelerate collaborations across sectors. SK Chemicals emphasizes that establishing such capabilities is essential as the diversification of waste materials continues to grow.

Closed Loop Recycling Solution

The RIC aligns with SK Chemicals’ broader vision of implementing a Closed Loop solution—a comprehensive circulating system that ensures waste plastics do not end up in landfills. Instead, they will undergo a meticulous process of collection, cleaning, depolymerization, and polymerization, returning to the original quality of petroleum-based plastics.

Future Outlook

As the world grapples with the pressing issues posed by plastic waste, SK Chemicals' RIC will set an example of how innovation can lead to effective waste management solutions. CEO Ahn Jae-hyun voiced his optimism about the project, stating, "Through collaboration with industries such as food and beverage, automotive, electronics, and fashion, we can create a tailored waste resource circulation system that significantly contributes to a greener future."

With its solid track record in recycling innovation—including being the first to commercialize circular recycled copolyester—SK Chemicals is poised to redefine the plastic recycling landscape. The establishment of this centers stands as a fundamental step toward achieving significant advancements in the global recycling ecosystem.