● SK chemicals is the second company in the world to commercialize
- Highly functional bio polyol (PO3G) facility using 100% bio-materials to be completed this year
- Eco-friendly material replaces existing bio polyol in sneakers, fashion, and furnitureSK chemicals will commercialize eco-friendly bio polyol.
SK chemicals (CEO Jeon Kwang-hyun) announced on the 10th that they will start construction of a new facility for production of bio polyol material called "PO3G" (Polyoxytrimethylene ether glycol) in the Ulsan plant within this year. SK chemicals is the first South Korean company to commercialize new PO3G materials.
The biggest strength of SK chemicals’ PO3G is its eco-friendly nature. By using 100 percent bio-materials, greenhouse gas emissions in the SK chemical production process will be reduced by 40 percent compared to conventional polyol production. SK chemicals’ PO3G is a 100% biomaterial-based eco-friendly bio polyol that is made by fermenting corn.
Globally, with increasing environmental concern and awareness, the industry is responding faster. The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action was enacted at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24), where major global sports and fashion companies including H&M Group, Inditex, Target, Adidas, and Burberry participated.
Companies participating in the charter agreed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from 2015 levels by 2030 and reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Accordingly, the global sports and fashion industries are expanding the application of PO3G to their core products of sneakers, fashion, and furniture.
The French Natural Environment Association reported that “2017 greenhouse gas emissions from the sporting goods and fashion industry are more than the sum of greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation and shipping industries.”
SK chemicals said, "The decision to commercialize PO3G is expected to give momentum to various uses and commercial applications," and added, "SK chemicals will expand its share of the global market by using its marketing capabilities.” The company also emphasized, “We will preemptively respond to market changes in the eco-friendly material market, such as plastic regulations, which are expanding globally, by strengthening our core competence in the eco-friendly materials sector.”
SK chemicals’ PO3G will be used mainly for products that require elasticity, such as polyurethane and spandex. Products made with PO3G have the advantage of being smoother and having improved elasticity and abrasion resistance over existing products, making them more wearable with less deformation.
SK chemicals is concentrating its capabilities on the eco-friendly materials under the corporate mission of “Promoting the Health of Humanity” and “Protecting the Global Environment.”
※ Glossary description
*Polyol: short for polyhydric alcohol, which is an essential material in the manufacture of spandex and polyurethane with isocyanates.