- 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, 100% of eco-friendly plastic sales
- Environmental evaluation of the entire product production process, zero waste emission… Leading the way in realizing a zero-carbon world
SK chemicals (CEO Jeon Kwang-hyun) is focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
To this end, SK chemicals selected the following tasks as goals of ESG management to be first achieved by 2030: ▲ Reorganization of bio- and eco-friendly business portfolios, ▲ Achievement of 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, ▲ Establishment of internal infrastructure for environmental protection, and ▲ Zero safety accidents at worksites.
SK chemicals plans to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve Net Zero (carbon neutrality). Currently, SK chemicals’ greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be around 500,000 tons, which include direct emissions such as boiler operation and indirect emissions such as electricity and steam purchases. The company plans to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of production sites by 50%, or 250,000 tons, by 2030 by converting the fuel used at the production site to LNG with low greenhouse gas emissions and introducing eco-friendly technologies such as low-carbon processes and facility changes. In addition, SK chemicals plans to achieve a carbon-neutral ratio of 86% by 2040 and 100% by 2050 by reducing greenhouse gases generated outside the business site such as from purchasing, transporting, and disposing of raw materials, and through efforts such as joining the K-RE100 and converting to electric vehicles.
SK chemicals will greatly expand businesses that meet ESG values. In the green chemical division, the portfolio is reorganized with a focus on recycled plastics and bio-based materials. By 2030, SK chemicals will entirely convert plastic products to a green portfolio. To this end, the company plans to release ECOTRIA CR, which applies chemical recycling technology, in the third quarter, and to produce PO3G (Poly Oxytrimethylene Glycol), a 100% new biomaterial made from corn, in March 2022. In particular, the copolyester business, a core business of SK chemicals, plans to increase the proportion of recycled products to 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030. The Life Science sector plans to accelerate the strengthening of ecosystems for global public health by securing original technology in the field of biotechnology and working together with global initiatives such as the government, the medical community, CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), and IVI (International Vaccine Institute).
In addition, LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), which evaluates environmental/human hazards from raw material purchase to product use, is being conducted. The company also aims to implement zero landfill waste and plans to reduce the incidence of safety accidents at worksites to zero by strengthening the SHE (Safety · Health · Environment) management system.
Park Jong-hyeon, head of SK chemicals’ Business Support Division, said, “We are making efforts to develop and apply technologies that can directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the introduction of high-efficiency facilities and conversion to eco-friendly fuels.” And, “We plan to actively communicate with stakeholders by publishing the Net Zero-related plans and annual reduction results through our website and sustainability report.”