Lotte Chemical to Make Bags and Clothes from Waste Plastic Collected by Robots

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Soyeon] Lotte Chemical is undertaking 'Project LOOP' to establish a plastic circular economy system.

On the 30th, Lotte Chemical announced that it will collaborate with eight companies, including an AI-based circular resource recovery robot developer, to carry out 'Project LOOP,' aiming to improve awareness of resource circulation and play a leading role in establishing a domestic circular economy system.

Lotte Chemical and Impact Square are coordinating the project. The AI-based circular resource recovery robot developer 'Superbin' will install 'Nephron,' an automatic waste PET bottle collection machine.

Additionally, Kumho Fibers will take the lead in crushing and manufacturing waste PET bottles. The Korea Textile Development Institute will produce fiber yarn using recycled plastic, while social venture companies 'LAR,' 'Beyond,' and 'Revelop' will respectively handle the production of products such as shoes, clothing, and bags using recycled fiber yarn.

Since January this year, related companies and institutions have installed a total of six Nephron machines?two each at Jamsil Lotte World Mall, Lotte World, and Lotte Mart. The goal is to collect a total of 10 tons of waste PET bottles by July. The collected waste PET bottles will be used to produce yarn and fabric to manufacture eco-friendly products such as shoes, clothing, and bags.

Kim Kyohyun, CEO of Lotte Chemical, said, "This is a meaningful first project created by a group of individuals who have continuous interest and expertise in environmental issues from their respective positions," adding, "We will do our best to become a company that contributes to the proper use of resources and the creation of a plastic circular economy culture, thereby realizing social value together."