Joint Venture SK TBM GOS Stone Launched with Japan TBM
Development of 'Biodegradable Rimax' Technology... Mass Production in 2023
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] SKC has embarked on the development and commercialization of biodegradable LIMEX material technology that can drastically reduce the use of non-degradable plastics. Biodegradable LIMEX is an eco-friendly new material made by mixing stone powder (limestone) with biodegradable resins PBAT and PLA, capable of replacing various conventional plastics.
On the 16th, SKC announced that it has established a joint venture with the Japanese eco-friendly material company TBM called 'SK TBMGEOSTONE.' SK TBMGEOSTONE will conduct R&D and facility investments for the commercialization of biodegradable LIMEX and plans to start mass production from 2023.
The biodegradable LIMEX developed by the joint venture is a new material combining TBM's existing LIMEX technology with SKC's biodegradable material expertise. LIMEX is made by mixing more than 50% limestone with conventional plastic resins such as PE and PP, resulting in reduced plastic usage and environmental friendliness. Taking a step further, biodegradable LIMEX replaces conventional plastic resins with biodegradable materials like PBAT and PLA that decompose naturally in a short period, significantly enhancing eco-friendliness.
Biodegradable LIMEX is particularly noteworthy as a material that can lead the activation of the biodegradable materials market. Although demand for biodegradable materials has recently increased, their market expansion has been limited due to prices being 2 to 3 times higher than conventional plastics. Biodegradable LIMEX offers excellent price competitiveness by utilizing up to 80% limestone, which is abundantly available in nature.
SKC, which commercialized the world's first biodegradable PLA film packaging in 2009, has been expanding its biodegradable materials business by supplying PLA films to companies such as Starbucks Korea. Especially last year, SKC diversified its efforts by acquiring high-strength PBAT technology, another biodegradable material, from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology. Through this joint venture, SKC has secured TBM's unique limestone utilization technology from Japan, enabling an upgrade of biodegradable materials to the next level.
TBM, a unicorn company established in 2011, commercialized LIMEX in Japan, which contains more than 50% limestone while maintaining processability and durability. This is superior to competitors' technologies that contain less than 30% limestone. The joint venture plans to enter the processed food container and disposable goods markets with biodegradable LIMEX and expand applications to building and automotive interior materials.
An SKC official stated, "We will expand eco-friendly businesses such as waste plastic pyrolysis oil and achieve 'Plastic Net Zero by 2030' while strengthening ESG management."
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