SK Geocentric Accelerates Eco-Friendly Lightweight Material Business

Global Expansion of Carbon Neutrality Regulations Boosts Eco-Friendly Vehicle Penetration
Rising Demand for Lightweight Composite Materials to Enhance Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle Efficiency

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] SK Geocentric is collaborating with various value chain participants in the automotive and logistics industries to develop lightweight composite materials.

According to industry sources on the 28th, SK Geocentric is promoting the joint development of lightweight battery cases with Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Mobis. They are also applying lightweight materials to delivery transport vehicles in partnership with major domestic logistics companies.

SK Geocentric's lightweight composite material, the 'UD (Uni-Directional) Sheet,' is lighter than conventional metals, resistant to corrosion, and has low thermal conductivity. Its excellent lightweight and insulation properties contribute to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. Currently, they are in the stage of evaluating durability by manufacturing top boxes for commercial vehicles using this composite material. Based on a 1-ton diesel truck, it can achieve a remarkable weight reduction of about 100 kg compared to steel top boxes. Additionally, it can save 0.5 liters of fuel per 100 km driven.

SK Geocentric is focusing on developing lightweight composite materials based on the expectation that the market size will grow. Governments worldwide, starting with the European Union (EU), are strengthening carbon neutrality regulations. Consequently, the transition of commercial vehicles, which account for 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions, to eco-friendly vehicles (hydrogen and electric vehicles) is accelerating. To improve the driving range and fuel efficiency of hydrogen and electric vehicles, vehicle lightweighting is essential.

As one of SK Geocentric's key eco-friendly solutions, they plan to actively foster the lightweight composite material business. In March, SK Geocentric signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with POSCO to jointly develop steel-plastic composite materials for electric vehicles. Following that, in June, they signed an MOU with the Korea Smart e-Mobility Association, and in September, with the electric vehicle manufacturer Sebo Mobility, to conduct joint research and demonstration projects for developing lightweight materials for ultra-small electric vehicles.

SK Geocentric stated, "We will accelerate the development of eco-friendly lightweight materials that combine lightweight and safety to realize the eco-friendly strategy of the automotive materials business and contribute to the development of the electric vehicle industry ecosystem."