Hyosung Advanced Materials and Hyosung Chemical Join Efforts to Reduce Plastic with 'Bamboo Toothbrush'

Eco-Friendly Campaign Until Next Month
Practicing New Entrepreneurial Spirit
September 7 Designated as 'Zero Waste Day'

Bamboo toothbrush. Photo by Hyosung Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seoyoon] Hyosung Advanced Materials and Hyosung Chemical announced on the 22nd that they will conduct an eco-friendly campaign involving their employees until early next month to practice the ‘New Entrepreneurship Spirit.’

The New Entrepreneurship Spirit means that companies strive not only to generate profits but also to solve social issues such as climate change and population decline, thereby enhancing social value. In May, the ‘New Entrepreneurship Spirit Council (ERT·Entrepreneurship Round Table)’ was launched under the leadership of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and participating companies agreed to practice the New Entrepreneurship Spirit through joint and individual challenges.

The campaign will be conducted simultaneously in two parts. The ‘Eco-friendly, the Best Combination (Advanced Materials and Chemicals Together for Better Results)’ challenge includes campaigns based on employee participation such as ‘Reducing plastic use by using bamboo toothbrushes,’ ‘Reducing digital carbon footprint by lowering monitor resolution and brightness and blocking spam emails,’ and ‘Reducing plastic by using reusable shopping bags.’ To support this, bamboo toothbrushes and shopping bags will be provided to all employees, and a photo certification event will be held.

The ‘Zero Waste Day’ campaign will also be conducted. As part of the ERT joint challenge, September 7, designated as ‘Blue Sky Day,’ has been set as ‘Zero Waste Day.’ ‘Blue Sky Day’ is a commemorative day designated by the UN to raise awareness and understanding of climate change. Activities include a resource recycling event called ‘Anabada’ and selecting meal menus that minimize food waste to promote a ‘No Food Waste Day.’

Additionally, employee participation is being encouraged in the ERT joint challenge ‘Revive Local Communities, Protect the Environment,’ which involves practicing environmental protection activities while on vacation in local areas.

Lee Geonjong, CEO of Hyosung Advanced Materials and Hyosung Chemical, said, “I believe that small efforts made together with our employees will become the driving force to create a better future. We will focus on ESG management and continue to practice the New Entrepreneurship Spirit.”

Hyosung Advanced Materials and Hyosung Chemical are working to reduce waste within their processes and increase recycling rates. They have developed and commercialized eco-friendly products such as recycled polyester (PET) yarn and nylon yarn made from recycled fishing nets and PET bottles, and polyketone (eco-friendly plastic) made using carbon monoxide as a raw material, which is effective in reducing air pollution.

In particular, Hyosung Advanced Materials’ high-strength recycled PET yarn has been certified by the international eco-friendly certification body with the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification. They are also continuing activities to preserve biodiversity threatened by climate change, such as endangered species conservation projects and caring for companion beaches.