[From the Top Engineer]⑦ SK Chemical Research Director "Dreaming of a Future Without Producing New PET"

Kim Hanseok, Head of SK Chemicals R&D, Interview
Opening the Era of Infinite Plastic Recycling with Hydrolysis Polymerization
"Technology-Based High Value-Added Strategy Succeeded... Focused on R&D"

Editor's NoteSouth Korea's industry is facing a comprehensive crisis. The surge in raw material prices, the restructuring of global supply chains, and the US-China trade conflicts have all combined to worsen the business environment. The key to overcoming this crisis ultimately lies in technology. Technology is the lifeline and the value of existence for companies. This is also why companies are placing greater emphasis on the role of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs). CTOs have established themselves not only as developers of new technologies but also as strategists who analyze changing markets and present the future vision of their companies. Asia Economy met with CTOs from major domestic companies to hear about the core technologies and differentiation strategies that each industry is focusing on. Through the technology strategies of leading companies, we seek ways to enhance the competitiveness of our industries and create future value.

"We dream of a future where we no longer produce new PET."

Kim Han-seok, Head of Research and Development (R&D) at SK Chemicals, emphasized this statement during a recent interview with Asia Economy at SK Chemicals' headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. PET is a plastic material produced by SK Chemicals, which is far from having an eco-friendly image. This statement reflects the company's commitment to designing materials from the initial production stage to be recyclable and developing technology to restore the original physical properties, thereby completing a plastic circular system.

SK Chemicals focuses on high value-added eco-friendly materials such as copolyesters, and in 2021, it became the world's first to commercialize copolyesters using 'hydrolysis polymerization (chemical recycling)' technology. Kim's ambition is to maintain a super-gap in eco-friendly materials. He joined the company in 1994 as a researcher in polyester raw materials and has been serving as the head of the research institute since 2020.

Kim Han-seok, head of research at SK Chemicals, is being interviewed at the SK Chemicals headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th of last month. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Hydrolysis Polymerization Technology: The Key to an Era of Infinite Recycling

The area SK Chemicals is focusing on to create a 'super-gap' is hydrolysis polymerization technology. Unlike conventional mechanical recycling, which degrades material properties with repeated use, hydrolysis polymerization breaks down plastics to the raw material level. In theory, this technology allows PET produced once to be reused infinitely. To this end, SK Chemicals acquired a hydrolysis polymerization plant from China's Shue Company to establish a commercialization system. The domestic pilot plant, the Recycling Innovation Center (RIC), is also under construction with a goal to start operations in early 2026.

Kim said, "SK Chemicals was the first in the world to commercialize hydrolysis polymerization technology," adding, "Chemical recycling returns products to the 'molecular level,' enabling quality almost equivalent to petroleum-based plastics." He continued, "It is considered the most ideal technology for building a closed-loop solution," explaining, "Hydrolysis polymerization technology converts PET back into a raw material called r-BHET, which can then be used again to produce PET or copolyesters."

He added, "Applying hydrolysis polymerization technology makes it possible to recycle colored plastics and fibers, which were previously difficult to recycle," and "The goal is to enable PET or copolyesters that have been recycled once to be reused multiple times."

SK Chemicals announced on the 25th that its video "SK Chemicals Closed Loop Solution" won the Gold Award in the video category at the "2024 International Business Awards (IBA)." The photo is a still cut from the "SK Chemicals Closed Loop Solution" video. Photo by Yonhap News.

They are also pursuing ways to supply recycled containers in collaboration with some consumer goods companies. Kim stated, "We are collaborating to apply copolyesters made from recycled raw materials to water bottles, food containers, and liquor bottles," and added, "In the future, we will conduct R&D to implement solutions required by various industries such as automotive and fashion."

"While Competitors Lower Costs, We Focus on R&D"

Kim Han-seok, head of research at SK Chemicals, is being interviewed at the SK Chemicals headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th of last month. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

The domestic petrochemical industry is facing its greatest crisis. Domestic companies are struggling amid oversupply and price competition. Kim said, "SK Chemicals has a clear strategy of leaving commodity products to countries focused on mass production and focusing ourselves on technology-based high value-added materials." He recalled, "When we produced PET for textiles and bottles in the past, China was chasing us," adding, "While many companies focused on cost competitiveness at that time, we concentrated on R&D."

The company also demonstrated the capability to find the right partners at the right time. When commercializing PETG in 2001, they received support for catalyst introduction from a long-standing European partner and discovered Japan's NJC, which had pilot technology, to establish a joint venture. When entering the hydrolysis polymerization business in 2021, they partnered with a Chinese company that already owned related plants to advance the business.

He also introduced a unique internal culture for nurturing R&D talent. Kim said, "When forming research project teams, we consider not only performance but also each individual's career development." He added, "Ultimately, the goal is for each researcher to grow into a top-level expert in their respective fields." On Friday afternoons, they provide three hours of autonomous time for self-development and regularly hold events to share internal research achievements.

News & buzz

• "I'll Give You 100,000 Won If You Call Out My Husband's Mistress"... Unusual Job Posts Go Viral Amid Backlash for 'Crossing the Line'
• "Impending Magnitude 9 Megaquake" Warning of a "Once-in-400-Years Disaster"...What Is Happening in Japan

• Government Targets Firms Forcing "Unpaid Overtime" Without Allowances... Is Our Company Next?
• Scouting Prime Billboard Spots in Advance... Downtown Seoul Buzzes Over BTS Comeback
• KOSPI Headed for 8,000, but “Should I Buy Samsung Electronics Now?” and “When Should I Sell SK Hynix?”