Lotte Chemical Opens ESG Center in Gangseo-gu, Busan...Expanding Resource Circulation

Establishing a Circular System for Waste Plastics
Operating Nine Resource Circulation Hubs Nationwide, Including Six in Busan

Lotte Chemical has supported the opening of the 6th branch of the 'Our Neighborhood ESG Center' in Gangseo-gu, Busan, taking the initiative to establish a local circular system for waste plastic resources.

Scenes from the opening ceremony of the 6th branch of the "Our Neighborhood ESG Center" in Gangseo-gu, Busan, held on the 29th. Youngbeon Kim, Head of Communications at Lotte Chemical (first from the right), Hyungjun Park, Mayor of Busan (fourth from the right), and Hyungchan Kim, Head of Gangseo District Office (fifth from the right). Provided by Lotte Chemical

Lotte Chemical announced that the opening ceremony held on the 29th in Gangseo-gu, Busan, was attended by Youngbeon Kim, Head of Communications, Hyungjun Park, Mayor of Busan, Hyungchan Kim, Head of Gangseo District Office, as well as representatives from the Korea Labor Force Development Institute for the Aged and the Senior Club.

The Gangseo-gu ESG Center was established as part of Lotte Chemical's resource circulation campaign, 'Project LOOP.' Based on a business agreement signed with Busan Metropolitan City in September 2023, Lotte Chemical has expanded ESG Centers starting with the first branch in Geumjeong-gu, followed by branches in Dong-gu, Haeundae-gu, Yeongdo-gu, Jung-gu, and now Gangseo-gu. With this opening, the company now supports the operation of a total of nine regional resource circulation hubs, including six in the Busan area, as well as locations in Ulsan and Incheon.

This center operates as a collaborative model among the public sector, private companies, and local government, simultaneously pursuing social values such as achieving carbon neutrality and creating jobs for seniors. Lotte Chemical provides the necessary facilities, equipment, and training for center operations, while Kokirifactory, a recycling specialist company, is responsible for installing and operating recycling equipment, interior design, environmental education, and technical consulting. The Gangseo-gu Senior Club hires local seniors to handle on-site operations, including the collection, sorting, and cleaning of waste plastics.

The collected waste plastics are processed at Kokirifactory into recycled raw materials, which are then reborn as new products. Through these efforts, Lotte Chemical aims to advance the local circular system for waste plastics and accumulate tangible results in ESG management. At the same time, the company plans to establish a foundation for the stable supply of high-quality recycled waste plastic materials in the future.

A representative from Lotte Chemical stated, "This Gangseo-gu ESG Center is an example of how local communities and corporations can collaborate to establish a culture of resource circulation," adding, "We will continue to enhance the value of waste plastics and expand activities for regional coexistence through 'Project LOOP' going forward."