SK global chemical awarded with the top score for environmentally-sound operation

SK global chemical was awarded the highest score for being eco-friendly with its business operations. It received the mark and earned the United Nations environment-friendly certification, and this was revealed on Tuesday, May 25.

As per The Korea Herald, SK global chemical got an excellent rating mainly due to its plastic upcycling technology. The company shared that for its high score, it received the Guidelines for Reducing Plastic Waste & Sustainable Ocean and Climate Action Acceleration (GRP) certificate, which the UN announces every year in the month of May.

What the certificate is about

The GRP certificate is being given to companies so they will be encouraged to practice and go for sustainable and eco-friendly operations in doing their businesses. Based on the information, only 21 firms out of 570 in the world participated in the certification process and received varying marks such as AAA, AA+, AA, and AA-. As can be seen, the highest rating is AAA, and only SK global chemical was able to have this mark in the petrochemical division.

“We have brought up the discussion in the world’s petrochemical industry on the need for a great transformation for the environment,” Na Kyung Soo, SK global chemical President, said in a statement. “We will strongly push through with our environment-friendly business strategies.”

An official from the company further said that for their attempt to change into an environmentally sound business through the use of technology, they were able to get a good evaluation and will continue to promote the green way to the fullest.

One reason SK global chemical received the triple-A score is its development of pyrolysis-based plastics recycling technology. It also started to use one-material packaging and biodegradable plastics in its entire business operations.

SK Chemicals invests $20 million in recycled plastic firm

Meanwhile, its sister company SK Chemical is also working on its sustainability and being eco-friendly. In fact, just last week, it invested around 23 billion won or $20.22 million to be the first to commercialize chemically recycled PETG, a compound used in making packaging for beverages, cosmetics, and in the medical field.

Maeil Business News reported that it bought a 10% stake in China’s Shuye company so it can use its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) technology. The deal will also provide SK Chemicals the right to a supply of 20,000 tons of recycled PETG raw materials every year.