December 12, 2024 – SK Chemical and Hyundai Kia Auto’s AVP Headquarters Collaborate on Sustainable Innovations for Kia EV3 Concept Car
In a groundbreaking collaboration, SK Chemical and the Basic Materials Research Center of Hyundai Kia Auto’s AVP Headquarters have successfully implemented six automotive components using recycled and bio-based materials in the recently unveiled Kia EV3 concept car. This eco-friendly vehicle, which premiered at the HMC Concept Car Show on November 13th, serves as a pioneer in testing environmentally conscious materials, exploring the potential of waste resource recycling and bio-based materials in automobile manufacturing. Leading companies in the materials and components industry, including SK Chemical, actively participated in this innovative project.
SK Chemical demonstrated exceptional technical prowess in the application of sustainable materials. Notably, five automotive components stood out, all incorporating SK Chemical’s proprietary recycled PET reuse technology. This technology transforms waste plastics into high-quality materials comparable to petroleum-based new materials through a meticulous molecular-level depolymerization process. SK Chemical is the world’s first company to successfully commercialize this technology, paving new avenues for the use of recycled materials in the automotive manufacturing industry. These five applications—roof lining, seats, crash pads, door trim panels, and door armrests—all effectively reuse waste PET materials.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, SK Chemical faced numerous challenges during the material selection process. Particularly for fiber products, traditional physical spinning methods often fell short in meeting color presentation and durability requirements. In response, SK Chemical diligently explored new solutions, striving to overcome the technical bottlenecks of waste fiber resource reuse. Additionally, the company introduced a novel flexible material called FLEXIA for floor mat manufacturing. This material is not only easily recyclable but also features a single polyester material structure, further enhancing its environmental performance. Through this collaboration, SK Chemical not only showcased its technical expertise in the field of recycled materials but also provided robust support for the green development of the automotive manufacturing industry.