Demand for Related Products Soars Amid Strengthened Personal Hygiene Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter So-yeon Park] Kumho Petrochemical, which produces medical latex gloves and synthetic rubber for automobile tires, continues to show steady growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The key driver of performance is the NB latex division. Due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, global awareness of infection in daily life has heightened, leading to increased interest and demand for personal hygiene products such as latex gloves. Kumho Petrochemical is fully committed to developing production processes that can reduce the weight of gloves and improve their chemical stability to sustain growth in the NB latex division. Additionally, research is underway to enhance durability and mechanical strength to develop products that are comfortable for long hours of use.

Synthetic rubber for automobile tires is also a core product that forms a pillar of Kumho Petrochemical’s portfolio. The rubber research division at Kumho Petrochemical is conducting studies to improve the mechanical strength and fuel efficiency of tires in preparation for the gradual recovery of demand in front-end industries such as automobiles and tires. Furthermore, in the era of electric vehicles, the company is developing high-performance synthetic rubber products that can withstand the increased load of battery-weighted vehicle bodies while improving wear resistance and fuel efficiency, preparing for new markets. As eco-houses gain attention as a future form of residence and the use of high-efficiency energy becomes a necessity rather than a choice, Kumho Petrochemical plans to proactively prepare for increased future demand with industry-leading high-efficiency insulation products. The company is also focusing on lightweight and safety of materials as core tasks, conducting related research mainly on automotive interior materials and home appliances, and plans to build a portfolio in the engineering plastics market in the mid to long term.

In addition, Kumho Petrochemical’s carbon nanotube (CNT) research division plans to develop convergent and composite materials with existing core products such as functional rubber composites for tires and resin composites for heat dissipation and electromagnetic wave shielding to enhance user convenience. CNTs are attracting attention as materials that are lightweight yet have high strength, capable of replacing metals. When these characteristics combine with the properties of existing synthetic rubber and synthetic resin materials, it is expected to greatly increase material utilization. Research by major chemical affiliates is also actively progressing. Kumho P&B Chemicals is strengthening research on high-value-added epoxy products centered on the Gimpo Hakun Industrial Complex this year, accelerating portfolio diversification. They are pursuing plans to pioneer new markets through additional utilization and value enhancement of basic raw materials such as phenol and acetone.

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