Kumho Petrochemical Group's Strategy to Maximize Profitability of Synthetic Rubber and Synthetic Resin Products

Policy to Strengthen Profitability of Core Products After COVID-19

Photo description: A researcher at Kumho Petrochemical Central Research Institute is conducting research on high value-added epoxy products in line with the group's portfolio diversification strategy.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] Kumho Petrochemical Group plans to maintain its competitive edge based on high quality and technological capabilities through continuous research and development activities amid the newly reshaped global economic dynamics following the COVID-19 crisis. The group intends to carefully observe changes in related markets on a stable business foundation, devise strategies to maximize the profitability of its core synthetic rubber and synthetic resin products, and study ways to strengthen business linkages internally within the group.

Kumho Petrochemical has achieved continuous growth in the NB latex sector, which is used as a material for medical latex gloves due to its thinness and excellent strength. Since the key to latex gloves is their lightness and ability to enable delicate work when worn, Kumho Petrochemical's latex research division is developing production processes that can reduce glove weight and improve chemical stability, while focusing efforts on researching products that enhance durability and mechanical strength for ease of use during extended work periods.

Synthetic rubber for automobile tires is a core product that forms one pillar of Kumho Petrochemical's portfolio. The rubber research division at Kumho Petrochemical is conducting research 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. Additionally, in the era of electric vehicles, the group is developing high-performance synthetic rubber products that can withstand the increased body load due to battery weight while improving wear resistance and fuel efficiency, preparing for new markets.

Moreover, 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 and other materials. When these characteristics combine with the properties of existing synthetic rubber and synthetic resin materials, it is expected to significantly increase the applicability of these materials.

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