Amorepacific Obtains Integrated Environmental Permit from Ministry of Environment

Amore Beauty Park (Osan Factory) Panorama.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Amorepacific announced on the 27th that it has become the first company in the cosmetics industry to obtain the Ministry of Environment's integrated environmental permit. The permitted business site is the factory located in Osan, called 'Amore Beauty Park,' which received approval under the "Act on the Integrated Control of Environmental Pollution Facilities."

The integrated environmental permit system, first introduced by the Ministry of Environment in 2017, consolidates separate permits for dispersed pollutant emission facilities such as air and water quality into a single business site unit, establishing customized permit standards. This system simplifies the permit process, reducing the burden on businesses, and creates a tailored management framework that considers the characteristics of the industry and business site to minimize environmental impact.

Previously, Amore Beauty Park was individually managed through 10 permits under 6 laws by local governments and regional environmental offices according to each facility and process within the site. However, with this new permit, the role of integrated management has been centralized under the Ministry of Environment.

To obtain the integrated environmental permit early, Amorepacific collaborated with the Ministry of Environment for about two years, inspecting emission facilities and overall operations at Beauty Park, and establishing permit standards suited to the characteristics of small-lot, multi-product manufacturing.

Additionally, measures were devised to effectively reduce pollutant emissions and practically improve the environment at the business site. Currently, the nitrogen oxide emission limit has been strengthened to less than 70% of the previous standard. Furthermore, through proactive activities such as installing ultra-low NOx burners that reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, the company plans to reduce emissions to less than 50% of the previous levels.

Investment in facilities to minimize environmental impact, such as additional installations for odor, noise, and vibration control, will also be actively expanded.

A Ministry of Environment official stated, "Amorepacific is conducting exemplary and advanced environmental management by reducing pollutants through facility improvements at the business site," and added, "We ask for continuous post-management through thorough control and efforts according to permit standards."

An Amorepacific representative said, "Obtaining the first integrated environmental permit in the cosmetics industry is especially meaningful as it lays the foundation for the industry to receive permits in the future," and added, "We feel a sense of responsibility and will continue efforts to create a more beautiful world by considering the local community as well as nature and the environment."

Meanwhile, Amorepacific has replaced 6.6% of its total energy consumption with renewable energy through active facility investments. The company has also consistently worked on environmental management by expanding rainwater storage tanks, reusing over 3,000 tons of water annually through wastewater discharge reuse, and improving wastewater treatment facilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.