Recycled PS Material from Kumho Petrochemical Reborn as Refrigerator

Functional PCR PS Material Using Waste Plastic Containers
First Application in High-Quality Refrigerator Line

PCR PS material (left) and refrigerator holder bracket part made from PCR PS by Kumho Petrochemical. Photo by Kumho Petrochemical

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Kumho Petrochemical announced that it has completed the development and commercialization of the recycled plastic product 'PCR PS' and has begun full-scale sales, strengthening its sustainable management efforts.

PCR PS is a synthetic resin material made by recycling waste PS (polystyrene) products. Kumho Petrochemical collects used PS containers that previously held beverages and manufactures PCR PS with physical properties equivalent to those of conventional PS through processes of compression, crushing, washing, and drying, then sells it. In this regard, last March, Kumho Petrochemical signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 'hy,' a beverage manufacturer including Yakult, securing a stable supply source of waste PS, which is the raw material for PCR PS.

Since then, Kumho Petrochemical has continuously improved the physical properties and applicability of PCR PS through an eco-friendly plastic material research project. Recently, after completing testing for LG Electronics' refrigerator parts (holder bracket), it proceeded with initial sales. Based on the advantage that all companies linked from the raw material stage to the final product form an eco-friendly and sustainable virtuous cycle structure, the company plans to expand the use of PCR PS in new lineup products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and air purifiers of major domestic home appliance companies.

Jonghoon Baek, CEO of Kumho Petrochemical, explained, "We will continue to consider ways to efficiently utilize resources while expanding product functionality." Regarding Kumho Petrochemical Group's sustainable management activities, Chairman Chan-koo Park has emphasized, "It is important to contemplate the coexistence of humanity and the environment and to start changing from even small feasible parts."

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