SK Chemical-Naver Launch First Eco-Friendly Support Product for Small and Medium Businesses, 'Eco Toothbrush'

Following the MOU Between Both Companies, the 'Green Empowering Program' Begins
Reducing Petrochemical Materials by 32% Using Recycled Materials

SK Chemicals and Naver announced on the 3rd that KNK, a toothbrush manufacturing specialist company, has launched the eco-friendly toothbrush ‘6dossi Eco Toothbrush’ as the first collaborative result of the ‘Green Empowering Program’ that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to eco-friendly materials.

Since signing an MOU last October to establish a cooperation model for strengthening partners’ ESG capabilities, SK Chemicals and Naver launched the ‘Green Empowering Program’ to support SME businesses in transitioning to and adopting eco-friendly materials, mold production, promotions, and more.

Selected as the first business under the program, KNK began selling the ‘6dossi Eco Toothbrush,’ jointly developed by the two companies, on Naver Smart Store starting from the 29th of last month.

The ‘6dossi Eco Toothbrush’ introduced by KNK with support from both companies is a recycled material toothbrush using recycled plastic for its main components. Both the bristles and the handle use recycled materials certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), reducing the use of petroleum-based plastic by 32%. Safety was ensured by completing harmful substance tests through the accredited certification body SGS. Additionally, eco-friendly paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and plant-based ink were used for the packaging. For hygienic toothbrush management, the 6-degree head-up design prevents the toothbrush head from touching the floor, and hexagonal star-shaped micro-bristles are used for excellent brushing comfort.

KNK 6-Degree Eco Toothbrush
[Photo by SK Chemical]

Naver will also sell the ‘6dossi Eco Toothbrush’ through its Brand Store in the second office building 1784 and plans to provide full promotional support via Naver Shopping, including featuring the product in a special promotion for ‘Earth Day’ on the 22nd.

Kang Ki-tae, CEO of KNK, said, “Although there have been many efforts to create eco-friendly toothbrushes, there were difficulties due to the lack of high-strength, eco-friendly materials that can be stably used in Korea’s hot and humid bathroom environment. Through Naver and SK Chemicals’ Eum Platform, we felt like we received a total solution?from design concepts and mold production support, including the chemically recycled material ‘ECOTRIA CR,’ to distribution and promotion.”

Lim Dong-a, Naver’s Head of External and ESG Policy, said, “We confirmed active interest in adopting eco-friendly materials as over 500 Smart Store operators applied for this program. Going forward, together with SK Chemicals, we will discover and support Smart Store operators in various fields such as beauty, fashion, and food, continuously introducing eco-friendly products.”

Kim Hyun-seok, Head of Business Development at SK Chemicals, stated, “Building a plastic circular ecosystem to protect the global environment requires joint efforts from material companies to end consumers. We will work with Naver, a leading platform company in Korea, and e-commerce partners to expand the use of recycled materials.”

Meanwhile, through the Green Empowering Program, Naver and SK Chemicals plan to continuously cooperate not only between the two companies but also with partners to discover and support various SME businesses starting with KNK, strengthening their ESG capabilities.

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