SK Geocentric Partners with 6 Global Companies to Produce Eco-Friendly Synthetic Fibers... "Over 80% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions"

Production of Eco-Friendly Polyester from Recycled Materials
Supplied to Sportswear Brand The North Face

SK Geocentric is collaborating with overseas petrochemical and textile/apparel companies to produce sustainable synthetic fibers (polyester).

On the 5th, SK Geocentric announced that it has produced polyester using renewable naphtha extracted from bio-based process byproducts such as palm fatty acid distillate and waste cooking oil, in partnership with six global companies including Neste, Finland's largest oil company, Indorama Ventures, a Thai petrochemical company, and Goldwin, a Japanese sportswear company.

Previously, SK Geocentric formed a consortium last year with these companies to produce and supply sustainable polyester and has been collaborating since. In this consortium, SK Geocentric was responsible for the process of producing 'renewable paraxylene (PX)', a representative raw material for synthetic fiber polyester. This is the first time SK Geocentric has produced renewable paraxylene based on recycled raw materials.

Schematic of the sustainable polyester supply chain by a consortium formed by SK Geocentric and global companies in the petrochemical, textile, and apparel sectors.
[Photo by SK Geocentric]

SK Geocentric receives renewable naphtha extracted from palm fatty acid distillate and waste cooking oil from Neste and produces renewable paraxylene at its Ulsan plant for export. This renewable paraxylene is processed through the production lines of petrochemical and textile companies in the consortium to make polyester, which is ultimately used in sportswear products of The North Face, an outdoor brand owned by Goldwin.

The entire process from renewable naphtha established by the consortium to the production of the final apparel products reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 80-85% compared to using fossil fuels. The companies participating in the consortium also plan to explore ways to expand the application of sustainable polyester.

An SK Geocentric official said, "This consortium is the first case where various companies have produced sustainable polyester aiming to reduce greenhouse gases and manufactured final apparel products. We will strive to create greater synergy through cooperation among global companies starting from this."

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