Korean petrochemical industry joins hands with fashion brands for growth

Handsome boot product with SK Chemicals’ bio-fiber ECOTRION applied. [Courtesy of SK chemicals]

South Korean petrochemical companies are partnering with the fashion industry to seek growth and overcome sluggish performance triggered by rising raw materials prices and weak exports.

According to multiple sources from the petrochemical industry on Tuesday, SK chemicals Co. will supply its bio-fiber ECOTRION to fashion house Handsome Corp.

Kima Corp, a manufacturer specializing in eco-friendly leather, uses ECOTRION as the key ingredient in producing bio-based synthetic leather.

Handsome uses this sustainable material in its boot manufacturing process for fashion brands including System and SJSJ.

The green material, derived from corn, is a kind of bio-polyol. Polyol is an essential material used to manufacture spandex and synthetic leather.

The bio-ingredients contained in ECOTRION emit 40 percent less than conventional petrochemical raw materials as they are derived from crops that absorb carbon dioxide photosynthesis.

This is why ECOTRION has drawn attention from global fiber and sportswear manufacturers in countries with tighter environmental regulations on carbon emissions.

In a recent partnership, Hyosung TNC Corp. and renowned outdoor company BYN Blackyak Co. have joined forces to elevate their upcycling initiatives focused on waste plastic bottles.

With this collaboration, Hyosung TNC will be responsible for the development and production of polyester fiber utilizing discarded bottles while Blackyak will use this material in the manufacturing of upcycled products.

Blackyak is responsible for collection of waste plastic bottles from its partnered municipalities and companies. Following the collection, the bottles are washed and shredded into pieces.

Hyosung TNC then uses the parts to produce the fiber known as Regen with Blackyak. The novel fiber will be used for T-shirts and pants, both of which feature lightweight and comfortability.

LG Chem Ltd. has partnered with Cosmax Inc., a leading cosmetic brand in Korea, to work together in every stage of cosmetic manufacturing, from the supply of high-value synthetic resins to the development of cosmetic containers and marketing.