SK Chemicals is making strides in sustainable automotive innovation by closing the loop on plastic recycling, particularly for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The South Korean chemical company recently showcased its closed-loop recycling technologies at a major automotive trade show in Seoul, emphasizing its latest advancements in airbag recycling.

A standout feature of the presentation was the company’s demonstration of how used airbags can be collected from ELVs, chemically recycled, and turned into new airbags. Traditionally manufactured from polyamide (nylon 66), airbags are increasingly being produced with polyester fiber due to its cost-efficiency and compatibility with various airbag designs.

SK Chemicals has developed proprietary depolymerization technology that breaks down waste plastics to recover bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), a key intermediate in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The company is constructing a pilot plant at its Ulsan facility, expected to be operational by 2026. The plant will produce roughly 50 tons of recycled BHET annually from hard-to-recycle plastic waste such as fibers, films, and automotive components.

This technology enables the recycling of airbags and other vehicle parts, positioning SK Chemicals as a solution provider aligned with the European Union’s ELV Directive. The directive currently mandates that 25% of the materials used in new vehicles must come from recycled content, with 25% of that amount sourced through closed-loop recycling from ELVs. Although these targets are under review and may be reduced, industry focus on recyclability remains strong.

“As carbon neutrality and vehicle recycling regulations become more stringent, including those outlined in the EU’s ELV directive, SK Chemicals will continue working with industry leaders to improve recyclability through advanced depolymerization,” said Kim Hyun Suk, head of the company’s recycling business division.

At the trade show, SK Chemicals also introduced SKYPET CR, a chemically recycled PET that offers durability and resistance to hydrolysis comparable to virgin plastics. It is suited for automotive interior components and safety features such as airbags, headliners, crash pads, seatbelts, and door panels.

Additionally, the company unveiled CR PBT (Circular Recycled Polybutylene Terephthalate), used in applications such as headlamp bezels. Another innovation, FLEXIA, is a soft polyester material engineered for automotive floor mats. Its mono-material construction simplifies disassembly and recycling, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional mats composed of mixed materials like nylon, polyester, and PVC.

With these initiatives, SK Chemicals continues to drive forward the circular economy in the automotive sector.