SK chemicals has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia’s leading kitchenware manufacturer, LH Plus Sdn. Bhd., marking a significant step forward in its efforts to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian market with sustainable materials.

SK chemicals, led by CEO and President Ahn Jae-hyun, announced that the partnership will focus on supplying eco-friendly materials—including copolyester and circular recycled plastic—to LH Plus for use in its kitchenware products. The agreement outlines the delivery of up to 2,000 tons of material by 2027, including ECOZEN, a copolyester made with biomass, and SKYPET CR, a circular recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) derived from post-consumer waste.

Founded in Malaysia, LH Plus is the country’s top kitchenware manufacturer by production and sales volume, distributing nearly 6 million plastic kitchenware products annually. Its offerings include food storage containers, beverage bottles, and various other household items supplied to globally recognized brands. The company’s scale and market leadership make it an ideal partner for SK chemicals’ expansion into the broader Southeast Asian region.

The 2,000 tons of sustainable materials to be supplied under the agreement are expected to be enough to manufacture approximately 100 million 1-liter water bottles. In addition to material supply, both companies plan to collaborate on developing new kitchenware products using ECOZEN and SKYPET CR and jointly promote these offerings to international customers.

ECOZEN is known for its high performance and visual appeal, with glass-like transparency that enhances product design and utility. Free of bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental hormone, ECOZEN is particularly suitable for food containers, ensuring both safety and functionality. SKYPET CR, on the other hand, is manufactured through advanced depolymerization, a process that breaks down plastic waste at the molecular level and rebuilds it into high-quality PET. Unlike conventional mechanically recycled plastics, which are often limited to textile or industrial use, SKYPET CR can safely be used in food-grade applications, addressing consumer demands for both hygiene and sustainability.

“SK chemicals provides an outstanding range of eco-friendly materials, from heat-resistant transparent copolyesters to recycled plastics,” said Callum Chen, CEO of LH Plus. “This partnership strengthens our ability to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable kitchenware, particularly those made from bio-based and recycled content.”

Kim Eung-soo, head of the Green Materials Business Division at SK chemicals, highlighted the growing trend across the Asia-Pacific market. “The shift toward environmentally conscious plastic materials is accelerating,” he said. “By aligning with LH Plus, we aim to offer optimized material-to-product solutions and rapidly expand our presence in the kitchenware segment throughout Southeast Asia.”

This MOU reflects a shared commitment by both companies to sustainable innovation and provides a foundation for long-term growth in the global kitchenware market.