Los siete materiales plásticos de SK chemicals son confirmados como compatibles con los procesos europeos de reciclaje
SK chemicals announced on May 26 that its ECOTRIA CLARO copolyester and its SKYPET product family, based on PET, have been recognized by RecyClass as recyclable within the PET recycling stream. This recognition affirms the compatibility of SK chemicals’ plastic materials as raw materials for recycling processes in Europe.
RecyClass is a non-profit cross-industry initiative aimed at advancing the circular economy of plastics in Europe. The organization operates a structured framework for assessing and certifying the recyclability of plastic materials according to evaluation protocols and design guidelines.
In line with RecyClass's framework, SK chemicals received Technology Approval (TA) for its materials. This evaluation verifies if a material can be reliably used as recycled raw material in real recycling processes without disrupting existing operations. The TA is a key criterion for assessing a material's compatibility with recycling processes when used as raw material for post-consumer recycled plastics.
The validation secures the established value of SK chemicals’ diverse polyester portfolio as raw material for recycling, including copolyesters and PET, ranging from recycled to virgin materials. Industry experts emphasize that for sustainable recycling ecosystems, materials must meet two essential conditions: incorporate recycled content and be recyclable themselves.
Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK chemicals, stated, "This verification represents an official acknowledgment of the circularity of our materials as recyclable raw materials, constituting one of the pillars of the complete circular structure we are building. To establish a sustainable circular economy, we will continue to accumulate technical expertise in recycling and strengthen our competitiveness throughout the value chain, from raw materials to marketing, while expanding our collaboration with European customers and stakeholders."
Among the seven evaluated products, five from the ECOTRIA CLARO family received the "Full Compatible" classification, indicating they can be recycled together within the PET recycling process without restrictions. The two SKYPET products were classified as "Limited Compatible," meaning they can be recycled under specific processing conditions. Last year, SK chemicals had previously obtained a Class A rating from RecyClass through a Letter of Compatibility for a PET bottle made with SKYPET CR, its circular recycled PET.