SK Chemicals has announced the application of six automotive components made from circular recycling and bio-based materials to Kia's EV3 Study Car, in collaboration with Hyundai's Kia AVP Division and the Basic Materials Research Center.

Source: PRNewswire

The six types of automotive parts made from recycled and bio-based materials were incorporated into the Kia EV3 study car as part of an initiative to explore the use of eco-friendly materials through recycling discarded resources. This model was showcased at the HMC Study Car Exhibition on November 13, with participation from various material and component companies, including SK Chemicals.

SK Chemicals utilized circular recycling technology to create PET-based automotive components. The five components made from recycled PET include the headliner, seats, crash pads, door panels, and door armrests. Additionally, SK Chemicals introduced a new soft material called FLEXIA for the floor mat, which features a single polyester composition for easier recycling.

Circular recycling leverages SK Chemicals' proprietary chemical recycling technology, which employs depolymerization to break down waste plastic into molecular units. This method can produce products of nearly identical quality to those made from traditional petroleum-based materials, making SK Chemicals the first company in the world to successfully commercialize this technology.

The recycled materials used in this prototype vehicle fall under the fiber category. Fibers often encounter challenges in utilizing waste resources through physical recycling methods, such as limitations in spinning, achieving the desired colors, and ensuring adequate durability for various fiber properties.

Achieving the ultimate goal of sustainable automobiles, the Car-to-Car Closed Loop, requires comprehensive collaboration not only with automakers but also with materials and component companies. SK Chemicals will continue to strengthen partnerships with automakers, component manufacturers, and material suppliers while also expanding into industries such as fashion and electronics.

SK Chemicals and Hyundai Kia collaborated for 14 months to achieve commercial-grade quality while utilizing circular recycling technology to meet the necessary material properties for each component.

Both companies view this project as a foundational step toward establishing a circular economy system within the automotive industry. They plan to enhance their collaboration further to incorporate eco-friendly materials into vehicles.