Hyosung’s Youth Marketing Targets Generation Z
NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which use block chain technology to authenticate the ownership of digital assets like images and videos, are attracting significant attention with the expansion of the metaverse industry. This is because NFTs play a crucial role in the metaverse economy by securely protecting ownership through unique identifications assigned to digital products. The NFT market is particularly appealing to Generation Z, who are emerging as a primary target audience. As they enter the job market, Generation Z possesses increasing purchasing power and are known as ’digital natives’ who are well-versed in digital culture and enthusiastic about new experiences. With these characteristics, Generation Z readily adopts NFTs, using digital photo cards in fandom culture and engaging in games that feature NFT items, thereby driving the growth of the NFT market. In January, Hyosung Group captured public attention by hosting the ‘Hyosung TANSOME x Make Your Color’ concert, featuring renowned rock bands like No Brain and Lazybone, and introducing NFTs for ticket issuance and sales. Ticket holders were able to enter the concert venue through on-site NFT authentication and received limited edition brand album kits. Hyosung is actively engaged in youth marketing, including the launch of an NFT platform, to specifically target the younger generation. Youth marketing is a corporate strategy that aims to communicate with and meet the values and expectations of the younger generation, who represent the potential of the future customer base. Effective communication forms the basis of this marketing approach, as companies need to genuinely engage with the youth. Simply showcasing technical competencies or activities may not be enough to earn the loyalty and trust of Generation Z. Companies must actively listen to the voices of the youth, incorporate their insights into marketing strategies, develop technologies that align with their environmentally friendly values, and more. As part of their youth marketing initiatives, many companies are striving to build a brand image that resonate with the youth and are involved in various activities tailored to Generation Z’s interests and tastes, such as hosting online and offline events and developing relevant content. Hyosung’s Youth Marketing Project is for, of, and by Generation Z Hyosung Group is a leading player in various industrial sectors, including textiles, heavy industries/construction and industrial equipment. With a 56-year track record of delivering exceptional products and technologies, Hyosung has established strong presence in global markets. However, there is a lack of sufficient brand awareness regarding Hyosung’s products. While older generations in South Korea are familiar with Hyosung and its history, the overall visibility of the brand among younger South Koreans remains low. This is mainly due Hyosung’s identity as a B2B company that primarily engages in business-to-business transactions, rather than direct interactions with end-consumers. As a result, younger consumers rarely come across the Hyosung brand in their daily lives. To target Generation Z as potential future customers, Hyosung has implemented youth marketing activities. Generation Z is known for their heightened environmental awareness and their commitment to creating sustainable future. They embrace lifestyles aligned with veganism and actively seek out products from environmentally conscious companies, making them “greensumers.” Additionally, Generation Z prefers two-way communication, valuing direct expression of opinions over one-sided communication. Hyosung has tailored its marketing efforts to cater these communication preferences and address areas where they can provide practical support to Generation Z. 16th ASL Academic Festival – Exploring Hyosung’s Marketing from the Perspective of College Students The 16th ASL Academic Festival is one of the many youth marketing activities organized by Hyosung, specifically targeting college students. In collaboration with the Association of Strategic Leaders (ASL), this event was designed with three main objectives in mind. Firstly, it aims to assist college students in their job search, which is their primary concern. Secondly, it provides them with an opportunity to gain insights into how companies operate. Lastly, it serves as a platform to promote Hyosung Group to college students, who form an active segment of Generation Z. At this event, held in collaboration with ASL (a forum founded by the Hanyang Strategic Thinking Association (HSTA), Ewha Consulting (ECON), SKKU Society of Strategic Consulting (SSC)), participating students were tasked with developing marketing strategies to enhance Hyosung’s value-add and raise its brand recognition. The 62 students invited to the event were divided into nine teams and worked diligently to complete various assignments. These tasks included conducting an assessment of the Hyosung brand and developing a plan to improve its value among the MZ generation, creating a strategy to differentiate Hyosung’s business and promote the regen brand in alignment with the environment-friendly agenda, and enhancing the market competitiveness of Hyosung’s Harrington Place with its repositioning efforts. By selecting theses three topics, Hyosung addressed real-time world-marketing challenges it currently faces and sought solutions encouraging college students to generate creative and constructive ideas. This collaborative approach allowed Hyosung to tap into the fresh perspective of younger generations and gather valuable insights to enhance its marketing strategies. Hyosung oversaw the strategy development process, which involved studying tasks, an orientation period, sharing and presenting data, and Q&A session. The event provided college students with an opportunity to develop business strategies and gain insights into problem-solving in the workplace. The Hyosung staff served as mentors, offering practical suggestions to enhance the students’ strategies and providing them with valuable practical experience. The event was also valuable for Hyosung staff, as it allowed them to gain fresh insights. Brilliant ideas conceived by Generation Z that yielded practical benefits for Hyosung's marketing strategies The participating students at the festival expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about Hyosung’s business values, technology development, ESG management and global market position. They were delighted to experience Hyosung’s dedication to the environment and its corporate efforts to make a positive impact. Furthermore, the college students showcased their original thinking abilities and generated brilliant, logical, and feasible ideas. They were adept presenters and witnessed remarkable growth in their skills during short month. On the other hand, the Hyosung staff had chance to gain insights into Generation Z’s perspective of the company. They valued this time to listen to the students’ opinions and engage in branding activities that align with Generation Z’s standards. Overall, it was a valuable and mutually beneficial experience for both the students and the Hyosung staff. Drawing from the insights gained this academic festival, Hyosung intends to establish a platform for open communication with Generation Z. This platform may encompass various initiatives, including similar academic festivals and other forms of content. By utilizing this platform, Hyosung aims to actively listen to the voices of Generation Z and reflect on the type of company they aspire to associate with a and work for. Furthermore, Hyosung will analyze internal challenges and engage in external youth marketing activities to become the ide al company admired by Generation Z. One participant shared their perspective on the festival stating, “Getting information about Hyosung was challenging as it is primarily seen as a B2B company. However, this project provided valuable insights into the various activities and initiatives undertaken by Hyosung in different domains. It helped me understand Hyosung’s focus on targeting Generation Z through youth marketing, and I will continue to show interest in Hyosung’s business.” Another participant emphasized the significance of communication in brand strategy and marketing, saying, “I strongly believe in the importance of communication, and this project reinforced that belief. The exchange of feedback and opinions highlighted the critical role of active idea sharing and feedback in perfecting business strategies in the real world.” Hyosung Group recognized the value of the feedback and opinions shared by the participants, who are Generation Z members with significant potential and influence. To honor their input, Hyosung plans to incorporate the outcomes of the 16th ASL Academic Festival into marketing strategy to enhance brand recognition. The company intends to integrate the ESG strategies and creora® marketing strategies proposed by the participants into its business operations, using them as case studies for a brand marketing campaign. These valuable contributions will serve as preliminary reference materials in the development of ideas and the creation of an environment-friendly brand narrative for Hyosung's strategies within an eco-conscious ecosystem. Additionally, the ideas generated through this festival will be thoughtfully considered and reflected upon as the company formulates its new branding strategy. Expanded digital marketing for steady communication with the future generation Moving forward, Hyosung aims to enhance its digital content marketing to engage in meaningful communication with Generation Z. Recognizing their interest in companies that prioritize environmental protection, Hyosung plans to create content highlighting its environmental technologies and initiatives. Additionally, the company will organize offline events such as environment-themed concerts and academic festivals, offering opportunities for Generation Z, to actively participate. Hyosung understands the importance of personal development, self-realization, personalized experiences, job prospects, and value-driven consumption for this generation. Therefore, the company will continue to provide platforms for Generation Z to gain practical knowledge through direct involvement and participation.
2023-06-09
Create an eco-friendly world with Hyosung’s colors: Carbon fibers and artists Collaboration
Can you believe that you can pull a car with a thread? You can, with a few strands of carbon fiber, which is stronger but lighter than steel. Carbon fiber is emerging as the new material of dreams and showing limitless possibilities. Hyosung’s TANSOME® is the first high-performance carbon fiber developed in South Korea with endless potential. It can be transformed into various materials with infinite possibilities including musical instruments. Let’s find out if the music played with instruments made of carbon fiber can cheer us up amid the gradual recovery post-COVID-19. Limitless possibilities with TANSOME® It is not safe to say that strong things are heavier anymore because of Hyosung’s carbon fiber, a thread stronger than steel. It is a special material with over 92 percent of carbon, ten times stronger and seven times more elastic but 4 times lighter than steel. What can you do with a thread stronger but lighter than steel? You can make spaceship lighter, for which reducing weight is critical, and make bullet-proof vest and vehicle lighter. The hydrogen industry requires a high level of reliability, and carbon fiber plays a critical role. Carbon fiber has limitless potential as it plays a prominent role in storing and transporting the hydrogen, which is the future clean energy for environment. It indeed has limitless possibilities. Thanks to Hyosung, South Korea developed its own carbon fiber, with the brand name TANSOME®. It is the first high-performing carbon fiber brand and works as a core material in the hydrogen industry. In short, TANSOME® is awesome as its name suggests. Music made with TANSOME®, Make Your Color! Concerts are where you can enjoy the endless possibilities of Hyosung’s TANSOME® up close. Hyosung hosted the TANSOME® X Make Your Color concert on January, 6th at the KT&G Sangsangmadang in the youthful Hongdae region as part of Hyosung’s ESG campaign. Famous rock bands of Korea, NOBRAIN and Lazybone performed with electric guitars and drumsticks made of carbon fiber. They performed “Make your color,” Hyosung’s ESG theme song. It was a great opportunity to experience the versatility of TANSOME®. It started with a collaboration project between Hyosung’s TANSOME® and the two representative punk rock bands of Korea, NOBRAIN and Lazybone. The two bands were selected based on their interest in living a sustainable lifestyle, and their positive attitude which has gained fandom across all generations. Previous to the concert, the two bands pre-recorded the song “Make Your Color,” and the recording session in the form of a mini live gig at the recording studio was made into music videos to match the song. A close interview session with all the band members revealed their passion for Hyosung’s advanced materials technology while they expressed gratitude to Hyosung for making sustainable and strong instruments out of carbon fiber. The two bands shared Hyosung’s vision behind its ESG brand, RE:GEN, ‘Reply to Every Generation’s Future’, and the message behind “Make Your Color” which invited them to participate in this project. “Make Your Color” is Hyosung’s ESG theme song, which reflects Hyosung’s vision to reply to every generation’s future through its inherent technology DNA and innovation, that will enable a sustainable lifestyle throughout generations. According to the lyrics, Hyosung invites everyone to paint the gray city in vibrant colors, to achieve a sustainable lifestyle in each their own colors and manner. Therefore, to Hyosung, the color of ESG is not green but multiple colors. Hyosung aims to continue to contribute to making people’s future brighter with their own personality, under its slogan “Make Your Color.” There is another secret to the song. It was recorded with guitars and drumsticks made of carbon fiber! The electric guitar and drumsticks NOBRAIN used at the ESG Color Festival at Sevit were made of carbon fiber. It made the guitar much lighter, so the guitar player could carry on more comfortably without any shoulder pain, and move around to the music with ease. The carbon fiber also made it possible to implement a unique design which is impossible to render with wood. It is all the more meaningful in that the theme song “Make Your Color” was performed with TANSOME®. Another high-technology regarding TANSOME®, collaboration with NFT! There is another way to enjoy TANSOME®, and that is the music source of “Make Your Color.” The music source of the song recorded using carbon fiber instruments was revealed in NFT (Non-fungible Token) form. NFT marks the ownership of digital asset that is verified with blockchain technology and used to indicate the authenticity and ownership of pictures or videos by storing the digital file address in the token. The music source of “Make Your Color,” made out of carbon fiber, was revealed for the first time at the Hyosung’s Sevit ESG Color Festival in October, 2022. Citizens who visited the carbon fiber brand zone were able to get a hold of the music source via airdrop, with special access to the song before its official release at the end of 2022. After the official release, people were able to listen to the song, played with musical instruments made out of carbon fiber at the TANSOME® X Make Your Color concert. NOBRAIN and Lazybone performed passionately, driving the audience of all ages into a wave of excitement. The concert also featured the trendy DJ R2 and DJ ARI. The purchasers of NFT ticket were admitted after the verification. As an invisible code was inserted in the NFT, it could verify the authenticity and prevent unauthorized entrance, working as a digital coded ticket. Participants who purchased a ticket type NFT of the concert were gifted with the brand album kit containing a sturdy TANSOME tumbler, USB music file, a brand album book sharing the story of TANSOME, and a cute rockstar LEGO piece as a souvenir. TANSOME® is of the epitome of carbon fiber in Korea. The brand name combines ‘tanning’, a core high-temperature procedure to produce carbon fiber, with ‘something special.’ Hyosung’s carbon fiber, TANSOME® plays a prominent role in the next generation clean energy, hydrogen, and can also become musical instruments. With its outstanding properties and versatilities, there will be more application for TANSOME in the future, even beyond the music and hydrogen industry.
2023-06-02
Minimizing Harmful Impact on Humans and Nature
Siberian tigers, Asiatic black bears, otters.... These are some of the endangered species that are rarely found in nature. The best way to preserve the natural environment is to leave animals and plants to grow and live freely in the natural environment as is. All creatures except humans are at risk from environmental pollution and global warming, however. Is there a way to ensure coexistence with all living things on Earth? Employees of Hyosung Chemical’s Oksan Factory who care about environmental protection came together to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. So they met up at a local zoo. Cheongju Zoo looks after nationally-protected species that cannot survive in their natural habitats. The zoo, designated in 2014 as “the man-made habitat for nationally-protected species” by the Ministry of Environment, is home to a total of endangered 18 species including Asiatic black bears, Japanese cranes and leopard cats. Our employees got actively participated in animal behavior enrichment activities in order to assist the animals in feeding, acting and using their instincts and senses in a natural way. What is animal behavior enrichment? Wild animals use most of their energy and time to search for food, hide from predators and defend their territories. On the other hand, zoo animals have far more free time and extra energy than they do in the wild because they are fed well-balanced meals at the zoo. As a result, some of them get stressed out and display so-called “stereotypical behaviors” including pacing back and forth in the same place, constantly shaking or scratching a certain part of their body. In order to maintain their physical and psychological health, zookeepers provide animal behavior enrichment so that animals can mimic as many wild behaviors as possible in their second home, the zoo. To broaden the animal's range of behavior within the limited space, they hide food in various places and ways, allow the animals to find it, and place different toys for them, enabling them to play, have fun, and exercise. Help nationally protected animals keep their natural habits! Hyosung Chemical employees gathered kudzu vines from around the zoo, and weaved them into a ball. They tossed the ball to Himalayan tahrs so that they would smell the vines, and roll and nibble on it as a way to relieve stress. To treat Endangered Wildlife Class 1 Asiatic black bears with a keen sense of smell, they scraped out the inside of ripe pumpkins and stuffed them with nuts, fruit and vegetables that bears enjoy. Playing with the pumpkins keeps the bears physically active as they pull the treats out of the pumpkins. Hyosung Chemical employees plan to visit the zoo regularly, and get actively involved in animal behavior enrichment to help these animals maintain their natural behaviors. “Green actions” at the factory beyond the zoo Hyosung Chemical’s products reflect their commitment to preserving biodiversity and the environment. The key is polyketone, a type of plastic that consumes carbon monoxide, one of the major air pollutants. Polyketone, the result of long years of research and development by Hyosung Chemical, uses carbon monoxide and olefin as its key ingredients, which are known to be the main factors of global warming. Generally, factories emit greenhouse gases in the process of manufacturing their products, but the production of polyketone reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast to other major materials which emit greenhouse gases in the manufacturing process, Hyosung Chemical’s new material, polyketone creates an opposite consequence, due to company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Hyosung Chemical is taking several actions to increase the quality of life for mankind, protect the ecosystem for peaceful coexistence of humans and nature, and cope with climate change. Eco-friendly plastics for lowering carbon monoxide Let’s learn more about polyketone, a leading eco-friendly material from Hyosung Chemical. Hyosung Chemical became the world’s first producer of polyketone, a new type of engineering plastic in 2013 and the first to commercialize it successfully two years later. Since it is made from carbon monoxide, which is a major air pollutant and olefin (ethylene, propylene), a type of petrochemical material, the more polyketone is produced, the more carbon monoxide and olefin are consumed, making it a smart material that contributes to improving the planet’s environment. Polyketone, the new material developed by Hyosung Chemical alone has lower global warning potential than other engineering plastics. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and objective reviews have found that this special material has CO2-reducing effects. Because of this property, polyketones are widely used in various fields. With the acquisition of FDA certifications for zero harm to the human body and safety, it is currently used as a key material for many household items including food conveyors, wrapping materials for cosmetics and beauty products and baby toys. Due to its superior features including shock, wear and chemical resistance, the scope of its application continues to widen to automobile connectors, electronic and electrical gears, and oil-drilling pipes. Energy-saving smart factory In 2020, Hyosung Chemical launched a smart factory system in 2020 that utilizes real time data on all production-related resources used in all factories, and analyzes the collected data to create an optimal production environment. An optimized operation in 2021 resulted KRW 11.7 billion in cost savings, including a higher yield and energy savings. The activities of Hyosung’s contribute to cost reduction, as well as reducing unnecessary resource use that would negatively impact on the environment, and preserving the environment by saving resources. In 2022, it reduced energy use and carbon emissions through system advancement, proactively responding to climate change. Make factories run on new renewable energy Hyosung Chemical uses steam produced by waste heat generated from burning waste at municipal waste incinerators near its factories to save energy at its factories, and installed photovoltaic power generation facilities within its factories. As a result, the company produced a total of 171,694kWh in 2021, while also planning to introduce more such facilities and gradually increasing the use of new renewable energy as a percentage of total energy use. Energy saving training for employees To raise awareness of the importance of responding to climate change, Hyosung Chemical provides its employees with group training every year for two hours on how to save energy. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, production, process, and technology teams of factories engaged in energy saving are taught how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a tangible manner. In addition, the company conducts an internal audit on greenhouse gas emissions once every year. The Environmental Safety Team distributes a self-evaluation sheet to each business division, and notifies areas of improvement and recommendations based on the results of the evaluation so that they are reflected and implemented at worksites. Hyosung Chemical strives to ensure no harm to the environment akin to polyketone. Hyosung Chemical’s efforts to upgrade the quality of life for mankind are not limited to making environmentally friendly products. Above all, it is actively involved in keeping the planet and environment clean by reducing the company’s carbon footprint throughout the entire manufacturing process. The company continues helps nationally-protected species at the zoo return to their natural habitats and live as nature intended. Hyosung Chemical contributes to the coexistence of nature and people in a better future. With Hyosung Chemical, the dream of coexistence comes true slowly but surely.
2023-05-26
Farewell to the Eiffel-Tower-shaped substations!
Landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, will be reborn as a virtual Eiffel Tower 133 years after its construction. This is designed to create a low carbon, cyclical, and regenerated version for sustainable future, resolving the issues of accelerated urbanization, greenhouse gas emissions, and excessive energy consumption. You might find similar shapes around you, those “analog” substations, which are gradually being digitalized. They have a smart digital system to monitor the status of power facilities, collect data, and control various devices. What would happen if electricity became unavailable for just a few seconds in Korea? It is unimaginable. Korea recorded 10,039㎾h of electricity usage per person in 2019, much higher than that of the U.K. (4,431㎾h), Germany (6,107㎾h), France (6,739㎾h), and Japan (7,545㎾h). A high demand calls for ways to increase energy efficiency. Transition into digital substation is valid in terms of cost and environment. That is why Hyosung Heavy Industries, the leader of transmission and substation business at home and abroad, has been focusing on digitalizing the substations and making them eco-friendly. Transition to digital substations to build an intelligent power grid Though substations visibly around us, it is hard to see how important they are. This is where electricity with a higher than 50,000V of voltage from power plants is transformed and transmitted to end users. This is also where transformers and other electric facilities are located. Electricity goes through substations from power plants to end users via long transmission lines. To minimize the power loss while passing through the transmission lines, thicker lines are chosen for lower resistance or transmission voltage is increased. However, thicker lines require bigger substations and utility poles, so it is more economical to increase the transmission voltage and decrease the current at substations. In Korea, it is increased to hundreds of kV (154kV, 345kV, 765kV) or decreased to 22.9V or 220V at the substations before it reaches end users at home and businesses. Substations concentrate or distribute the voltage and control load flow and protect transmission lines and equipment. Hyosung Heavy Industries has provided power equipment including extra-high voltage transformer, circuit breaker, and electric components for more than 50 years. It succeeded in developing the voltage-type extra HVDC for the first time in Korea. This is a core technology for the next-generation power grid as it can improve the transmission efficiency and reliability for long-distance transmission compared to AC. It is also equipped with the world-class technology related to heavy electric machinery, a critical part in industrial energy. Thanks to its know-how, it is recognized as a company with excellent quality and technology in global markets including the US, the Middle East, and Europe. Substations are becoming digitalized in the age of digitalization, which is automatically operated. Connection and disconnection of power can be controlled with the IT system, and real-time monitoring is possible. Previous with analog substations, the health of the equipment had to be checked manually, but digital substations are intelligently operated as they have automated and advanced digital technology for monitoring, controlling, and instrumentation of power equipment. Faults can even be predicted and troubleshot. This is why it is called an “intelligent substation” thanks to its high performance and easy operation. Substations play a prominent role in power supply, working like a person’s heart. Therefore, it is important to manage it in a sophisticated manner. Facilities and equipments in the substation communicate with each other for monitoring, controlling, and protection. In the analog way, there was a limit to the amount of data that can be secured, with electric signals transmitted through copper wires. Also, workers had to take a risk as they had to manually handle the faults. With the digital substation, however, it is possible to transform electric signals into digital signals thanks to fiber cables among substation systems, which enables a faster and more efficient operation. You can identify the health of more complicated and sophisticated systems. Inefficient distribution of power might lead to power shortage or errors in usage instrumentation and bills. With the digital substation, you can check and resolve these issues in a swift manner. The digital substation is an essential part to build an intelligent power grid and digitalize power equipment as it enables a stable and efficient operation of a complicated grid system with various energy sources. This is the reason countries with advanced grid systems focus on digitalizing substations for future power grid. Hyosung Heavy Industries is also committed to creating digital substation under the belief that it will improve the quality of life and prepare for an eco-friendly future. Hyosung Heavy Industries’ core technology opened the door to overseas markets with technology localization Hyosung Heavy Industries has led the power equipment business including transformers and circuit breakers, major devices for power transmission lines. Countries around the globe have been building an intelligent transmission infrastructure with digital substations. In line, Hyosung Heavy Industries’ LPIT and MU with its own technology passed the official certificate test by the IEC. LPIT and MU are core technology to build a digital substation based on IEC 61850-9-2, and international companies have dominated the domestic market so far. With its successful localization, Hyosung offers an alternative to imports, sharpening its competitive edge. Hyosung’s LPIT applies the built-in voltage/current sensor within the GIS module, offering better precision than the existing metal pin-type transformers with less volume and 60% less SF6. With the digital data communication based on MU, it will use less control cables and trays. It will be easier to apply new technology such as predictive diagnostics and asset management system. Also, it reduces the required space by scaling down the control and protection board. It has a great potential in the global market. Hyosung Heavy Industries’ efforts to supply eco-friendly power Hyosung Heavy Industries has also concentrated on developing and providing products with eco-friendly insulating materials. It uses ester oil instead of mineral oil, removing the risk of environmental degradation and securing the safety. It has offered transformers with eco-friendly insulating oil to countries in Europe and the Middle East while continuing its research. Ester oil is from plants or animals, and it has the best viscosity and excellent solvency without any impurities. It works well at a low or high temperature and causes less sludge. Though it is more expensive than mineral oil, it is environmentally friendly as it can be dissolved in nature. Hyosung has also been developing 170kW eco-friendly gas switchgear with CO2 (combined with fluorine nitril) instead of SF6 for internal insulation. It will take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas from the power system by applying it to new substations and replacing dilapidated facilities in Korea. Hyosung Heavy Industries will apply sustainable and eco-friendly technology to various power facilities including switchgears and transformers. With its environmentally friendly cutting edge, it will continue to expand its global market share, starting with Europe. Hyosung has expanded its investment in future technology to prepare against the domestic and global market trend of eco-friendliness and digitalization. Hyosung has continued its efforts to provide the optimal performance and quality in line with the market demand and trend. It has also concentrated on minimizing the environmental impact by developing technologies for the next generation energy including ESS, expansion and supply of hydrogen charging stations. Hyosung is proud to be committed to making people’s lives more convenient and sustainable with smarter digital substations and eco-friendly energy system, replacing the Eiffel Tower-like substations. Hyosung Heavy Industries will continue to progress in the direction of future technology and sustainability.
2023-05-19
Together, for Greater Value - Let’s Do It All Together, Even the Small Things
"Within the company, we utilize tumblers instead of paper cups. Employing tumblers is one of the most effortless methods to enact a zero-waste lifestyle." At Hyosung TNC, paper cups are nowhere to be found. This is due to their ongoing 'Eliminate Disposable Cups in the Workplace' campaign, aimed at reducing single-use items in daily life. In order to encourage participation in this campaign, employees have been provided with funds to purchase personal tumblers, and disposable items such as paper cups in break rooms have been eliminated. Initiated in May 2021, the campaign continues to this day. Approximately 190,000 paper cups were used in Hyosung TNC offices during 2020, which equates to an annual emission of roughly 2 tons of carbon dioxide. The collective efforts of individuals willing to endure minor inconveniences can result in a staggering reduction of 2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions – is that not truly remarkable? We gathered firsthand impressions from three employees actively participating in eco-friendly campaigns at a company that vigorously promotes environmentally conscious workplace culture. Q. What were your initial thoughts upon hearing about the 'Eliminate Disposable Cups in the Workplace' campaign? Employee A(🥰): I was intrigued by the prospect of directly participating in 'ESG activities', which have been a rising issue. Although ESG activities are a global direction, I thought they had little direct relevance to my everyday life. However, through the in-house campaign, I found it fascinating that I could naturally contribute to ESG activities in my daily life and closely experience ESG endeavors. Employee B(🌞): I knew that ESG activities were beneficial for the environment, but I didn't think there would be any direct benefits for me. Protecting the environment inevitably entails some inconvenience for people. But by using a tumbler instead of paper cups, I was able to gain financial benefits. The company could reduce the cost of purchasing disposable cups, and I could receive discounts at cafes by using a tumbler. I thought it was a good campaign since it reduced disposable cup expenses while directly contributing to environmental protection. Q. Were there any concerns among employees when they first heard about the campaign? Employee A(🥰): When I first learned of the company's plans for the campaign, several concerns came to mind. The main reason we had failed to reduce the use of disposable items was the need to accept personal inconveniences. To carry out the campaign, we had to allocate sometime during work to wash cups and prepare mugs for client visits. Although seemingly trivial, changing our daily routines required us to develop a sense of purpose and adjust our mindset for participating in the campaign. Considering the negative impact of disposable items and the environmental benefits of using tumblers and mugs, I eventually decided to practice it. Q. What is the most significant change you've noticed since implementing the 'Eliminate Disposable Cups in the Workplace' campaign? Employee C(🌸): Naturally, the amount of waste from disposable items has decreased considerably. In the past, I used 2-3 paper cups daily, but since the campaign, I've consciously avoided not only paper cups but also other disposable items. I initially thought of it as a small habit-changing campaign, but it seems to have gradually altered my environmental awareness. Q. If your environmental consciousness has changed, do you also practice this outside of work? Employee B(🌞): I use a tumbler when I go to the gym for exercise, and I actively try to use a tumbler when visiting cafes outside of work. Some cafes even offer discounts when using a tumbler. In such cases, I feel proud to contribute to environmental protection while enjoying the added benefit of a coffee discount. Employee C(🌸): Since becoming more aware of disposable items, I realized I use many of them when ordering delivery food. So, when I order food at home, I indicate 'no need for disposable items' in the request section. Washing dishes after eating may be a bit bothersome, but considering the impact these habits have on the environment, I'm happy to practice them willingly. Q. Your participation in the in-house campaign has contributed to reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2 tons. You must be very proud. How do you feel about this achievement? Employee A(🥰): Although it may seem like a small practice, it was even more meaningful that we could easily contribute to preventing environmental destruction just by participating. Before the campaign, I was well aware of the seriousness of environmental destruction through articles and documentaries addressing issues like the Amazon rainforest deforestation and the risk of polar bear extinction. However, I didn't actually practice environmental protection for reasons like lack of awareness or inconvenience. But with the company's active encouragement to use tumblers, a simple action, I was very proud to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I also found it rewarding that small practices from my colleagues came together to achieve such significant results. Employee B(🌞): The activity I started for participating in the campaign has now become my habit. I used to find washing tumblers bothersome, and carrying them around inconvenient, sometimes forgetting them, but now I always carry one when I go out. In addition to tumblers, I started using reusable items like hand towels instead of disposable ones. Practicing these habits, I feel like I have become more diligent than before. I am very proud to have recognized the necessity of environmental protection through the in-house campaign and to practice it even outside the company. Q. What other eco-friendly campaigns can be carried out in the workplace? Employee C(🌸): I think implementing a 'Reuse One-sided Paper Campaign' would be beneficial. There is a lot of paper used only once and then discarded in office life, which feels wasteful. Actively encouraging the use of the blank side of printed pages could help protect the environment. Additionally, starting with small actions like unplugging unused power cords or using stairs for short-distance travel within the building could lead everyone to practice them, just like the 'Eliminate Disposable Cups in the Workplace' campaign. In addition to these efforts, Hyosung TNC has expanded the 'regen® Upcycling Campaign' to its business locations nationwide this year. The 'regen® Upcycling Campaign' is a PET bottle collection campaign where employees bring PET bottles, which are then exchanged for goods and bags made from Hyosung TNC's recycled polyester fiber, regen Polyester. Last year, about 9,000 PET bottles were collected, and this year's goal is to collect 15,000. The carbon reduction effect of this campaign is similar to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by approximately 70 pine trees in a year. There is a theory called the 'butterfly effect,' which states that a small flap of a butterfly's wings can cause a typhoon on the other side of the earth. Although it is currently a campaign limited to Hyosung TNC employees, their small efforts, when combined, can someday instill a belief in eco-friendliness among all members of every company. As this culture becomes established, wouldn't it lead to all people around the world actively practicing environmental protection? Today, as they dream of an eco-friendly future, Hyosung TNC employees continue to participate in eco-friendly campaigns.
2023-05-12
Hyosung’s Nylon Liner for FCEV
When we think of eco-friendly cars, hydrogen, electric, and hybrid cars come up to one’s mind. Did you know that hydrogen car is a kind of electric car? The official name of hydrogen car is Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). FCEV generates electricity from hydrogen, which runs vehicles. Hydrogen chemically reacts with oxygen at the fuel cell, creating electricity, which is transformed into kinetic energy that runs vehicles. It is different from electric cars as it has a built-in hydrogen tank for storage and fuel cell. The most important part of hydrogen cars is a vessel to safely store highly pressurized hydrogen. What kinds of high-pressure vessels are there? High-pressure storage vessel – the core part of hydrogen cars There are four types of high-pressure containers to store gas such as hydrogen. Type 1) working pressure: 175-200 bar, for LPG (vehicle, household) or CNG Type 2) working pressure: 250-300 bar, for CNG Type 3) working pressure: 300-450 bar, for CNG, ventilator Type 4) working pressure: 700-800 bar, for hydrogen You can choose a different type of high-pressure vessel based on the features required. Only Type 4 is suitable for storing hydrogen higher than the pressure of 700-bar as it is the most lightweight but most durable which helps to increase the efficiency. Type 1 and Type 2 are relatively cheaper but heavy and vulnerable to corrosion, there is not suitable for cars. Type 3 is lighter than Type 1 and 2, but it cannot withstand the required pressure of hydrogen cars. Type 4 can withstand a much higher pressure but lighter weight than Type 3 thanks to the special liner material. Common liners are steel or aluminum, but Type 4 uses nylon. This is where Hyosung TNC comes in as the manufacturer of the nylon liner. Hyosung TNC’s Nylon liner, what is special about it? What is a liner? The high-pressure container that stores hydrogen needs to be resistant to high pressure to store hydrogen safely, block gas to prevent hydrogen leakage, withstand the drastic temperature differences between charging and discharging, and be lightweight to increase the fuel efficiency. It must meet all these requirements, and the liners determine how much pressure the container can withstand. It is inside the fuel tank and an essential component to store hydrogen and prevent leakage. Conventional high-pressure containers such as Type 1 to 3 use metal liners. They are heavy with a high risk of breakage that cracks when exposed to hydrogen for a long time. You can use HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) for Type 4 at 400-bar levels. However, it cannot withstand the 700-bar required by an FCEV. It also has a low level of gas blocking. Meanwhile, Hyosung developed the nylon liner, first of its kind in Korea. It has low hydrogen absorption and air permeability, eliminating potential brittleness, enabling longer and safer use. Hyosung TNC created the special nylon liner Hyosung’s nylon liner is 70% lighter than metal and 50% lighter than HDPE. Its gas barrier property is also 30% higher than metal and 50% higher than HDPE. It has everything required by FCEV. It also has an optimized impact resistance from -40ºC to 85ºC. The nylon liner is enough to be recognized as an outstanding core component, but there is more to Hyosung’s innovation around hydrogen storage technology. Hyosung also has carbon fiber composite on top of the nylon liner, which further enhances the safety of the high-pressure storage tank. FCEV! Hydrogen Mobility! Hyosung accelerates its efforts for eco-friendliness The nylon liner market has been dominated by international companies, but Hyosung became the first Korean company to develop the nylon liner, laying the foundation for global market expansion. H2 Research, a renowned market research firm specializing in hydrogen market, predicts that the production of global FCEV market is expected to grow in earnest from 10 thousand and record 1.05 million annual productions by 2030. There is an increasing demand for the nylon liner, where you can use Hyosung’s products. If various hydrogen mobility markets including FCEV expand, it means more potential for nylon liners. With its technology, Hyosung aims to contribute to transitioning into an eco-friendly hydrogen society. Hyosung has the largest capacity in terms of hydrogen charging stations. It has created a hydrogen value chain through various efforts including construction of liquefied hydrogen plant and filling stations. It also manufactures carbon fiber, an essential element for fuel tanks for FCEV. With nylon liners, it is transforming into a company specializing in hydrogen, with manufacturing capabilities ranging from production to distribution, storage, and utilization. Considering Hyosung’s commitment to environment, it is expected to play a bigger role in the hydrogen industry. The nylon liner is expected to be combined with Hyosung’s regen Nylon, recycled nylon yarn, to become an eco-friendly nylon liner in the future. Hyosung is making its utmost efforts to live up to the industry expectation. Based on advanced technology, Hyosung has been striving to develop sustainable technology for the next generation and the environment. Hyosung’s endeavor to create better solution and technology for better quality of life continues into the future.
2023-05-04
Active Packaging that Maintains the Freshness of Products
The digitalization of our food purchasing culture is gaining momentum, with the ease and convenience of shopping for groceries using mobile delivery apps. However, food can get spoilt, or its freshness can be compromised during the delivery process. No matter how quickly or how easily food can be delivered, if the food that you ordered after mulling over the choices must be thrown into the wastebasket, you will hesitate the next time you order food delivery. Today, “smart” packaging materials are being developed with which you can package and store foods to prolong their freshness. Hyosung Chemical is one of the most outstanding manufacturers that is adding value and convenience to our eating lifestyles through its world-class nylon films, PET films, and polypropylene (PP) films. Active packaging using “smart” film that ensures the freshness and safety of groceries The big issue in industries is how to provide food products more safely and in a way that ensures their freshness. The ability to store food for as long as possible without destroying or degrading it also affects customer satisfaction, not just the food hygiene. The traditional wrapping materials with which foods were wrapped merely protected them from external shocks and impurities. Today, however, new types of packaging materials, collectively referred to as “active packaging”, are being introduced that extends the expiration dates of food products by improving freshness and by removing or adding elements like oxygen and carbon dioxide that are needed to extend the shelf life of food products. Hyosung Chemical's self-developed nylon film, the top seller in South Korea’s nylon film market, boasts excellent impact resistance characteristics, has anti-pinhole characteristics, is very printable, and can block out oxygen molecules. This means food can be stored for a long time without requiring a separate preservation process. Hyosung’s nylon film in particular, can maintain a vacuum state inside the packaging through its ability to block out oxygen, and hence it can protect the sterilized interior without the need for preservatives. Due to this characteristic, nylon is widely used as a pouch for packaging fresh produce, container lids, and for retort food packaging, i.e. food that is processed by sealing and then pressurizing it for long-term storage. Thanks to their excellent quality, Hyosung’s nylon films are not only used for diverse purposes in the food industry but are also used widely as a packaging material for detergents, refillable goods, and other daily necessities that we encounter in our daily lives. Besides nylon film, PET film is another product that has become the core product of the food industry. Hyosung Chemical's PET film is non-toxic and non-odorous, and excels in blocking out air. Its uniform thickness translates into very high mechanical strength, and it has excellent thermal characteristics as well as chemical stability. As a result, it is widely used as a material for packaging food. Due to its excellent product characteristics, just like in the case of nylon, Hyosung’s PET film is used as a retort food packaging material, and even more widely for packaging daily necessities. Furthermore, due to their excellent printability, PET films are used as a material for labels, stickers, and advertising banners, as well as for high-gloss sheets on home appliances such as screen displays, refrigerators, and washing machines. To keep pace with the pro-environmental trend, Hyosung Chemical has been busy at work developing and researching post-consumer recycled (PCR) products that can reduce carbon emissions. An excellent example is mechanically recycled PET film. As it can be inferred from its name, environmentally-friendly PET film is made from discarded PET bottle materials that are collected and recycled mechanically. That said, it would be wrong to view recycled film as a simple product. Around 99% of Hyosung Chemical's mechanically recycled PET film is made from environmentally-friendly raw materials. This is a product with a high degree of purity because it is manufactured with recycled flake chips made from discarded PET bottles. As such, it should be viewed as a truly environmentally-friendly recycled PET film. During the manufacturing process, the carbon emission rate is reduced by 30% or more when compared to the manufacturing process for regular films. Are you perhaps concerned that a product made from PET bottles might have quality problems while not discounting its positive effects on the environment? Well, there is nothing to worry about. MR recycled PET film is not only an environmentally-friendly product, but it is also a high-quality film created with technological know-how developed through years of effort and investment. Through continuous research and quality testing, Hyosung is now manufacturing MR recycled PET films whose quality is on par with regular PET films. With PP materials, it’s okay to heat your food in a microwave oven! Were you ever worried about the safety of eating hot food delivered in a container or heated in a microwave with the packaging material left intact? This is an unnecessary concern because, nowadays, food producers use PP materials - smart plastics that are safe, harmless to the human body, can withstand high heat, and do not secrete environmental hormones. Used widely by many people in their daily lives, PP (polypropylene) material is a high-tech product with advanced attributes such as the ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures, high rigidity, and strong resistance to impacts. So it would be a mistake to view PP in the same light as ordinary plastic. In addition, PP is composed solely of carbon and oxygen; it does not contain any raw ingredients that are harmful to the human body, and hence no environmental hormones are emitted by PP. For this reason, PP is used widely in numerous objects that come into contact with the human body, such as food containers and packaging films. You can tell whether a food container is made from a safe PP material simply by checking for the existence of a PP mark (No. 5) on the container. This mark identifies the container as being made from a PP material that does not secrete any bisphenol A, an environmental hormone. A PP material can withstand both high and cold temperatures, tolerating high temperatures of up to 121-165°C and cold temperatures as low as -20°C. This is why bowls used to carry food deliveries, containers for storing food ingredients in refrigerators, multi-use containers, water bottles, containers for instant rice, and lunchboxes are often made of a PP material. Due to its excellent durability and material properties, PP is also widely used in baby bottles and other baby products that come into contact with the skin of infants who have weaker immunity than adults. This is the reason PP is sometimes called a safe baby bottle material. As befits its name, PP containers melt at temperatures above 165°C. Because they neither become deformed nor secrete environmental hormones when they are disinfected or heated in a microwave at temperatures of around 100°C, they are very safe to use. However, for the sake of safety, using a PP container not to warm food but rather to directly cook food is something that is highly discouraged. You should also bear in my mind that removing the packaging vinyl or lid (if it is made of a material other than PP) before using a PP container is the most sensible way of using a PP material. Hyosung Chemical was the first company in South Korea to commercialize the dehydrogenation process for extracting PP from propane The company has been supplying products made of PP material over the past twenty or more years based on its independently developed technological capabilities. The know-how accumulated over many years has enabled Hyosung Chemical to manufacture PP materials of outstanding characteristics. Indeed, the company’s products are used in a broad range of products such as airtight food containers, shampoo bottles, coffee pots, and other home-use products, as well as for products in the pipe, film, and medical categories that require careful handling. Hyosung Chemical’s steady research and development efforts to improve product quality and increase product differentiation have resulted in product quality enhancements that have made its PP products globally competitive as well as making it the most preferred brand in the market. The lining and the outer fabric of face masks that we wear all the time, and which come into direct contact with our mouth and nose, are all made of PP, including the static electricity filter that goes into the mask. PP is the material of choice for products that come into close contact with people's respiratory systems because it is a safe plastic. In this way, PP has become indispensable in our daily lives. Hyosung Chemical for a safe and convenient daily life! Hyosung Chemical is improving our quality of life with nylon film, PET film, and PP products that deliver convenience, safety and value to our eating habits and daily lives. Hyosung is leading the acceleration of the industry’s shift to environment-friendly products by developing truly environmentally friendly packaging materials such as MR recycled PET film, and PCR PP made of recycled PP materials characterized by outstanding quality and environmental-friendliness. With these materials, customers can produce products that transform our lives for the better and create a more sustainable society. Hyosung Chemical plans to continuously identify new environment-friendly products, gradually expand the scope of application (to apply to industrial packaging, food packaging, daily necessity packaging) of recyclable PCT PET film, and comply fully with the government's environmental regulation on ‘recycling more than 50% of plastic packaging waste’.
2023-04-28
Hyosung’s ESG brand strategy, RE:GEN, for the future of the next generation
Recently, the phenomenon of "eco-wakening" has been spreading, especially on social media. This trend signifies the increasing awareness and concern of people towards the destruction of nature. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), environmental awareness and a sense of urgency have rapidly spread, with keywords such as "climate crisis," "biodiversity," "marine litter," and "environmentally friendly consumption" posted in YouTube comments. The public, now highly aware of environmental issues, seeks to consume products from "ethical companies" that go beyond being eco-friendly to becoming eco-necessary. In response to this demand, many companies are practicing ESG management. There are often companies that make not only genuine efforts to develop eco-friendly products but also lead ESG-compliant businesses to exert a positive influence, such as Hyosung. Hyosung goes beyond value-driven ESG management for social impact and creates eco-necessary products based on exceptional technology. Hyosung's technology is being utilized to achieve symbiotic purposes, specifically, to ensure that the future generations live in a more comfortable environment. Based on this technology, Hyosung aspires to reply to the needs of every generation’s future under Hyosung Group's ESG brand, RE:GEN. Hyosung achieving sustainable growth under the RE:GEN brand, with the purpose to ‘Reply to Every Generation’s Future For the sake of the future, it is crucial to confront reality first. In order to solve the global problems facing our generation today, innovative technologies are necessary. At the same time to enjoy current prosperity and wish for the well-being of future generations, these technologies must consider their environmental impact. What we need is an "ESG technology for every generation's future." Therefore, Hyosung is pursuing a realistic ESG strategy that combines Hyosung's technology to solve practical problems that will impact all generations' future. As the first step of this strategy, Hyosung Group has announced the RE:GEN branding, an ESG brand for the group. RE:GEN, which means "Reply to Every Generation's Future," is the direction that Hyosung intends to take in the future. In order to respond to a sustainable future for all generations. Hyosung is not simply engaging in ESG activities that are distinct from business, but continuing efforts in constant innovation and technological development based on its technological DNA. Hyosung aims to become a company that proposes innovative solutions for a better future for all generations. Hyosung's dedication to pursuing sustainability for every generation’s future Hyosung is pursuing sustainability through resource conservation and recycling, in the form of a circular economy. A circular economy cannot be created solely by Hyosung, but it rather requires collaboration among all stakeholders, from the supply chain to raw materials and end-users in establishing a perfect cycle. Hyosung is leading the way in this circular economy by building an eco-system with the goal of zero waste in this cycle. Carbon neutrality aims to increase the absorption rate of emitted carbon dioxide, ultimately reducing the actual amount of carbon dioxide emissions to zero. This carbon neutrality is achieved through various efforts ranging from resource conservation to energy efficiency throughout the entire production and consumption process. Hyosung is researching, developing, and innovating to minimize carbon emissions in its production processes and manufactured products, for the purpose of carbon neutrality. The scarce resources of the Earth we live in are rapidly depleting, and conventional fossil fuels and nuclear power are destroying the environment. New energy, which can replace them, such as renewable energy, is an essential field that must be developed for the future of the next generation. Sustainable new energy technologies cannot be achieved in a single moment. However, Hyosung’s DNA is essentially based on its efforts to achieve results through consistent efforts until hydrogen and renewable energy can replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. Hyosung aims to establish a value chain that covers materials, components, operational technologies, and distribution systems to commercialize and increase the efficiency of hydrogen and renewable energy. In addition, Hyosung strives to develop innovative technologies that minimize energy, resource usage, and harmful elements in all cycles of production and operation to reduce hazardous elements and conserve resources. Hyosung’s excellent technology in ESG management Hyosung TNC has pioneered environmentally friendly products, resulting in development of the wide range of eco-friendly polyester, nylon and spandex products domestically. Through the eco-friendly fiber brand regen, Hyosung TNC aims to create a virtuous eco-cycle for a more sustainable future. Hyosung TNC’s eco-friendly polyester yarn, 'regen Polyester,' utilizes useful components from discarded PET bottles, while 'regen Nylon' is produced by recycling discarded nylon or collecting discarded fishing nets to regenerate into environmentally friendly yarn. In addition, Hyosung TNC has developed 'regen Spandex' made from recycled spandex and regen Bio-Based Spandex' made from natural raw materials. Hyosung's environmentally conscious 'regen project' promotes a resource circulation system by recycling PET bottles collected from local governments such as Seoul and Jeju into recycled fibers and has gained recognition from consumers for the company's positive impact on the environment. Hyosung Advanced Materials has developed automotive carpets using recycled BCF (Bulked Continuous Filament) to reduce industrial waste and industrial Bio PET made from plant-based Bio EG and Bio TPA. Additionally, Hyosung Advanced Materials has developed an eco-friendly 'Dip' that does not use resorcinol or formalin, which not only reduces harmful substances within the production process but also extends the tire’s lifespan. The lyocell tirecord made from cellulose extracted from wood, reduces harmful waste generation, thereby preventing air and water pollution. Furthermore, the domestically developed ultra-lightweight high-strength carbon fiber 'TANSOME®' and steel cord contributes well to reducing carbon emissions by improving vehicle fuel efficiency. Hyosung Heavy Industries, a leader in domestic energy storage systems (ESS), supplies ESS for various purposes such as renewable energy integration, frequency regulation, peak reduction, and independent microgrids. The utilization of high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC), which converts the high-voltage AC power from power plants into high-efficiency DC power, have opened up the possibilities for expanding the supply of renewable energy and increased the cross-border power interconnections. Hyosung Heavy Industries, which operates and constructs 700-bar hydrogen vehicle charging systems for next-generation eco-friendly hydrogen vehicles, has increased the convenience of hydrogen vehicle operation by supplying them to various places such as Hyundai Motor's Namyang Research Institute, Ulsan & Korea Expressway Corporation, and Hyundai Mobis. Additionally, Hyosung Heavy Industries has developed a smart grid technology, called the static compensator (STATCOM), which compensates for the relatively unstable power generation and supply of renewable energy. Hyosung Heavy Industries is the only company in Korea to possess the commercialization technology of STATCOM. The reason why Hyosung Chemical's polyketone brand, POKETONE™, is attracting more attention is because of its eco-friendliness. It captures carbon monoxide, the main culprit of air pollution, to create new resources. In addition, every time one ton of polyketone is produced, it reduces approximately 0.5 tons of carbon monoxide. Through the development of durable and eco-friendly technologies, Hyosung Chemical is contributing to reducing environmental pollution. Hyosung’s dynamic ESG activities Hyosung Group strives for sustainable growth from a long-term perspective, which is the ultimate goal of ESG management, making efforts to have a significant impact on social and environmental benefits. Hyosung aims to systematize and commercialize its technology to create a cycle structure that leads to environmentally friendly actions from raw materials to end-users. Moreover, Hyosung Group does not stop here. With its ESG brand RE:GEN, Hyosung seeks to show meticulous interest in many things we take for granted and execute meaningful projects for the future of the next generation. Furthermore, the future we dream of cannot be achieved solely by individual efforts. Hyosung seeks to discover RE:GEN Alliance brands that share its vision, and contribute practically to the world for better values and a better future together. Hyosung will support the growth and coexistence of the companies that have formed an alliance as a guaranteed brand of Hyosung RE:GEN Alliance. By thinking and executing for the future of the earth through an alliance, then a greener and more sustainable future will come. If the ocean becomes polluted, the fish and creatures within it disappear, causing the collapse of the marine food chain. Hyosung Group aims to take the first step towards a journey that benefits all generations and species beyond borders. To do so, Hyosung will become a RE:GEN GUARDIAN for biodiversity conservation and kick off the Seagrass Forest project. Under Marine Ecosystem Law, seagrass has been designated as a marine protected species and is recognized as a prominent source of blue carbon that plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon within the marine ecosystem. In order to conserve the habitat of these seagrasses, Hyosung has contributed to the Coastal Village Mutual Cooperation Fund. The fund that Hyosung contributed to will be used for various marine activities, such as "monitoring the distribution and habitat of seagrasses," "transplanting seagrass to locations for them to prosper," and "collecting abandoned fishing nets in the ocean." Furthermore, Hyosung is continuing its efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem by developing recycled fibers from discarded fishing nets. Hyosung's ESG activities are carried out in a practical and concrete way. Rather than simply offering abstract words such as symbiosis and sustainable future, Hyosung plans to contribute to creating a future where everyone can live together by developing tangible technologies that can be implemented directly. Hyosung will strive not only to provide convenient technologies for the current generation but also to create an environment where future generations can live with nature. With RE:GEN, which conveys Hyosung's unique philosophy and vision, together with technology, we will respond to the future of all generations.
2023-04-24
Hyosung’s Eco-Friendly Spandex Made From Corn
In August 2022, Korea-based comprehensive fiber manufacturer Hyosung TNC commercialized bio-based spandex, an innovative product that uses a strikingly unique ingredient: corn. Renowned for its exceptional elasticity, spandex is generally produced using raw materials extracted from petroleum. Then what inspired and enabled the invention of corn-based spandex, given that corn is a crop that typically hardens after processing? The answer lies in the UN General Assembly of 2015. UN’s 17 Collective Goals for Humanity At the 2015 UN General Assembly, the world came together to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 collective goals for humanity to achieve sustainable development. Aiming to be met by 2030, SDGs cover five different domains: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. As a company long committed to enhancing humanity's well-being, Hyosung TNC has been tirelessly working towards sustainable development. It has integrated four of the SDGs into its business operations, namely SDG3 for good health and well-being, SDG8 for decent work and economic growth, SDG12 for responsible consumption and production, and SDG13 for climate action. Hyosung TNC: Leading the Future of Eco-Friendly Yarns In pursuit of the four SDGs, Hyosung TNC has dedicated itself to leveraging innovative green technologies to better serve humanity. As a global leader in fiber materials, Hyosung feels an obligation to prevent climate change by developing eco-friendly fabrics and supporting a sustainable apparel industry. Pursing this path not only contributes to economic growth but also promotes the wellness and well-being of customers. Hyosung’s relentless efforts led to the successful commercialization of its bio-based spandex, the world’s first spandex using natural materials derived from corn. This breakthrough marked the debut of corn as a viable source for producing high-performance spandex, after having long been primarily used as a food source and partially for less sensitive bio products. The use of corns as raw materials is not entirely new, as we can see many examples around us. After corn-derived materials gained recognition as eco-friendly alternatives, polylactic acid (PLA), which is produced from lactic acid fermented from corn-derived glucose, has been widely used in toothbrushes, straws, baby tableware, trays, and other food containers, among others. Corn-based materials have already been used for various everyday items such as paint and wrapping paper, cosmetics containing corn-derived ingredients and liquid detergents containing corn-derived deodorants. However, technological limitations prevented its application in spandex, as highly advanced technology is required to produce such a high-performance fiber with remarkable elasticity. Hyosung TNC boasts accumulated experience and unrivaled technology for producing spandex yarn, which accounts for a third of the global spandex market. The bio-based spandex of Hyosung is the culmination of its technological prowess and more than three years of R&D efforts. Corn: The Key ingredient of Hyosung’s Bio-Based Spandex Corn-derived biomaterials are the key ingredients of Hyosung’s bio-based spandex. Through years-long research, Hyosung discovered the best combination of biomaterials and conventional spandex materials, developing a yarn that maintains the same performance and properties as conventional spandex. Compared to other yarns, spandex is a highly sensitive material. In fact, even slight changes in manufacturing conditions can greatly alter its elasticity. A piece of clothing made with spandex of an unusual elasticity level leads to lower product quality, such as sweatpants stretching out after a short period of wear. This explains why Hyosung TNC is so far the only one in the world to have succeeded in developing and commercializing bio-based spandex. Despite challenging conditions, Hyosung continued its research to utilize corn-derived materials as an eco-friendly source for spandex, placing the utmost priority on delivering world-class quality to customers. Eventually, Hyosung’s endeavor bore fruit, making it the first and only fiber manufacturer to have developed an eco-friendly spandex yarn that performs just as well as conventional spandex. The successful development of bio-based spandex is the ultimate testament to the technological prowess and know-how Hyosung has accumulated for 60 years. Ensuring Transparency and Environmental Friendliness across Manufacturing The use of bio-based materials has enabled Hyosung TNC to reduce its use of fossil fuels in proportion to its use of corn-derived materials, while lowering its dependence on petroleum, which is still essential for industrial processes. While gradually replacing more petroleum-sourced materials with corn-derived materials, Hyosung TNC will continue its research until it finally develops purely corn-based spandex. Hyosung is ensuring transparency and eco-friendliness across all manufacturing procedures, including thorough direct management of the supply of sustainable corn-derived materials. The corn used in manufacturing is not the type for human consumption, but dent corn used for industrial purposes such as fuel ethanol and cooking oil or livestock feed. Production management is also strict. Farmers who supply corn to Hyosung TNC must meet a wide variety of requirements such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving nitrogen efficiency, meticulously managing soil quality in cultivation areas, and managing supply chains transparently. All this demonstrates how Hyosung TNC defines eco-friendliness: Being truly eco-friendly not only means replacing one raw material with a bio-based one but ensuring transparency and traceability from raw material procurement to the very end of the manufacturing process. Such an uncompromising approach has earned Hyosung's bio-based spandex the Eco Product Mark, an eco-friendly certification from the world’s leading certification body SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance), providing impetus to Hyosung’s green moves. Towards the Development of Biodegradable Yarns Amid increased public awareness of global warming, materials such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and PLA are growing in popularity and applications for their low-carbon and biodegradable nature. Down the road, biodegradable fibers using natural materials are expected to advance from the recently emerging recycled fibers as the leading eco-friendly textiles. Indeed, biodegradable fibers decompose within a few years of being buried, causing less harm to the environment and serving as a more nature-friendly option than other fibers. As a pacesetter in biodegradable fibers, Hyosung has already embarked on R&D in biodegradable recycled PET yarns. From manufacturing to the end of product use, protecting the environment will be the utmost priority across the entire life cycle of biodegradable recycled PET yarns, which is why they are expected to contribute to the betterment of the environment. Hyosung TNC is leading the global fiber market while steadily developing eco-friendly fibers in a bid for a better life for everyone.
2023-04-21
ICEs, EVs, Autonomous Vehicles: They All Need Tires! (Part 3)
With the growing attention towards net zero and environmental awareness, the international community has been mobilizing itself to come up with ways to impose transnational regulations to protect our environment. Industries around the world have also begun paying more attention to ways of doing business that would enable them to co-exist with the environment, going beyond traditional business values of putting economic sense and efficiency first. The automobile industry is no exception. With the adoption of EVs and hydrogen cars that run without combustion engine, markets are now tilting toward using green raw materials and secondary materials. Tires are also part of this consideration. On top of performance enhancements, tire manufacturers are looking for ways to improve fuel efficiency by cutting down on carbon dioxide emission while putting more emphasis on life cycle assessment. As such, more and more makers are turning to green raw and secondary materials. Hyosung Advanced Materials has focused on environmental impact and climate change early on and has been pursuing businesses that would help us co-exist with our environment. As a leading tire reinforcement material maker, the company has been pioneering in the development and commercialization of tirecords with green materials. Hyosung has also introduced heavier denier cord for heavy duty tire construction which has improved fuel efficiency of automobiles. Hyosung Advanced Materials brings a difference to sustainable tirecords too. A tire cord from a fiber made from wood Hyosung Advanced Materials had been working on developing an eco-friendly material that could replace rayon reinforcement used for high-performance tires with excellent heat resistance. As a result, the company has developed and been producing lyocell tirecord made from wood pulp cellulose for the first time in the world. They are 100% biodegradable and emit 30% less greenhouse gases compared to existing rayon or nylon tirecords. Though they are made of eco-friendly materials, their quality and durability are the same as existing conventional tirecords, which are all attributable to Hyosung’s technology and strenuous efforts in R&D. In addition, its manufacturing process does not emit pollutants such as carbon disulfide or hydrogen sulfide thanks to its eco-friendly manufacturing processes including recycling of solvent extraction and non-reliance on toxic chemicals. Thus, lyocell tirecord and its manufacturing process heads off polluting the air or water to further contribute to environmental protection. All in all, it is an excellent alternative to high quality tires made of synthetic fibers. Tires made of eco-friendly PET Hyosung Advanced Materials has produced industrial-class bio-PET yarns based on ethylene glycol made from sugarcane or corns instead of the conventional way of extracting the material from crude oil. Hyosung’s bio-PET yarns are used for tirecords and car mats. These eco-friendly yarns are free from depletion of source materials or environmental impact. Some EVs and hydrogen vehicles have already been using products made of Hyosung’s bio-PET yarns. Since 2020, the company has been working with key vendors to develop PET tirecords made from recycled plastic including PET bottles. Eco-friendly polyester yarn extracted from recycled PET bottles is a product of Hyosung. As the world’s leading PET tirecord maker, the polyester yarn from the company has been gaining traction and trust from the market around the world. The recycled-PET yarn has acquired the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certification from Control Union, the Netherlands based international certification body for eco-friendly businesses. The GRS certification is known for its thorough review process covering the origins of materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes as well as the whole production supply chain and traceability of each step. As such, the product with a GRS certification is regarded as eco-friendly over the entire cycle of production. Hyosung’s recycled PET yarn is as such the most optimal material for next-generation PET tirecords as it meets the requirements of technology and sustainability. Green tirecords taking leadership in environmental protection It is notable that Hyosung’s eco-friendly tirecords cut down on carbon dioxide emissions dramatically compared to their conventional counterparts. The recycled PET tirecord made from recycled plastic emits 44% less carbon dioxide while bio PET tirecord made from plant extractions cut carbon emissions by 16%. Hyosung Advanced Materials aims for a transition of all tirecords products into eco-friendly PET tirecords by 2050. To this end, the company has been working hard on related technological development while collaborating with key vendors. In addition, the company has been working on developing various eco-friendly PET materials such as new tirecords made from discarded fishing nets and wastes from glass etching process in semiconductor industry. Its eco-friendly product portfolio is in turn only going to grow. Chemical solutions can be eco-friendly too For enhanced tire strengths, tirecords have to be dried at a high temperature with a combination of chemical solutions before they are finished in production. Hyosung Advanced Materials has recently developed an eco-friendly solution called ‘Eco Dip’ that can replace the existing chemical solutions and will soon be able to commercially introduce to the market. Hyosung’s Eco Dip does not use formaldehyde and resorcinol which are regulated under the EU REACH since June 1, 2007 by the EU to protect human health and the environment from the use of chemicals. Eco Dip is expected to contribute to environmental protection by extending the lifecycle of tires with its higher fatigue resistance. Leading in an era where eco-friendliness is not a choice but a must Being eco-friendly is no longer a matter of choice but a matter of course. Consumers can make informed choices based on their respective values when it comes to consumer goods such as clothing, toothbrush or tumbler. However, products such as automobile tires are hidden in the supply chain and thus out of reach for those looking for environmentally friendly products. Hyosung Advanced Materials has been filling this gap by developing and introducing products such as lyocell, bio-PET and recycled-PET tirecords and materials such as Eco Dip to create a green virtuous cycle. Hyosung Advanced Materials is committed to realizing a sustainable world for all generations, beyond just wishful thinking. Eco-friendly tirecords initiated by Hyosung are already sailing on fair winds.
2023-04-17