Richard Lindsey Is National Ginner Award Recipient: Distinguished Service Award Goes To Tim Price

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  — February 19, 2025 — Richard Lindsey, a veteran Alabama ginner who has provided outstanding service and leadership to the U.S. cotton industry, is the 2024 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year. He was recognized at the recent 2025 National Cotton Ginners Association’s (NCGA) annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.

The annual NCGA award is presented to a ginner in recognition of: 1) able, efficient and faithful service to the ginning industry and 2) continuing those principles exemplified and practiced by Horace Hayden, a former NCGA executive secretary.

Richard Lindsey

Lindsey partnered with Brent Tidwell and his son Richard Lindsey, Jr. in their family farming operation known as Coosa River Land Co. He is active on several boards, including First Southern State Bank, Cherokee County Alfa Organization, and Howell Cemetery Association. Richard is the current President of the National Cotton Ginners Association, having served as a Vice President for the previous three years. He has served on numerous National Cotton Ginners and National Cotton Council

committees, is a National Cotton Council Director, a member of the Council’s Executive Committee, and a member of the Cotton Council International Board of Directors. Additionally, he has served in numerous roles within the Southeastern Ginners Association, including President, and was selected as the Southeastern Ginner of the Year in 2010.

Lindsey, a native of Cherokee County, Alabama, has a rich history in cotton farming, beginning with his first harvest in 1957 as a 4H project. Over the past 58 years, he has been a dedicated cotton producer and remains active in managing Cherokee Gin and Cotton Company, the largest gin in Alabama.

He also served in the Alabama House of Representatives for 35 years, holding key positions such as Chair of Appropriations and Agriculture Committees. His legislative achievements include bringing a satellite campus of Gadsden State Community College to Cherokee County, with the sports arena named in his honor. Richard retired from legislative service in 2018 but continues to contribute to the cotton industry.

The NCGA also recognized Tim Price as recipient of the NCGA’s 2024-25 Charles C. Owen Distinguished Service Award. That award honors those who have provided a career of distinguished service to the U.S. ginning industry.

Tim Price

Price, born in 1952 in Calvin, Louisiana, has a distinguished career in agriculture. Active in FFA during high school, he became the state president and later earned degrees from Louisiana State University and Texas A&M. He worked at the Federal Land Bank in New Orleans before joining the American Farm Bureau Federation, where he handled commodity and marketing issues and national farm program legislation.

In 2003, he became the Executive Vice President of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Manager of the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show. His contributions earned him the 2023 National Agriculture Marketing Association Ag Association Leader of the Year Award. He remains a strong supporter of the National Cotton Ginners Association.

Price has made substantial contributions to the NCGA through his active role in the National Cotton Ginner Committee and his advisory capacities within the National Cotton Council.

During its annual meeting, the NCGA elected as its 2025 officers: president – Larry Black, Roscoe, Texas; first vice president – Brad Williams, Burlison, Tenn.; second vice president, Tom Pires, Riverdale, Calif.; and third vice president, Ben Evan, Douglas, Georgia. Richard Lindsey will become chairman of the board. Harrison Ashley, Cordova, Tenn., is NCGA’s executive vice president.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: National Cotton Ginners Association

 

Cotton Council International Elects 2025 Officers

WASHINGTON — February 19, 2025 — Carlo Bocardo, a cooperative official from Bakersfield, Calif., will serve as Cotton Council International’s (CCI) president for 2025. CCI is the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) export promotion arm and carries out programs in 50 plus countries under the COTTON USA™ trademark. Bocardo and other CCI officers were elected at CCI’s Board Meeting held as part of the NCC’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas. Lee Cromley, a Brooklet, Ga., producer, will serve as CCI chairman.

“CCI is driving innovation and technology to lead the world to cotton’s next level, and I’m eager to serve as CCI President and show our export customers that U.S. cotton remains the global cotton leader,” Bocardo said. “CCI is an integral partner to our mill customers, offering personal and curated services that are unique to COTTON USA™ and valuable to our customers’ business, which can only increase U.S. cotton demand and loyalty.”

CCI Officers (L to R) Wayne Boseman, Richard Gaona, John King, Bruce Atherley, Carlo Bocardo and Lee Cromley

Bocardo is the executive vice president of sales for Calcot Ltd., a cotton marketing cooperative, and has traveled extensively in the U.S. and around the world promoting U.S. cotton. He joined the cotton industry in 2000, when Calcot hired him as an assistant export sales manager. Bocardo received a master’s degree in agribusiness from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City.

Other CCI officers elected were:

  • First vice president John C. King, III, a merchant from Richardson, TX;
  • Second vice president Richard Gaona, a producer from Roby, Texas;
  • Secretary Gary Adams, Cordova, Tenn.; and
  • Assistant secretary Bruce Atherley, Washington, D.C.
  • Newly elected as CCI treasurer was Wayne Boseman, a cooperative official from Garner, N.C.

Newly elected CCI directors were:

  • Paul E. Bush, a cooperative official from Glendale, Ariz.; and
  • Brad Williams, a ginner from Bells, Tenn.

Re-elected as 2025 CCI directors were:

PRODUCERS

  • Philip Edwards, Smithfield, Va.;
  • Barry W. Evans, Kress, Texas;
  • Matthew R. (Matt) Hyneman, Jonesboro, Ark.;
  • Donny Lassiter, Conway, N.C.;
  • John F. Lindamood, Tiptonville, Tenn.;
  • Mark Nichols, Altus, Okla.; and
  • Paul (Paco) Ollerton, Casa Grande, Ariz.

GINNER

  • Richard J. Lindsey, Centre, Ala.

COTTONSEED HANDLER

  • Aaron Pena, Harlingen, Texas.

MERCHANTS

  • Matt Dunbar, Memphis, Tenn.;
  • Nick Kastle, Corcoran, Calif.;
  • Neeraj Rana, Cordova, Tenn.;
  • Wesley Rentz, Greenville, S.C.; and
  • Beau Stephenson, Richardson, Texas.

COOPERATIVES

  • Frederick Barrier, Greenwood, Miss.; and
  • Kevin Brinkley, Lubbock, Texas.

WAREHOUSE

  • Vance C. Shoaf, Milan, Tenn.

MANUFACTURERS

  • James (Jim) Martin, Gastonia, N.C.; and
  • Mike Quinn, Sanford, N.C.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: Cotton Council International (CCI) 

Gildan Announces Executive Leadership Changes Including CFO Transition

MONTREAL — February 19, 2025 — Gildan Activewear Inc. today announced the following executive leadership nominations and a CFO transition as part of a multi-year succession planning process, which are intended to ensure strong continuity as the company drives forward with the Gildan Sustainable Growth Strategy:

  • Chuck Ward, currently president, Sales, Marketing and Distribution, has been appointed to the newly created role of executive vice president, COO effective March 1, 2025, and will continue to report to Glenn J. Chamandy, president and CEO. Ward joined Gildan in 2011 through the acquisition of GoldToe Moretz, where he had served as executive vice president and CFO and initially led the integration of GoldToe into Gildan. Over the years, he has held several senior roles at Gildan, including leading yarn spinning operations, overseeing supply chain planning, running sales, marketing and distribution organization while gaining strong experience in manufacturing.
  • Separately, and after almost 10 years in the executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer role, Rhodri “Rhod” J. Harries, has informed the board of his intention to retire on January 1, 2026. The company announced that Luca Barile, currently CFO, Sales, Marketing and Distribution, will succeed Harries, as executive vice president, CFO, assuming responsibilities on March 1, 2025.  To facilitate a smooth transition over a full 10 months, Harries will retain his chief administrator officer role until his retirement. Barile began his career as a senior auditor at a large accounting firm in 2008 before joining Gildan in 2012. At Gildan, Barile has held various roles in Financial Planning and Analysis, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management, before being promoted to his current role in 2023 as CFO for Sales, Marketing and Distribution.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to Rhod who has guided our financial performance through many key phases for our company. Since 2015, he has been an invaluable partner to me, his executive peers and to his teams. He has safeguarded the company’s solid financial position through disciplined capital allocation, contributing to the achievement of our long-term financial objectives and setting the stage for the future. Although we will still be working together through 2025, I wish him well in retirement next year and want to thank him for his significant contribution to our success” said Glenn J. Chamandy.

Chamandy added: “I am very pleased to welcome Chuck and Luca into their new roles, appointments that are a testament to our internal bench strength and the effectiveness of our multi-year succession planning efforts. They are both outstanding leaders who are well positioned to step into their roles as we continue to achieve our financial goals, pursue the next exciting stage in Gildan’s growth strategy and drive enhanced long-term value for our stakeholders”.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: Gildan Activewear Inc.

Welspun Living Limited Achieves Highest ESG Rating In Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods Category In 2024

MUMBAI, India — February 19, 2025 — Welspun Living Ltd. (WLL), a global supplier of home textiles, has achieved a remarkable milestone in sustainability, securing a total ESG score of 83 in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). This recognition solidifies WLL’s ongoing leadership as the highest-ranked textile manufacturing company from India in the Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods category. The score also places WLL at the fourth position globally in the aforesaid category of the CSA. The company has demonstrated a significant 26-percent improvement from its 2023 score of 66, highlighting its commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible growth.

WLL’s impressive performance is reflected across all three key pillars of the assessment: Governance & Economic (79), Environment (85), and Social (84). The company’s continuous advancements in sustainable manufacturing, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship have played a crucial role in this achievement. With a strategic focus on innovation, transparency, and circular economy principles, WLL continues to lead the way in embedding sustainability into its core business operations.

WLL has outperformed industry benchmarks in ESG performance. It scored 85 in Environmental (industry mean: 34, highest: 96), 84 in Social (mean: 34, highest: 91), and 79 in Governance & Economic (mean: 38, highest: 88). These scores highlight Welspun Living’s leadership in sustainability and excellence in the industry.

Commenting on this accomplishment, Dipali Goenka, managing director and CEO, WLL, said: “We are incredibly proud of achieving the Fourth position in the Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods category globally in the S&P CSA with a score of 83 this year. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who continuously strive to integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. At Welspun Living, we believe that responsible growth goes hand in hand with innovation and transparency, and we remain committed to leading the way in sustainable manufacturing and setting benchmarks in the industry”.

Alok Mishra, president & group head – Sustainability, added: “This remarkable improvement in our ESG score is a result of our efforts to address the company’s ESG risks holistically and build a future proof organization. It’s a proof of our belief that economic growth and environmental stewardship can co-exist. The success re-energizes us to continue working towards our long-term vision of creating impact-driven solutions for a better world.”

As sustainability continues to shape the global business landscape, Welspun Living remains dedicated to enhancing its ESG initiatives, setting new benchmarks for responsible growth in the textile industry. The company’s strategic roadmap focuses on decarbonization, water conservation, circular economy, and social empowerment, ensuring a holistic approach toward long-term value creation.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: Welspun Living Limited (WLL),

Cellevate Hits The United States With Launch Of Cellevat3d® Nanofiber-Based Cell Culture Systems Designed For Faster Bioprocessing

LUND, Sweden — February 19, 2025 — Cellevate AB, a biotech company developing next-generation cell culture systems to revolutionize biomanufacturing, announced today the U.S. launch of its lead product, Cellevat3d® nanofiber microcarriers, at the third Viral Vector Process Development & Manufacturing Summit, taking place in Boston Massachusetts between February 19 and 21.

The news comes just three months after the company’s highly successful European pre-launch, which was announced at BIO-Europe in Stockholm, Sweden, in November 2024.

Cellevat3d nanofiber microcarriers represent a new category of cell culture systems that have 60 times the surface area of conventional cell growth systems, increasing yield and productivity in upstream bioprocessing of viral vector-based applications to previously unseen levels. They are engineered for stirred tank bioreactors and support a wide range of applications including gene therapy, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), organoid formation, HEK-based recombinant proteins, and vaccine production.

Speaking on the news, Cellevate CEO, Laura Chirica said: “Expanding into the U.S. this soon after our European pre-launch event is a response to the overwhelming market need for innovative, disruptive yet scalable and sustainable technologies in biomanufacturing that provide high yields and faster processes with high productivity. We have the potential to revolutionize cell culture applications with Cellevat3d nanofiber cell culture systems and the therapeutic classes associated with them: at this year’s VVPDM Summit, we will showcase this.”

To celebrate the launch, Cellevate is hosting a lunch on Thursday, February 20, between 12 and 1 p.m., where the North American team is presenting on the novel upstream nanofiber-based cell culture systems. The team will also present a poster summarizing all the validation results. For questions, the team will meet the attendees in the Cellevate booth.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: Cellevate AB

Prime Line Welcomes Experienced Industry Veteran As New Director Of National Accounts

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — February 19, 2025 — Prime Line, a supplier in the promotional products industry, is thrilled to announce the addition of Cristi Meyer as the new director of National/Strategic Accounts. With 30 years of experience on both the distributor and supplier sides, Meyer brings a wealth of expertise and deep industry relationships to the role.

Cristi Meyer

Meyer has built an impressive career, spending 15 years at Staples Promotional Products, 13 years at Sweda (now SnugZ), and two years at AAA Innovations. Throughout her tenure, she has been dedicated to working with top National Accounts, forging strong relationships with Account Executives, and delivering a solution-based approach to meet client needs.

In her new role at Prime Line, Meyer will be traveling across the country to represent the company with several elite Strategic Accounts, continuing to strengthen partnerships and drive growth.

“Cristi is a fantastic addition to our team,” said Eric Levin, General Manager of Prime Line. “Her deep industry knowledge, extensive network, and strategic mindset make her the perfect fit to support our National Accounts. We’re confident that her passion and expertise will enhance our partnerships and bring incredible value to our customers.”

When she’s not on the road meeting with clients, Meyer can often be found at a concert with friends, enjoying time on the water, or playing a round of golf.

Prime Line is excited to welcome Meyer and looks forward to the impact she will make in her new role.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: Prime Line, a division of S&S Activewear

NCTO Announces Former USTR Chief Textiles And Apparel Negotiator Katherine White As Vice President Of Policy

WASHINGTON — February 19, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine White as the organization’s new vice president of Policy, effective February 18, 2025.

As vice president of Policy at NCTO, Katherine White will work on critical policy priorities to the U.S. textile industry and provide expertise and support to the association’s extensive lobbying efforts in D.C.

“We are excited to welcome Katie to NCTO,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “Her extensive expertise and ongoing engagement with the U.S. textile industry is instrumental in advancing our advocacy agenda and supporting this vital industry.”

“I am thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to NCTO’s advocacy on behalf of the U.S. textile industry,” White said. “The textile industry is a critical, strategic manufacturing sector and a key contributor to our national defense and the overall U.S. economy. I look forward to working with the NCTO team and our textile association members to advance priority issues and opportunities that impact the industry’s competitiveness and growth.”

White recently served as the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator and previously served on the House Ways and Means Committee as an International Trade Policy Advisor.

In her roles at USTR and on the Ways and Means Committee, White worked specifically on trade policy matters, including de minimis and customs enforcement, and helped shape U.S. trade laws. She also participated in the negotiation, implementation, and enforcement of U.S. trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Further, White has worked closely with the textile and apparel industry during the development of trade legislation on Capitol Hill.

She has also previously worked at the International Trade Administration at the Department of Commerce and at the White House on the National Economic Council.

White is a North Carolina native and earned a Master of Public Policy from Duke University and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

BELLA+CANVAS Expands The Heavyweight Collection With New Styles And Fabrics

LOS ANGELES — February 18, 2025 — BELLA+CANVAS, supplier of premium blank apparel, proudly announces the expansion of its Heavyweight Collection with eight new styles across three distinct fabric weights: 6 oz, 7.5 oz, and 10 oz. Designed with creators in mind, this collection redefines heavyweight essentials with precision craftsmanship, bold styling, and the versatility to serve as the ultimate canvas for self-expression.

BELLA+CANVAS Heavyweight Collection

The Heavyweight Collection: Bold, Confident, Curated For Creators

The Heavyweight Collection isn’t just about weight—it’s about presence. These are not basic blanks; they are the foundation of elevated streetwear, artistic embellishment, and everyday essential style. Crafted from superior materials and built with an emphasis on fit and durability, each piece empowers creators, artists, and brands to make a statement.

Expanding on the original 6 oz tees, the collection now includes heavier 7.5 oz and 10 oz garments, offering even greater versatility for layering, customization, and embroidery. The collection includes:

6 Oz Heavyweight Cotton:

  • 3010 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT TEE
  • 3511 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT LONG SLEEVE TEE
  • 6110 WOMEN’S HEAVYWEIGHT TEE
  • 3010Y YOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT TEE
  • 3511Y YOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT LONG SLEEVE TEE

7.5 Oz Heavyweight Cotton:

  • 4610 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT TEE
  • 4651 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT LONG SLEEVE TEE

10 Oz Heavyweight Fleece:

  • 4719 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT PULLOVER HOODIE
  • 4711 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT
  • 4737 UNISEX HEAVYWEIGHT SWEATPANT

What Sets The Heavyweight Collection Apart?

  • Perfected Fit & Construction: Every garment is designed with precision tailoring, ensuring an elevated silhouette and supreme comfort.
  • Premium Heavyweight Fabrics: Built to last, our 6 oz, 7.5 oz, and 10 oz fabrics provide structure without stiffness, allowing for effortless styling.
  • Versatility for Creators: The heavyweight fabric construction allows for customizations, including embroidery, screen printing, and appliqué, making it a go-to choice for brands and designers.
  • Inspired by Creators, Designed for Impact: This collection is a direct response to the needs of our community—artists, musicians, and streetwear visionaries—who require apparel that stands out and performs.

A Collection Rooted In Creative Expression

The Heavyweight Collection is more than apparel—it’s a movement. With influence drawn from street culture, skate, music, and art, these styles are designed to be worn with confidence and individuality.

“The expansion of the Heavyweight Collection is about giving our diverse, creative community a new canvas to be the most impactful creators,” says Michelle Yu, Creative Director at BELLA+CANVAS. “As a brand, we’ve always strived to be best in class and it shows in the silhouettes and quality of our blanks.”

The Heavyweight Collection is available now. To explore the full range, visit BELLACANVAS.com.

Posted: February 18, 2025

Source: BELLA+CANVAS

Nike And SKIMS Launch New Brand, NikeSKIMS, Designed To Sculpt; Engineered To Perform

BEAVERTON, Ore. & LOS ANGELES — February 18, 2025 — Nike, Inc. and SKIMS are teaming up to disrupt the global fitness and activewear industry with the launch of NikeSKIMS, a new brand that will deliver industry leading innovation. The long-term partnership will introduce an extensive product line that invites more athletes and women into the world of sport and movement. NikeSKIMS will debut its first collection in the United States this Spring, available online and in select retail locations, with a global rollout planned for 2026.

NikeSKIMS brings together Nike’s world-class approach to advanced innovation, sport science, and athlete insights with SKIMS’ obsession with the female form and pioneering approach to creating solutions for every body. The brand’s shared vision celebrates every dimension of athleticism, from elite to everyday athletes*. Products will be crafted to fit every curve and enhance the body’s natural form.

“We’re energized by the opportunity to build a new brand and shake things up for the next generation of athletes* with NikeSKIMS.,” said Heidi O’Neill, President of Consumer, Product & Brand, Nike, Inc. “This partnership brings together the best of both brands and unlocks an incredible opportunity to disrupt the industry with our shared passion and commitment to innovation. We will invite even more athletes* into sport and movement with product that makes them feel strong and sexy.”

“Over the past five years, SKIMS has redefined the intimates and loungewear industry,” says Jens Grede, Co-Founder & CEO, SKIMS. “Now, by partnering with Nike, the undisputed leader in athletic performance and innovation, we’re poised to create a new standard in the global fitness and activewear market. This partnership will empower individuals to express themselves authentically, merging SKIMS’ focus on body confidence and self-expression with Nike’s relentless pursuit of excellence.”

“Nike and SKIMS share a deep commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and pushing boundaries, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of women,” says Kim Kardashian, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, SKIMS. “This partnership is the culmination of that shared vision, delivering product that is meticulously designed to sculpt and perform for every body. Every single detail has been obsessed over and carefully considered. We’re incredibly excited to unveil our first collection this Spring.”

Through this partnership, NikeSKIMS will deliver industry-leading innovation and an extensive fitness product line – including apparel, footwear and accessories – designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of athletes* around the world.

Posted: February 18, 2025

Source: NIKE, Inc. / SKIMS

SK Chemicals To Establish Waste Plastic Recycling Innovation Center In Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — February 18, 2025 — SK chemicals, the first company in the world to successfully mass-produce chemically recycled materials, has embarked on establishing a comprehensive plastic recycling solution center in Korea. This center will encompass the production of circular recyclable raw materials, demonstration research, and material production.

The company announced on February 18 (KST) that it will establish a Recycle Innovation Center (RIC) at its Ulsan plant where eco-friendly chemical materials are produced. The company will invest in new pilot facilities for the chemical decomposition of waste plastics to produce recycled BHET (r-BHET), linking them with existing commercial copolyester production facilities.

Aerial view of SK chemicals’ Ulsan plant where the Recycle Innovation Center will be constructed.

This marks SK chemicals’ first depolymerization technology-based recycling center in Korea.

The newly constructed depolymerization pilot facility will produce recyclable plastic raw materials (r-BHET) from waste plastics. This facility will validate commercialization technology for various types of low-quality waste plastics that were previously difficult to recycle using conventional methods, expanding beyond typical transparent bottles to include fibers, films, and automotive parts. In particular, the recycling of textiles is known to be highly challenging field due to the diverse forms and types of materials mixed in a single garment. This includes not only polyester yarn but also other fibers such as cotton, as well as various accessories like buttons.

The depolymerization pilot facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026 with an annual production capacity of 50 tons. BHET(r-BHET), an intermediate raw material for polyester-based materials such as PET and copolyester, is integral to SK chemicals’ chemical recycling technology.

With the construction of the RIC, SK chemicals will establish an integrated research and production system at its Ulsan plant, covering everything from circular recycled raw materials (r-BHET) to circular recycled materials. All processes from depolymerization to demonstration research, polymerization, and mass production will be organically integrated at one location. This is supported by a polymerization pilot that produces a circular recycled PET and a commercial production facility capable of mass-producing circular recycled copolyester.

SK chemicals explained, “Since different industries such as automotive, electronics, and fashion have varying types of waste plastics and require different plastic qualities and properties, it is crucial to have the technology and capability to quickly validate and commercialize depolymerization and material production processes tailored to each industry. With the establishment of the RIC, we will be able to provide faster and more flexible solutions to the complex challenges demanded by various industries based on our foundational technology.”

Completion of RIC is expected to accelerate implementation of SK chemicals’ Closed Loop solution.

Closed Loop refers to a complete circulation system where waste plastics previously destined for landfills or incineration are subjected to collection, crushing, cleaning, depolymerization, and polymerization to be reproduced in a form identical to petroleum-based plastics, which are then used to manufacture products such as electronics and beverage containers.

While recycled plastics from collected waste PET bottles are primarily repurposed into fibers for initial recycling, most fiber products currently end up being incinerated or landfilled after use.

Depolymerization-based circular recycled materials are recognized as a technology capable of achieving a complete circulation structure. Depolymerization-based technology breaks down waste plastics at the molecular level to achieve properties and quality identical to petroleum-based materials. This enables water bottles to be recycled back into water bottles and waste electronic plastics back into electronic products.

By leveraging RIC, SK chemicals strengthens its cooperation with the beverage, cosmetics, electronics, and automotive sectors to secure waste plastic resource circulation infrastructure and stable waste resource supply chains. The company is strategically developing industry-optimized depolymerization technology and expertise to establish a foundation for large-scale production facilities.

Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK chemicals, stated, “Establishing an integrated research and production system from recycled raw materials to recycled plastics will be a crucial turning point in accelerating innovation in the plastic ecosystem’s circular recycling. Through close cooperation with companies in food and beverage, automotive, electronics, and fashion sectors, we will develop comprehensive resource circulation systems for each industry.”

SK chemicals has a strong track record of innovation in recycling: It was the first globally to commercialize circular recycled copolyester using chemically recycled raw materials (2021); the first in Korea to supply circular recycled PET (2022); and has established a solid production base for recycled waste plastic business by acquiring a stake in the Chinese company Shuye Environmental Technology and establishing SK chemicals Shantou.

Posted: February 18, 2025

Source: SK chemicals

Sponsors