SK chemicals Signs Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Austria's Durmont to Supply Sustainable Materials to Global Automotive Brands

• Supplying Recycled Material SKYPET CR for Automotive Carpets Manufactured by Durmont
• Discussions Underway for Application with major European Automotive Brands

SEONGNAM, South Korea, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SK chemicals is advancing sustainability in the European automotive market by supplying recycled materials to global automotive brands.

SK chemicals (President & CEO Ahn Jae-hyun) announced on the 25th KST that it has entered into an Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Durmont and Paarang at its ECOLAB headquarters, located in South Korea.

Durmont, an Austrian automotive carpet manufacturer, produces carpet roll goods for approximately 7 million vehicles annually. In 2023, Durmont was acquired by Visscher-Caravelle Group (VC) — a Dutch Tier1 supplier of Car Floor Mats and other automotive accessories with a market share of over 40% in the European market. VC supplies to several major European automotive brands. 

Paarang will support SK chemicals and Durmont in facilitating smooth communication and operations. Leveraging its expertise in logistics and supply chain management, Paarang aims to enhance reliability and efficiency throughout the transaction process.

The three companies have already successfully developed yarns and finished products such as carpets and mats using SK chemicals' differentiated CR (Chemical Recycled) PET material solution. These products meet automotive testing requirements and quality standards. The exclusive partnership agreement was signed to accelerate supply and market expansion.

Under the agreement, SK chemicals will supply Durmont with its recycled PET, SKYPET CR, which provides a material with 100% recycled content, certified by ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS), and a fully recyclable product. The joint aim is a wide market adoption of such sustainable material solutions.

SKYPET CR, making use of SK chemicals' chemical recycling technology, enables waste plastics to be recycled at the molecular level and maintains high quality even after repeated recycling. In particular, by

utilizing chemical recycling technology, SKYPET CR maintains a quality level close to that of virgin petroleum-based products even after repeated recycling—unlike conventional recycling methods—making it an ideal material for establishing a closed-loop system.

By applying SKYPET CR to automotive carpets and mats, these products can be depolymerized and recycled after reaching the end of their lifespan, enabling the establishment of a closed-loop system within the automotive industry. This advancement is anticipated to enable compliance with vehicle circularity regulations—such as the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directive.

SK chemicals will deepen its collaboration with Durmont and Visscher-Caravelle, while also expanding partnerships with other global automotive brands for other products and applications

CEO Ahn Jae-hyun commented, "In Europe, the introduction of carbon neutrality regulations, such as the ELV directive, is driving a growing interest in vehicle circularity and recycling." He added, "SK chemicals will continue to promote sustainability in the industry by leveraging our depolymerization technology and meet the material and performance requirements of automotive components, while fostering collaboration with industry partners."

In 2023, SK chemicals established SK Shantou with an investment of KRW 130 billion (approximately USD 94 million), securing the world's first commercialized chemical recycling production facilities for raw materials and products. In Korea, SK chemicals is also expanding its recycling-related production and research infrastructure by establishing the Recycling Innovation Center within its Ulsan plant site, which includes a pilot facility for chemically decomposing waste plastics to produce recycled raw materials (r-BHET).

 

• Supplying Recycled Material SKYPET CR for Automotive Carpets Manufactured by Durmont
• Discussions Underway for Application with major European Automotive Brands

SEONGNAM, South Korea, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SK chemicals is advancing sustainability in the European automotive market by supplying recycled materials to global automotive brands.

SK chemicals (President & CEO Ahn Jae-hyun) announced on the 25th KST that it has entered into an Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Durmont and Paarang at its ECOLAB headquarters, located in South Korea.

Durmont, an Austrian automotive carpet manufacturer, produces carpet roll goods for approximately 7 million vehicles annually. In 2023, Durmont was acquired by Visscher-Caravelle Group (VC) — a Dutch Tier1 supplier of Car Floor Mats and other automotive accessories with a market share of over 40% in the European market. VC supplies to several major European automotive brands. 

Paarang will support SK chemicals and Durmont in facilitating smooth communication and operations. Leveraging its expertise in logistics and supply chain management, Paarang aims to enhance reliability and efficiency throughout the transaction process.

The three companies have already successfully developed yarns and finished products such as carpets and mats using SK chemicals' differentiated CR (Chemical Recycled) PET material solution. These products meet automotive testing requirements and quality standards. The exclusive partnership agreement was signed to accelerate supply and market expansion.

Under the agreement, SK chemicals will supply Durmont with its recycled PET, SKYPET CR, which provides a material with 100% recycled content, certified by ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS), and a fully recyclable product. The joint aim is a wide market adoption of such sustainable material solutions.

SKYPET CR, making use of SK chemicals' chemical recycling technology, enables waste plastics to be recycled at the molecular level and maintains high quality even after repeated recycling. In particular, by

utilizing chemical recycling technology, SKYPET CR maintains a quality level close to that of virgin petroleum-based products even after repeated recycling—unlike conventional recycling methods—making it an ideal material for establishing a closed-loop system.

By applying SKYPET CR to automotive carpets and mats, these products can be depolymerized and recycled after reaching the end of their lifespan, enabling the establishment of a closed-loop system within the automotive industry. This advancement is anticipated to enable compliance with vehicle circularity regulations—such as the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directive.

SK chemicals will deepen its collaboration with Durmont and Visscher-Caravelle, while also expanding partnerships with other global automotive brands for other products and applications

CEO Ahn Jae-hyun commented, "In Europe, the introduction of carbon neutrality regulations, such as the ELV directive, is driving a growing interest in vehicle circularity and recycling." He added, "SK chemicals will continue to promote sustainability in the industry by leveraging our depolymerization technology and meet the material and performance requirements of automotive components, while fostering collaboration with industry partners."

In 2023, SK chemicals established SK Shantou with an investment of KRW 130 billion (approximately USD 94 million), securing the world's first commercialized chemical recycling production facilities for raw materials and products. In Korea, SK chemicals is also expanding its recycling-related production and research infrastructure by establishing the Recycling Innovation Center within its Ulsan plant site, which includes a pilot facility for chemically decomposing waste plastics to produce recycled raw materials (r-BHET).

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

SK chemicals Signs Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Austria's Durmont to Supply Sustainable Materials to Global Automotive Brands

• Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
• Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO^® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
• Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.

BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO^® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO^® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.

"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO^® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.

'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.

"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."

LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO^® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.

With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO^® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO^® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO^® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO^® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.

LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.

Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Key Product Information

• Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
• Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
• LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
• Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
• Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
• FIRST^® LEGO^® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL

Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.

Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI

About LEGO^® Education
LEGO^® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO^® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.

Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com

 

 

 

 

 

• Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
• Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO^® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
• Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.

BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO^® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO^® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.

LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});

"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO^® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.

'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.

"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."

LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO^® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.

With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO^® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO^® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO^® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO^® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.

LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.

Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Key Product Information

• Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
• Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
• LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
• Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
• Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
• FIRST^® LEGO^® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL

Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.

Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI

About LEGO^® Education
LEGO^® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO^® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.

Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com

 

 

 

 

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution

LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution

LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution

LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution