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- Japanese manufacturing executives visit SK Chemicals' Ulsan plant
- Strong interest in chemical recycling technology that delivers material properties comparable to petroleum-based materials, as well as expanding applications
ULSAN, South Korea, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A Japanese business delegation visited SK Chemicals to gain a firsthand look at the company's recycled-plastics technologies and solutions.
SK Chemicals (CEO: Ahn Jae-hyun) announced on the 13th that the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, a business organization from Japan's Kansai region, visited SK Chemicals' Ulsan plant in Nam-gu, Ulsan, for a briefing on the company's circular recycling technologies and a tour of its production facilities.
The Kansai Association of Corporate Executives is a leading business organization in the Kansai region, comprising about 600 major companies, including Panasonic Holdings and Sony Group, and around 1,500 corporate executives. It is regarded as one of the three major economic organizations in Kansai, alongside the Kansai Economic Federation and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The event, organized to exchange technologies and trends in the recycled-plastics sector, was attended by 37 executives and representatives from companies affiliated with the Association's Circular Economy Committee, including hygiene and household products company Saraya, automotive parts company Toyota Mobility, and airline All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Attendees were briefed on the overall process, from the collection and sorting of waste plastics to depolymerization, repolymerization, material production, and application in finished goods, as well as on depolymerization itself, the core technology that converts waste plastics back into feedstock. Participants also toured the production site to review manufacturing processes for materials, including copolyesters, as well as quality-control procedures.
The Association's visit is understood to have been driven by growing interest in the recyclability and sustainability of materials in Japan, particularly across the manufacturing sector, as companies seek alternatives to conventional materials. In Japan as well, active policy discussions are underway, much like in the EU and Korea, on mandating the use of recycled plastics in areas such as packaging and home appliances for companies that use plastics on a scale above a certain threshold.
Yusuke Saraya, President and CEO of Saraya Co., Ltd., who joined the visit, said, "At a time when most companies are still presenting recycled-plastics technologies as goals to be realized sometime in the future, I was impressed that SK Chemicals already has technologies and solutions ready for commercialization and immediate application. Depolymerization-based recycled materials that offer material properties, quality, and hygiene on par with petroleum-based plastics will be a compelling alternative to conventional materials in food and beverage packaging."
SK Chemicals plans to step up marketing efforts in the growing Japanese market, aiming to increase both brand recognition and market share in the recycled-plastics segment.
Kim Hyun-seok, Head of the Recycling Business Division at SK Chemicals, said, "Japan is seeing rapid growth, with demand for CR PET last year increasing more than fivefold year on year. We will further strengthen our position in the Japanese market by providing solutions tailored to customers' needs in applications such as food and beverage containers and automotive interior materials."
Meanwhile, SK Chemicals has been gradually expanding its recycling infrastructure, spanning everything from global production hubs and technology demonstration to the conversion of waste plastics into feedstock. In 2023, the company established a chemical recycling production subsidiary in Shantou, Guangdong Province, China, where it is commercially producing r-BHET and SKYPET CR. In Korea, it established the Recycle Innovation Center (RIC), a depolymerization-based plastic recycling demonstration facility, creating a research and production system capable of recycling a wide range of waste plastics. Late last year, it also established a joint venture with Kelinle, a plastics recycling specialist in Shaanxi Province, China, to build the Feedstock Innovation Center (FIC), outlining plans to directly convert waste plastics into feedstock and to build procurement capabilities.
- Japanese manufacturing executives visit SK Chemicals' Ulsan plant
- Strong interest in chemical recycling technology that delivers material properties comparable to petroleum-based materials, as well as expanding applications
ULSAN, South Korea, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A Japanese business delegation visited SK Chemicals to gain a firsthand look at the company's recycled-plastics technologies and solutions.
SK Chemicals (CEO: Ahn Jae-hyun) announced on the 13th that the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, a business organization from Japan's Kansai region, visited SK Chemicals' Ulsan plant in Nam-gu, Ulsan, for a briefing on the company's circular recycling technologies and a tour of its production facilities.
The Kansai Association of Corporate Executives is a leading business organization in the Kansai region, comprising about 600 major companies, including Panasonic Holdings and Sony Group, and around 1,500 corporate executives. It is regarded as one of the three major economic organizations in Kansai, alongside the Kansai Economic Federation and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The event, organized to exchange technologies and trends in the recycled-plastics sector, was attended by 37 executives and representatives from companies affiliated with the Association's Circular Economy Committee, including hygiene and household products company Saraya, automotive parts company Toyota Mobility, and airline All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Attendees were briefed on the overall process, from the collection and sorting of waste plastics to depolymerization, repolymerization, material production, and application in finished goods, as well as on depolymerization itself, the core technology that converts waste plastics back into feedstock. Participants also toured the production site to review manufacturing processes for materials, including copolyesters, as well as quality-control procedures.
The Association's visit is understood to have been driven by growing interest in the recyclability and sustainability of materials in Japan, particularly across the manufacturing sector, as companies seek alternatives to conventional materials. In Japan as well, active policy discussions are underway, much like in the EU and Korea, on mandating the use of recycled plastics in areas such as packaging and home appliances for companies that use plastics on a scale above a certain threshold.
Yusuke Saraya, President and CEO of Saraya Co., Ltd., who joined the visit, said, "At a time when most companies are still presenting recycled-plastics technologies as goals to be realized sometime in the future, I was impressed that SK Chemicals already has technologies and solutions ready for commercialization and immediate application. Depolymerization-based recycled materials that offer material properties, quality, and hygiene on par with petroleum-based plastics will be a compelling alternative to conventional materials in food and beverage packaging."
SK Chemicals plans to step up marketing efforts in the growing Japanese market, aiming to increase both brand recognition and market share in the recycled-plastics segment.
Kim Hyun-seok, Head of the Recycling Business Division at SK Chemicals, said, "Japan is seeing rapid growth, with demand for CR PET last year increasing more than fivefold year on year. We will further strengthen our position in the Japanese market by providing solutions tailored to customers' needs in applications such as food and beverage containers and automotive interior materials."
Meanwhile, SK Chemicals has been gradually expanding its recycling infrastructure, spanning everything from global production hubs and technology demonstration to the conversion of waste plastics into feedstock. In 2023, the company established a chemical recycling production subsidiary in Shantou, Guangdong Province, China, where it is commercially producing r-BHET and SKYPET CR. In Korea, it established the Recycle Innovation Center (RIC), a depolymerization-based plastic recycling demonstration facility, creating a research and production system capable of recycling a wide range of waste plastics. Late last year, it also established a joint venture with Kelinle, a plastics recycling specialist in Shaanxi Province, China, to build the Feedstock Innovation Center (FIC), outlining plans to directly convert waste plastics into feedstock and to build procurement capabilities.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Japan's Kansai Association of Corporate Executives praises SK Chemicals' recycling technologies
- Schaeffler's participation in Asia Road Racing Championship to reinforce its position as a technology leader focused on performance and reliability
- Showcasing full system expertise with precision-engineered products designed for two-wheelers
SEPANG, Malaysia, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Schaeffler, a global leader in motion technology, is proud to announce its role as official technology sponsor for the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). The ARRC is Asia's premier regional motorcycle racing series, featuring six rounds in prominent locations across the region. The 2026 season commences on April 10, 2026, at Sepang, Malaysia. This sponsorship marks Schaeffler's strategic entry into the dynamic two-wheeler racing scene in Asia.
Advancing Motion, with Motorsport
At Schaeffler, motorsport represents far more than competition. As outlined in our Why We Race philosophy, the racetrack serves as an extremely demanding and proving ground for technology. As Schaeffler elevates engagement in the dynamic two-wheeler landscape in Asia, the platform offers a conducive opportunity to highlight Schaeffler's broad technology portfolio that enable reliability and efficiency in high performance environments. This aligns with the company's goal to drive innovation globally in the field of motion technology.
Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific of Schaeffler, said: "Motorsports is a powerful driver for innovation, constantly challenging us to refine and elevate the standards of our technologies. We have been pursuing this in Europe for our four-wheeler segment and now with the partnership in the Asia Road Racing Championship, we foray into the two-wheeler racing segment in the region. Two-wheeler business is a strong area for us in Asia Pacific and this initiative demonstrates our passion for advancing motion and delivering solutions that perform at the highest level, on the racetrack and on the road. We are thrilled to support this exciting championship with Two Wheels Motor Racing and to leverage our cutting-edge technologies together with our partners and customers."
Ron Hogg, Director, Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd, said: "Schaeffler's advanced motion technologies and proven expertise in the two-wheeler segment make them an ideal partner for the Asia Road Racing Championship. We are excited about this new partnership and together, we are focused on elevating the racing standards and delivering a world-class experience for riders and fans across the region, as a premier, innovation-driven racing championship."
Showcasing Our Full System Expertise
With decades of precision engineering experience and a passion for advancing motion, Schaeffler proudly sponsors the ARRC to support the evolving two-wheeler market. Schaeffler will showcase its full system expertise at the event, from precision-engineered systems, reliable batteries, to engine components. Visitors and racing enthusiasts will gain exclusive insight into how Schaeffler's products can enhance performance, durability, and efficiency across the entire lifecycle of two-wheelers.
Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion
The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for 80 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 110,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world's largest family-owned companies and one of Germany's most innovative companies.
SEPANG, Malaysia, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Schaeffler, a global leader in motion technology, is proud to announce its role as official technology sponsor for the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). The ARRC is Asia's premier regional motorcycle racing series, featuring six rounds in prominent locations across the region. The 2026 season commences on April 10, 2026, at Sepang, Malaysia. This sponsorship marks Schaeffler's strategic entry into the dynamic two-wheeler racing scene in Asia.
Advancing Motion, with Motorsport
At Schaeffler, motorsport represents far more than competition. As outlined in our Why We Race philosophy, the racetrack serves as an extremely demanding and proving ground for technology. As Schaeffler elevates engagement in the dynamic two-wheeler landscape in Asia, the platform offers a conducive opportunity to highlight Schaeffler's broad technology portfolio that enable reliability and efficiency in high performance environments. This aligns with the company's goal to drive innovation globally in the field of motion technology.
Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific of Schaeffler, said: "Motorsports is a powerful driver for innovation, constantly challenging us to refine and elevate the standards of our technologies. We have been pursuing this in Europe for our four-wheeler segment and now with the partnership in the Asia Road Racing Championship, we foray into the two-wheeler racing segment in the region. Two-wheeler business is a strong area for us in Asia Pacific and this initiative demonstrates our passion for advancing motion and delivering solutions that perform at the highest level, on the racetrack and on the road. We are thrilled to support this exciting championship with Two Wheels Motor Racing and to leverage our cutting-edge technologies together with our partners and customers."
Ron Hogg, Director, Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd, said: "Schaeffler's advanced motion technologies and proven expertise in the two-wheeler segment make them an ideal partner for the Asia Road Racing Championship. We are excited about this new partnership and together, we are focused on elevating the racing standards and delivering a world-class experience for riders and fans across the region, as a premier, innovation-driven racing championship."
Showcasing Our Full System Expertise
With decades of precision engineering experience and a passion for advancing motion, Schaeffler proudly sponsors the ARRC to support the evolving two-wheeler market. Schaeffler will showcase its full system expertise at the event, from precision-engineered systems, reliable batteries, to engine components. Visitors and racing enthusiasts will gain exclusive insight into how Schaeffler's products can enhance performance, durability, and efficiency across the entire lifecycle of two-wheelers.
Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion
The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for 80 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 110,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world's largest family-owned companies and one of Germany's most innovative companies.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Schaeffler Accelerates into Two-Wheeler Racing as Official Technology Sponsor of the Asia Road Racing Championship
