Kumho Petrochemical Group bolsters efforts to reduce carbon emissions

Kumho Petrochemical Group said Friday that its major affiliates have launched a range of initiatives to address the climate crisis by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

With carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology and recycling of waste as a raw material, these affiliates are striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 for sustainable growth, according to the group.

Kumho Petrochemical, the group’s flagship subsidiary, has aligned its operations with the government’s circular economy goals, earning certifications for recycling waste as a raw material instead of sending it to landfill.

The chemical firm’s carbon nanotube products also met the European Union’s requirements under the Registration Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals regulations, earning the company an award from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.

In July, Kumho Petrochemical built CCUS facilities to capture carbon dioxide emitted from its power generation sites and convert it into useful chemicals.

“The process makes it possible to use captured carbon dioxide for dry ice, food-grade carbon dioxide, welding, cutting and wastewater treatment,” a company official said. “We expect these efforts to add value, reduce costs and further lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

Kumho P&B Chemicals, which specializes in industrial raw materials, has invested in monitoring systems to track heat generation from flare stacks at its Yeosu plants in South Jeolla Province. The company also installed additional flammable gas detectors at cumene hydroperoxide facilities to strengthen safety and regulatory compliance.

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals, a joint venture between Kumho Petrochemical and Japan’s Mitsui Chemicals, began operating a new plant in the first half of this year with an eco-friendly recycling system aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency in raw materials and cutting effluent discharge.

Kumho Polychem, a producer of ethylene propylene diene monomer (a synthetic rubber), expanded its production facilities and beefed up pollution control infrastructure.

“We added regenerative thermal oxidizers and vapor combustion units for better treatment of volatile organic compounds and hazardous gases,” a company official said. “We also built new pipelines for flexible wastewater discharge and extended waste storage facilities to handle increased volume, improve environmental management and prevent accidents.”