South Korean environment minister checks on K-rPET’s progress
Local media have reported that South Korea’s Minister of Environment, Han Jeoung-ae, visited TK Chemical’s Gyeongsangbuk-do plant for the first time recently, in order to check on the production progress of K-rPET.
Mr Han met with high-ranking representatives from BlackYak, Sparkle, TK Chemical and Doosan, in order to discuss the production cycle (Sparkle collects the domestic waste PET bottles, which Doosan then transforms into chips for TK Chemical to use in the production of rPET yarn, which is subsequently used by BlackYak to manufacture clothing).
50% of all BlackYak’s spring-summer 2021 offering will reportedly incorporate K-rPET-derived yarn, including t-shirts, jackets, vests and trousers.
“As the use of recycled materials increases, the use of plastic decreases, so recycled materials are one of the important measures we are taking to accelerate carbon neutrality and build a circular economy,” Mr Han said.
The Ministry of Environment reportedly plans to help stabilise supply and demand of K-rPET by increasing the ratio of mandatory recycled plastic materials to 30% by 2030. Currently, the mandatory use of recycled materials in South Korea only applies to paper, glass and iron.
Image: Korea Textile Newspaper.
