Kumho Petrochemical strengthens environmental management to cut carbon emissions

Kumho Petrochemical employees inspect its production line at its plant in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, in this undated photo. Courtesy of Kumho Petrochemical

Kumho Petrochemical is reinforcing its environmental management to better respond to climate change and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The company is introducing a range of initiatives, including the application of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to its energy business. It is also promoting recycling and waste-to-resource conversion programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The firm’s key affiliates — including Kumho P&B Chemicals, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals and Kumho Polychem — are pursuing a shared goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through sustainable business practices.

Kumho Petrochemical aims to minimize environmental pollution and improve resource efficiency. The company is expanding its participation in the global Zero Waste to Landfill certification program, which evaluates corporate efforts in resource circulation.

Kumho Petrochemical is also moving to enhance eco-friendly monitoring at one of its plants in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The facility recently renewed its gold certification in the program by recycling combustion residues from power plant boilers.

The firm’s proactive efforts to address unclear nanomaterial assessment systems and mitigate carcinogenicity concerns earned it the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award.

In July, Kumho Petrochemical installed new CCUS facilities to support the transition toward a circular economy. The system selectively captures carbon dioxide from exhaust gases and converts it into useful chemical materials.

The converted materials will be used in dry ice, food and beverage carbonation, welding and cutting, and wastewater treatment. The company expects the initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating added value and lowering costs.

Kumho P&B Chemicals is investing in upgrading its production lines to strengthen environmental monitoring. The company installed heat monitoring systems in flare stacks at its two plants in Yeosu to enable immediate response to emergencies.

At its logistics center in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, the Internet of Things-based air pollution control system was installed for real-time monitoring of air quality and for operational efficiency.

The company is also undergoing consulting to obtain new licenses under Korea’s Chemical Substances Control Act and has added combustible gas detectors to its cumene hydroperoxide facilities to enhance regulatory compliance and accident prevention.

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals introduced an eco-friendly recycling production process for its new plant early this year. The facility recycles wastewater generated during methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production by recovering chlorine and caustic soda, which will help the company reduce wastewater and increase self-sufficiency in raw materials.

The company also provides MDI solutions suitable for low volatile organic compound applications. This helps reduce harmful air pollutants without compromising performance in materials used for building interiors, automotive sound insulation and other industrial products.

Kumho Polychem has installed additional environmental protection equipment as part of its production capacity expansion.

The company added regenerative thermal oxidizers and vapor combustion units to increase its capacity for treating volatile organic compounds and hazardous gases. A new wastewater pipeline was also built to enable flexible discharge control and ensure rapid emergency response.