SK Chemicals, Comex jointly develop eco-friendly food storage containers

South Korea's SK Chemicals announced on Monday the launch of "Eco Clear," an airtight container developed in collaboration with Comex Industrial Co., a specialist in sustainable kitchenware and household goods.

Eco Clear is a transparent container made from SK Chemicals' Ecozen material, combining the transparency of glass with the durability of unbreakable plastic, ensuring clear visibility of the contents from any angle.

The container is crafted from Ecozen Pro, an enhanced version of SK Chemicals' eco-friendly bio-material, Ecozen. Ecozen Pro offers superior impact resistance compared to conventional materials, addressing concerns related to the presence of endocrine-disrupting substances like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate plasticizers.

With excellent heat resistance, contamination resistance and chemical stability, Eco Clear is ideal for the long-term storage of acidic foods such as Kimchi, spices and oily ingredients, without emitting odors or undergoing discoloration. Moreover, it retains its shape even in dishwasher environments, making it suitable for airtight container production.

Notably, the production process of Eco Clear results in approximately one-third of the carbon dioxide emissions compared to other plastics. Using 3.3 kg of Eco Clear has an environmental impact equivalent to planting two-thirds of a tree.

Comex Industrial, a 52-year-old company specializing in kitchenware and household goods, including airtight containers, rubber gloves, water bottles and tumblers, plans to expand its collaboration with SK Chemicals to include tumblers and refrigeration water bottles.

"We will continue to introduce diverse products that prioritize functionality, design and environmental considerations," CEO of Comex Industrial Koo Ja-il said.

"With the growing interest of domestic and international customers in reducing plastic greenhouse gas emissions, there is a demand for materials that contribute to carbon reduction", head of SK Chemicals' Green Material Business Division Kim Eung-su said. "Based on the development of Eco Clear, we plan to expand the application of EcoZen's excellence from consumer goods to various industrial products." 

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com