NEWS RELEASE
KPX Chemical Co., Ltd. (KRX: 025000, CEO Seung-Goo Park), a leading polyurethane specialist, is entering the flexible polyurethane recycling business. The company has secured exclusive rights to use patented recycling technology from Germany-based H&S Anlagentechnik (H&S) in Korea and is establishing a recycled polyol production system to take a leading position in the sustainable materials market.
KPX Chemical announced that it will collaborate with H&S to build a flexible polyurethane foam recycling plant. The facility will be constructed at a new industrial site owned by its affiliate Chinyang Polyurethane Co., Ltd. (KRX: 010640, CEO Jae-Ho Choi) in the Yongsan Industrial Complex, Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Commercial operations are scheduled to commence in June 2027.
The project aims to establish a circular economy model by converting flexible polyurethane foam scrap, which has traditionally been treated as waste, into high-value recycled polyols. The recycled polyols can replace up to 30% of virgin polyol in flexible foam production, with even higher substitution rates possible in certain applications. The resulting products are expected to maintain mechanical properties and seating comfort equivalent to those of conventional polyurethane foam products.
Notably, KPX Chemical will become the first company in Asia to adopt H&S recycling technology for flexible polyurethane foam, which has already been commercially implemented and validated in European and Latin American markets. By securing exclusive rights for Korea, the company expects to establish a differentiated competitive advantage in the domestic recycled polyol market.
The project is also great importance because it completes a resource-circulation system through vertical integration within the group. Chinyang Polyurethane will supply post-industrial scrap generated during its manufacturing processes, while KPX Chemical will convert the material into recycled polyols. This structure is expected to reduce waste disposal costs while lowering fossil-based raw material consumption, thereby supporting both ESG initiatives and cost competitiveness.
KPX Chemical stated, “This project goes beyond a simple investment in recycling facilities. It represents the starting point for establishing a circular economy ecosystem within Korea’s polyurethane industry. We are creating a foundation for the stable supply of high-performance polyurethane materials while reducing environmental impact.”
The company added, “Starting with flexible foam recycling, we are also actively evaluating the introduction of recycled polyol technologies for rigid polyurethane foams used in LNG carriers, refrigerator insulation, and construction materials. Our goal is to build a globally competitive and sustainable polyurethane value chain and lead future markets.”
Chinyang Polyurethane commented, “The introduction of a chemical recycling process for waste polyurethane foam generated during both manufacturing and post-consumer use addresses one of the industry’s longstanding challenges. It will create new economic value, help customers proactively respond to ESG management requirements, and enhance the competitiveness of companies utilizing polyurethane materials.”
Mila Skokova, Deputy Head of Sales at H&S Anlagentechnik, stated, “KPX Chemical and Chinyang Polyurethane are important partners in expanding the circular polyurethane market across Asia. We are delighted to contribute to the development of a more sustainable materials industry through this collaboration.”
About H&S Anlagentechnik GmbH
H&S Anlagentechnik GmbH, headquartered in Sulingen, Germany (founded in 1987), is a global leader in customized plant and process technologies for the polyurethane industry. The company specializes in recycling technologies for polyurethane and PET waste, storage and metering solutions, and turnkey process installations, helping customers worldwide in achieving higher efficiency and sustainability. The company is recognized for its highly skilled engineers and chemists, state-of-the-art production facilities, extensive international experience, and strong global network of sales partners.
About KPX Chemical Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, KPX Chemical Co., Ltd. is a major producer of polyols and polyurethane systems, supplying materials for furniture, automotive, insulation, and electronics applications. The company is part of the KPX Group, a leading player in the chemical industry in Asia.
About Chinyang Polyurethane Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Chinyang Polyurethane Co., Ltd. is a key affiliate of KPX Group and a leading producer of flexible polyurethane foam. The company supplies materials for bedding, furniture, and automotive applications and is expanding its capabilities into sustainable recycling and circular economy initiatives to enhance its competitiveness in the Korean PU market.
