Hyosung TNC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, Hyosung Chemical, Hyosung Advanced Materials

Developing advanced new materials is the ultimate strategy to demonstrate a company's innovation capabilities and market competitiveness. Materials with outstanding performance, flexible form, and sustainability not only enhance a company's image but also embody the company's vision for the future, promoting humanitarian values globally and driving sustainable development.

Sustainable materials respond to the increasing global environmental regulations and consumer demands, showcasing a company's commitment to the environment. Innovative materials provide better products to customers, earning their trust and enhancing brand image. High-performance, sustainable products contribute to strengthening the global brand image and increasing customer trust through evaluations from various corporate clients.

HYOSUNG has been developing and supplying a wide range of advanced new materials through significant investments and continuous research and development, earning high praise in the global market. Here are HYOSUNG’s four leading materials that are enhancing their global capabilities.

Hyosung TNC: Bio BDO from Sugarcane

Bio BDO is butanediol* manufactured using raw materials extracted from renewable resources. Butanediol is a crucial raw material in various industries, particularly in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. Traditionally, butanediol has been produced using petrochemical raw materials. However, Hyosung TNC has commercialized Bio BDO, which is derived from corn and offers the same performance as petrochemical BDO. Recently, Hyosung TNC has taken the lead in the sustainable fiber industry by aiming to commercialize the world's first spandex made from Bio BDO based on sugarcane, in addition to corn.

*Butanediol: Butanediol (1,4-Butanediol, BDO) is an organic compound widely used in the chemical industry. It is utilized in the production of tetrahydrofuran (THF), a solvent for polyurethane and polyester manufacturing, as well as in making polyurethane, polyester resins, solvents, and chemical intermediates. While it was traditionally produced from petrochemical sources, recent technological advancements have enabled the production of butanediol from plants like corn and sugarcane.

The advantages of Bio BDO are particularly notable from an environmental protection standpoint. First, it uses renewable resources as raw materials. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 90% compared to fossil fuel-based production, contributing to climate change mitigation, and promoting both environmental protection and economic growth.

Second, Bio BDO has diverse applications. It is primarily used as a raw material for solvents, bioplastics, elastic fibers, and polyurethanes, and it can also be utilized in plastic products such as packaging materials, shopping bags, and tableware. It is especially valued in the fashion and apparel industry for its high environmental benefits.

Third, Hyosung TNC's Bio BDO offers the same physical properties as petrochemical based BDO while maintaining high-quality standards. Advanced production technology ensures that Bio BDO has the same molecular structure as traditional BDO, and strict quality control and research and development efforts have enhanced product quality.

▲ Hyosung TNC Creora Spandex to develop further with Bio BDO

Hyosung TNC is solidifying its global market position with Bio BDO-based spandex that combines quality, performance, and sustainability. The company plans to continue reducing production costs through ongoing research and development and process improvements, thereby enhancing its price competitiveness. Additionally, Hyosung TNC is expanding into both spandex and non-spandex markets, aiming to maintain and extend its leadership in the Bio products sector while embodying its philosophy of sustainable management.

Hyosung Heavy Industries: Clean Energy Hydrogen Ecosystem

Hydrogen, the cornerstone of future energy, is the ultimate clean energy source. When combusted, it only produces water. Consequently, hydrogen can be utilized as a power source for various modes of transportation, including cars, buses, trucks, and ships, as well as for providing electricity and heat to factories and homes. Hydrogen can be produced from water and biomass, enhancing energy independence, and contributing to carbon neutrality in industries such as steel and chemicals, thereby bolstering overall energy security and sustainability.

▲ The world's first commercially operational 100% hydrogen-electric generator at Hyosung Heavy Industries' Yongyeon Plant

Hyosung Heavy Industries is establishing an integrated and efficient hydrogen ecosystem that encompasses hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and refueling. The company has commercialized the world's first 100% hydrogen engine generator and, in collaboration with Linde Group, is building a liquid hydrogen plant set to begin production in September 2024. Additionally, Hyosung Heavy Industries has designed and constructed hydrogen fueling stations, developed business models for building and operating these stations, and advanced essential infrastructure and technology for the hydrogen ecosystem.

Hyosung Heavy Industries currently boasts the highest number of hydrogen fueling stations in South Korea and is continuously investing in the hydrogen ecosystem to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development. The company aims to enhance its global competitiveness in the energy market through the development of advanced technologies and infrastructure. By aligning with government policies and regulations, Hyosung Heavy Industries seeks to secure diverse support systems. Through persistent investment in clean energy development, the company not only generates economic benefits but also secures a leading position in technological innovation.

Hyosung Chemical: High-Performance Plastic POKETONE™

POKETONE™ is Hyosung Chemical's brand of Polyketone, a low-carbon plastic* characterized by a carbon backbone chain. This innovative material boasts high strength, excellent chemical resistance, and sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The material’s robust physical properties make it highly impact-resistant and chemically resilient, which makes it suitable for wide range of industrial applications.

*A product designed to meet high-performance mechanical, thermal, and chemical requirements while minimizing its carbon footprint during production.

▲ Thanks to their strong physical properties, poketones are shock-resistant and resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them a popular choice for many industries.

Hyosung Chemical's POKETONE™ is a high-performance polyketone developed as HYOSUNG’s pioneering product in this fielIt is a semi-crystalline aliphatic polyketone produced by combining carbon monoxide and olefin, ensuring safety due to its non-toxic nature. Importantly, it emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)* and contains no formaldehyde or acrylonitrile**, making it suitable for products requiring safety, such as water purifier components, medical devices, and children's toys.

*Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, etc.

**Acrylonitrile: The primary raw material for acrylic fibers. It is toxic, requiring handling with protective equipment.

It has excellent chemical resistance***, making it strong against automotive fluids, hydrocarbon solvents, salts, weak acids, and alkalis. Its high abrasion resistance allows it to last 14 times longer than polyacetal (POM)****, aiding in reducing automotive noise. Additionally, it provides 2.3 times higher impact strength than nylon and PBT, making it suitable for products requiring high strength and durability. Most importantly, POKETONE™ has a low carbon footprint***** during production, contributing positively to the environment.

***Chemical resistance: The ability of a material to withstand chemical contact without undergoing chemical changes or damage. The stronger the resistance, the better it can withstand various chemicals.

****Polyacetal (POM): Also known as acetal or Delrin, it is a type of high-performance engineering plastic known for its strength and abrasion resistance, widely used across various industries.

*****Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities, primarily measured by carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Lower is better for environmental impact.

Thanks to these advantages, POKETONE™ is widely used, especially in automotive parts, food and beverage contact materials, and medical devices. It offers exceptional durability and strength, is recyclable, and does not contain harmful substances, thereby contributing to environmental protection. POKETONE is recognized as an innovative material in addressing climate challenges.

Hyosung Advanced Materials: Recycled PET Tirecord

Tirecords are reinforcement materials inserted into tires to enhance their durability and performance. These cords provide rigidity and stability, helping the tire maintain its shape, absorb shocks, and extend its lifespan. Thanks to tirecords, the safety and performance of tires are significantly improved, ensuring that vehicles can operate more safely and efficiently.

Hyosung Advanced Materials produces a variety of tirecords and was the first in Korea to manufacture nylon tirecords. It holds the top global market share in the PET (polyester*) tirecord sector. Besides PET, the company also produces tirecords made from Nylon, Lyocell, Bio-based materials, and Recycled PET to meet diverse customer needs. Notably, PET tirecord from Hyosung Advanced Materials are supplied to leading global tire manufacturers, and approximately one in two passenger car tires worldwide uses tirecords from Hyosung Advanced Materials.

*Polyester: A synthetic fiber made primarily from petroleum-based raw materials such as Ethylene Glycol and Terephthalic Acid.

Hyosung Advanced Materials' tirecords boast numerous advantages including durability, strength, and sustainability. PET tirecords excel in durability and performance at high temperatures, making them suitable for various vehicles. Lyocell tirecords, derived from wood pulp, are highly biodegradable, while those made from recycled and bio-based materials contribute to reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions.

▲ Hyosung Advanced Materials PED tire cord with high strength, excellent shape stability and adhesive properties

Hyosung Advanced Materials' tirecords have earned various international certifications, proving their quality and technological prowess. Particularly noteworthy is their achievement of the world's first ISCC Plus certification in the tirecord industry, acknowledging their sustainability and quality. Such certifications enhance Hyosung Advanced Materials' reputation as a trusted partner in the global market.

Continuing to invest in research and development, Hyosung Advanced Materials aims to enhance the performance and sustainability of its tirecord products. With increasing demand for electric vehicles, lightweight solutions, and fuel efficiency, they collaborate closely with global tire manufacturers to meet evolving needs in the automotive industry. Hyosung Advanced Materials remains committed to sustainable innovation and customer satisfaction, reinforcing its leadership in the global tirecord market.

HYOSUNG’s advanced materials development strategy serves as a powerful tool to demonstrate corporate innovation capabilities and market competitiveness. Comprising Hyosung TNC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, Hyosung Chemical, and Hyosung Advanced Materials, the HYOSUNG Materials Fantastic Four' each leverage their expertise to achieve outstanding results in the global market. Hyosung TNC leads the sustainable fiber industry with Bio BDO spandex, utilizing renewable resources. Hyosung Heavy Industries innovates the clean energy market through hydrogen ecosystem development. Hyosung Chemical proves the versatility of its high-performance polyketone POKETONE across various industries. Meanwhile, Hyosung Advanced Materials achieves both environmental protection and performance enhancement with tirecords made from recycled PET. The efforts of these four pillars contribute significantly to HYOSUNG’s realization of sustainable management and strengthening of leadership in the global market. Through continuous research, development, and innovation, HYOSUNG is poised to establish itself as a key player in shaping a sustainable future.