Our ESG Approach
Our ESG Approach
CEO Message
SK Chemicals CEO Kim Cheol
SK chemicals is committed to creating a sustainable future for all stakeholders—including shareholders, customers, suppliers, and employees—based on its mission of “enhancing human health and protecting the environment.
Dear valued stakeholders, Thank you for your continued interest and support for SK chemicals.
In 2024, global economic stagnation, heightened raw material price volatility, and escalating geopolitical risks continued to pose significant challenges to the business environment. The domestic chemical industry faced an unprecedented downturn due to supply surpluses from China. Despite these adverse conditions, SK chemicals continued to expand its portfolio of high value-added products such as copolyester through differentiated technological capabilities. The company also delivered circular recycling solutions tailored to the needs of domestic and global brand owners, expanding its market presence. In the Pharma business, we maintained stable sales of core products while exploring new growth opportunities. As a result of these efforts, SK chemicals recorded its highest-ever standalone performance, achieving revenue of KRW 1.3405 trillion and operating profit of KRW 111.1 billion.
The year 2024 also marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable management.
With an unpredictable business climate, increasing pressure to comply with emerging global non-financial disclosure regulations, growing demands for climate response capabilities, and heightened attention to supply chain and human rights issues, companies are now expected to actively address environmental and social challenges while strengthening risk management. To achieve sustainable growth, SK chemicals is deepening its integration of environmental, social, and governance(ESG) practices across all operations.
Following the approval of our science-based GHG reduction targets by SBTi in 2023, we are executing initiatives such as the adoption of renewable energy and expansion of low-carbon fuels. In parallel, we are enhancing transparency in human rights practices for employees, suppliers, and local communities, conducting ESG assessments and support for supply chain sustainability, and strengthening the Board’s diversity and expertise in pursuit of a better future. SK chemicals’ commitment to sustainable management has been recognized externally as well. We maintained an AA rating in the MSCI ESG evaluation for two consecutive years, received the highest A+ rating from the Korea ESG Standards Institute(KCGS) for the third consecutive year, and earned a leadership-level ‘A’ in the Climate Change and Water Security categories of the Carbon Disclosure Project(CDP). These results reaffirm our standing as a top-tier ESG performer in both domestic and international assessments.
SK chemicals will drive sustainable innovation through a Closed Loop Solution.
To contribute to carbon neutrality and address plastic waste issues, SK chemicals is building a complete resource circularity system by minimizing resource loss throughout the product life cycle and designing products for recyclability. This core strategy not only fulfills our mission but also strengthens competitiveness and creates growth opportunities. We aim to generate shared value in collaboration with various stakeholders, including customers and suppliers. Through the continued advancement of our proprietary technologies, we will reinforce our position in specialty materials and ensure business sustainability. At the same time, we will expand the long-term value of our Pharma business to support healthier lives for the public.
Through unwavering R&D and investment, SK chemicals will strengthen its fundamental competitiveness and strive to become a Sustainable Material & Solution Global Leader, driving a sustainable future.
We kindly ask for your continued interest and support on our journey to protect the planet and enhance human health.
Thank you.
SK Chemicals CEO Ahn Jae-hyun
