■ Will lay the foundation for the hub of resource circulation within the region by opening the ESG Center in Michuhol-gu, Incheon as a part of LOTTE Chemical’s ‘Project LOOP’ for resource circulation.

LOTTE Chemical expands waste plastic resource circulation efforts by supporting Incheon Michuhol-gu ESG Center. On November 29, LOTTE Chemical celebrated the opening of the ESG Center at the former Soongui Children's Library in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. The ceremony was attended by Choi Young Kwang, Head of Communications at LOTTE Chemical; Lee Young Hoon, Governor of Michuhol-gu Office; Jeon Kyung Ae, Chairperson of Michuhol-gu Council; Kim Mi Gon, President of the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute; Kim Woong Hee, Vice President of Inha University; and Lee Chae Jin, CEO of Elephant Factory.

Since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in May last year with Michuhol-gu, LOTTE Aluminium, and Inha University to promote a culture of waste plastic resource circulation, LOTTE Chemical has undertaken various initiatives, including awareness campaigns, the establishment of collection systems, and reward programs. The newly launched ESG Center is a part of LOTTE Chemical’s "Project LOOP," a resource circulation campaign. The Company supported the center's renovation and facility costs to establish it as a hub for resource circulation activities.

The ESG Center will employ a resource circulation model, involving hiring senior citizens in the community to collect, wash, and sort plastics, which are then processed for upcycling into new products. Profits generated from the initiative will be reinvested into creating local jobs and sustaining ESG Center operations. The center also features spaces for hosting forums for residents and conducting educational programs for children, enabling hands-on environmental learning.

LOTTE Chemical has already been supporting similar initiatives, such as ESG centers and upcycling research labs in Busan and Ulsan. The opening of the Michuhol-gu ESG Center marks an expansion of its regional resource circulation systems.

The ESG Center in Michuhol-gu will undergo pilot operations until the end of this year, with full-scale implementation starting in 2025.