Sustainable Products Management
GC has started developing a mechanism for sustainable product management by determining product evaluation and classification criteria covering five important characteristics, namely Greenhouse Gas Emission, Sustainable Raw Materials, Product Circularity and Design, Energy Management, and Hazardous Materials and Substances. GC also encourages sustainable product development through innovation processes to create business value in response to market demands and promote long-term sustainable development.
GC develops high-performance chemicals in the paints and coatings segment to meet a wide range of applications—from architectural paints to industrial paints and coatings for sectors such as automotive, furniture, and packaging—as well as specialized products with specific functionalities, with a focus on durability, long service life, and superior performance under diverse operating conditions.
Key trends in high-performance paints and coatings emphasize sustainability, environmental, health and safety considerations, and resource efficiency, alongside energy saving and greater convenience and ease of use (including simplified application). As a result, this product group plays an important role in improving quality of life and supporting sustainable growth for both industry and the environment by enabling “better environment for better living,” helping protect the environment while enhancing comfort and well-being.
GC has developed bio-based plastic resin innovations, including Bio-based Polybutylene Succinate (BioPBS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA), which can be used to replace conventional plastic resins in manufacturing various types of packaging. These materials can be formed into products such as spoons, forks, straws, films, and dry food packaging, as well as coatings for hot and cold beverage paper cups. Importantly, BioPBS packaging is naturally biodegradable through the interaction of heat, moisture, and soil bacteria, allowing it to be disposed of together with organic waste or food scraps. After being buried in soil, the packaging is decomposed by soil microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass residue.
GC has developed high-quality recycled plastic resins, including Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics (PCR) such as food-contact grade Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) and packaging-grade Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (rHDPE), as well as other recycled products. These innovations are based on the concept of responsible resource utilization in accordance with circular economy principles. The recycled plastic resins can be used to replace virgin plastic resins in manufacturing various types of packaging and plastic products, such as food and beverage packaging, bottles, consumer product containers, and industrial packaging.
Carbon Capture and Utilization: CCU
In line with the investment strategy for new businesses under innovation management, GC collaborates with leading universities, research institutes, and startups to develop carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology aimed at reducing GC's carbon footprint and creating new business opportunities. This involves converting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-value products through thermochemical and electrochemical processes, such as converting carbon dioxide into polymers for use as coatings and converting carbon dioxide into chemicals to replace petrochemical-derived chemicals. This technology is expected to have commercial production potential and achieve a reduction of approximately 300,000 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.