SK Chemicals said on Monday its eco-friendly plastic copolyester composites will be used for the interior of next-generation hydrogen fuel cell cars. The company successfully commercialized its copolyester composites for the second time in the world by adding corn extracts to copolyester to improve chemical and physical properties.

The company aims to provide its copolyester composites for the production of 15,000 hydrogen fuel cell cars over the next five years. The supply would be equivalent to more than 1,000 tons of copolyester composites in the cited period.

Copolyester composites also could replace conventional car interior materials as carmakers are focusing on developing eco-friendly cars, the company said.

SK Chemicals’ copolyester composites were developed to meet the requirements of a futuristic concept car powered by hydrogen fuel cell. The official hydrogen car used in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics was also equipped with SK Chemicals’ copolyester composites in many interior parts such as steering wheel, window, switch panel, door trim and center fascia, according to the company.

SK Chemicals shares added 0.46 percent to trade at 110,000 won ($103.24) at 2:10 pm on Tuesday.

By Kang Doo-soon and Minu Kim

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