SK chemicals earns A+ ESG rating for fourth straight year

SK chemicals said Thursday it received an overall A+ rating in the 2025 ESG assessment conducted by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS), marking the fourth consecutive year it has earned the top-tier grade.

Only two companies, including SK chemicals, have maintained an A+ rating for four years in the KCGS evaluation. Among 806 KOSPI-listed companies reviewed this year, only 19 -- the top 2.4 percent -- received the integrated A+ grade. No company has yet achieved the highest S rating.

KCGS evaluates environmental, social and governance performance across seven grade levels from S to D. SK chemicals received A+ ratings in the environmental and social categories and an A rating in governance.

The company’s climate initiatives were highlighted in the assessment, including its RE100 target for 2032 and its goal of reaching Scope 1 and 2 net-zero emissions by 2040. SK chemicals is expanding renewable energy use with a 10MW system at its Ulsan plant, which produces circular materials using copolyester and depolymerization technologies. It also established a greenhouse gas management system that extends to overseas sites.

In the social category, KCGS recognized the company’s expanded human rights impact assessments, improved safety and health management, and ESG support programs for suppliers.

Governance scores reflected progress in strengthening board independence, increasing gender diversity with additional female outside directors, and expanding disclosures for stakeholders.

“Advancing ESG management is essential for sustainable business,” said Koh Jeong-seok, head of SK chemicals’ Management Support Division. “We will continue strengthening climate action, social responsibility and transparent governance.”