Aekyung Chemical Co., Ltd., established in 1970 and headquartered in Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, is a prominent manufacturer of innovative chemical solutions. Dedicated to improving quality of life, the company emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility in its operations. Aekyung Chemical excels in various chemical sectors, including plasticizers, synthetic resins, care chemicals, and bio & energy solutions. With advanced technology and substantial production capabilities, the company has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality, eco-friendly products.
Battery Technology
Aekyung Chemical plays a significant role in the battery value chain, particularly through its advancements in sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology. The company has developed high-performance hard carbon materials essential for SIB cathodes. These hard carbons achieve a discharge capacity of 300 mAh/g with over 90% efficiency, placing them among the top performers globally. SIBs offer economic and environmental benefits compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, making them suitable for energy storage systems (ESS) that store surplus power and support grid stability.
In 2012, Aekyung Chemical introduced Korea’s first hard carbon for secondary battery cathodes and has continued to expand its research efforts with a dedicated organization established in 2022. This focus on SIB technology aligns with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. The company’s hard carbon products are tailored for ESS applications, anticipating significant market growth as the global ESS market is projected to expand from $15.2 billion in 2022 to $39.5 billion by 2030.
Recent Projects
In recent developments, Aekyung Chemical acquired a 50% stake in VINA Plasticizers Chemical Company (VPCHEM), a Vietnam-based manufacturer previously under LG Chem. This strategic acquisition has extended the company’s annual plasticizer production capacity from 550,000 tons to 660,000 tons, enabling enhanced supply to North American and European markets. Additionally, in 2024, Aekyung Chemical obtained the IATF 16949:2016 Certification for quality management in the automotive industry and was recognized as a model taxpayer on Taxpayer’s Day. The company also achieved an ESG Integrated Grade A and published its inaugural Sustainability Report in 2023, underscoring its commitment to environmental and social governance.
Investors
Aekyung Chemical’s major shareholders include AK HOLDINGS, INC., which holds 60.30% of the company’s equities, followed by Aekyung Asset Management Co., Ltd. with 5.151%, and the National Pension Service of Korea owning 3.933%. Young-Shin Chang, the Chairman of the Board, holds 2.023% of the company’s shares. Additionally, Aekyung Group, the parent entity, includes investors such as IMM Investment. These key stakeholders provide significant support and stability, enabling Aekyung Chemical to pursue its strategic goals and maintain its position in the competitive chemical industry.
Business Details
Location: Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Aekyung Chemical
LinkedIn: Aekyung Chemical on LinkedIn
