In the rapidly evolving petrochemical industry, sustainable resource management is more crucial than ever. For nearly two decades, Veolia and Kumho Petrochemical have exemplified how a strong partnership can drive innovation and environmental stewardship. Through advanced water management solutions, Veolia has supported Kumho Petrochemical in meeting its operational and environmental goals while ensuring compliance with South Korea’s stringent environmental regulations and aligning with global ESG objectives.
Kumho Petrochemical: A Sustainability Leader Navigating Industrial Challenges
A Pioneer in South Korea’s Petrochemical Industry
Kumho Petrochemical is a leader in the petrochemical industry in South Korea, renowned for its innovative products and commitment to sustainability. With a strong presence across the country, its key operational sites include:
Challenges Faced
Operating in a resource-intensive industry, Kumho Petrochemical faces several challenges:
- High water requirements: The company relies heavily on industrial water for cooling and process operations.
- Stringent wastewater management standards: Ensuring compliance with South Korea’s strict environmental regulations demands advanced and reliable wastewater treatment solutions.
- ESG pressures: Increasing global and local expectations to reduce the environmental footprint and align with sustainable development goals place growing pressure on operations.
- Technological demands: Upgrading aging infrastructure to adopt innovative, energy-efficient solutions remains a constant challenge.
- Climate risks: Rising concerns over water scarcity and climate change further complicate resource management.
Veolia’s Tailored Solutions for Kumho Petrochemical
Veolia provides Kumho Petrochemical with essential services addressing their key challenges. The solutions are focused on:
- Industrial water supply: In 2024, Veolia supplied over 428.7 million m³ of cooling water and treated approximately 6.5 million m³ of wastewater across Kumho Petrochemical sites, ensuring operational continuity and efficiency.
- Advanced wastewater treatment: Using state-of-the-art filtration, separation technologies, and automation systems to meet strict regulatory standards.
- Customized strategies: Leveraging energy-efficient technologies such as turbo blowers to optimize resource use.
- Hubgrade implementation: Intelligent monitoring that ensures CO₂ emission reductions and operational efficiency.
- Proactive maintenance: Avoiding downtime through regular monitoring and preemptive interventions.
Results and Benefits for Kumho Petrochemical
Measurable Impact
- Operational efficiency: Enhanced through the use of energy-efficient technologies and Hubgrade.
- Cost savings: Significant reductions in energy and operational costs.
- Water resource optimization: Notable water savings across all key sites.
- Reduced emissions: Achieving tangible reductions in greenhouse gases.
Customer Trust
- High satisfaction: Positive NPS (Net Promoter Score) reflecting confidence in Veolia’s services. Kumho Petrochemical's satisfaction in 2024 is highlighted by an NPS score of 71.43%, based on feedback from 28 surveyed clients, underscoring trust and areas for continuous improvement.
- Contract renewals: Long-term extensions highlighting sustained trust and partnership.
- Synergies with other regional projects: Veolia's collaboration in Yeosu extends beyond Kumho Petrochemical. A recent 2-year O&M contract with Hanwha Aerospace for wastewater treatment in Yeosu demonstrates Veolia's ability to deliver operational synergies across multiple industrial clients. This highlights Veolia's growing reputation and trusted expertise in Korea's industrial sector.
Contribution to Sustainability and ESG Objectives
Supporting ESG Goals
Carbon footprint reduction: Achieved through energy and water consumption optimizations.
Regulatory compliance: Ensured adherence to South Korea’s environmental standards.
Safety and Community Engagement
- Zero accidents: In 2024, zero accidents in the workplace were achieved by strengthening LOTO (Lock Out/Tag Out) management to control hazardous energy, and preventing fall accidents through slip prevention measures.
- CSR activities: Veolia actively engages with local communities through environmental clean-up campaigns around Yeosu and Ulsan, aligning with Kumho Petrochemical’s broader ESG objectives.
Vision for the Future
- Innovation-driven collaboration: Introduction of new technologies to strengthen ESG alignment.
- Long-term sustainability: Solidifying Kumho Petrochemical’s leadership in sustainable petrochemical practices.
A Sustainable Future with Veolia and Kumho Petrochemical
The partnership between Veolia and Kumho Petrochemical is built on a foundation of trust, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Together, they have achieved significant advancements in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, setting a benchmark for the petrochemical industry through OSS (On-Site Services) solutions.
Ulsan KKPC Rubber
Ulsan KKPC Rubber
Ulsan KKPC Resin
Ulsan KKPC Resin
Ulsan Resin_WWT
Ulsan Resin_WWT
Yeosu KKPC Rubber