In the first half of 2022, SK hi-tech battery materials China (SKBMC), an overseas subsidiary of SK IE Technology, has been actively participating in multiple ESG programs as part of the company’s effort to accelerate ESG management. These activities are not only demonstrating SKBMC’s willingness to build a better community where the company is located, but also proving how it is taking the lead in practicing global ESG programs, which is a significant mission of SK Innovation this year.

Let’s review some highlights of SKBMC’s social and environmental contribution activities in recent months and learn more about how the company is strengthening ESG management.

01| Supporting local school for children with developmental disability

On May 31 (local time), representatives of SKBMC including CEO of the company Choi Young-ho have visited Geji School in Jintan District and installed display devices, basketball, various rackets for sports, jump ropes, kick scooters for the children. This is the same institution that SKBMC members visited last year for the company’s first volunteering activity ever since establishment.

▲ Members of SKBMC take picture with students of Jintan District Geji School, which is located near SKBMC plant in Changzhou, China, on May 31

After the donation ceremony, members of SKBMC looked around the school with the teachers to check if there was any other inconvenience for the children. They also made Zongzi*, played games with the students, enjoyed the students’ performance and took pictures together.

(*) Zongzi: circular or triangular shaped Chinese style riceball, made from sticky rice and powdered rice, covered by lotus leaf or bamboo blade

▲ SKBMC members visit Jintan Disctrict Geji School and participated in multiple activities with the students on May 31 (local time)

A school official said, “We highly appreciate support and aid from SKBMC, which shows the company’s sincere concern towards socially disadvantaged people. We hope that through activity like this, they can feel the warmth and beauty of the community.”

02| Donating COVID-19 protection goods to local community

Previously on May 27, SKBMC donated 1,000 disposable masks, 1,000 suits of protective clothing, 500 face shields to Jintan District to help the local residents fight against the pandemic. Deputy Secretary of Jintan District Jiang Zhijun, Office Director Shi Yugang, Head of Investment Attraction Department Jiang Weimin, Head of Investment Support Department Chu Zhenhua, and multiple representatives from SKBMC participated at the delivering ceremony.

▲ SKBMC representatives and Jintan District Government officials take picture at the donation delivering ceremony in Jintan District, Changzhou, China on May 27 (local time)

“There’s no border in COVID-19 and no boundary in friendship,” said a Jintan District Official. “We will continue to try our best to ensure there is no issue related to the corporate’s production and development by controlling the pandemic situation.”

▲ SKBMC delivered 1,000 disposable masks, 1,000 suits of protective clothing, 500 face shields to Jintan District, Changzhou, China on May 27 (local time)

As a practical mean of support to help the local community quickly recover from the pandemic, SKBMC’s donation also proves the company’s strong commitment to overcome the current situation with the residents.

03| Joining EnviRun Plogging Campaign to protect the environment

Aside from multiple donation programs, SKBMC members also took part in the EnviRun for the Earth (“EnviRun” in short) Plogging Week on April 27. The campaign was held at the lake area near SKBMC’s plant and participated by 37 people including CEO Choi Young-ho, members of the company and its business partners.

▲ Members of SKBMC and its business partners participate in the EnviRun campaign alongside the lake in Changzhou, China on April 27 (local time)

EnviRun Plogging Week is a global ESG program joined by multiple subsidiaries and affiliates of SK innovation from April 18 to 29 in and outside of Korea as part of the company’s plogging campaign started last year. During the EnviRun Plogging Week, 4,045 employees of SK Innovation and affiliates participated, recording total 7,657 hours of volunteering. As for SKBMC, this time the members collected about 20 kg of trash after the event of April 27.

▲ Members of SKBMC and its business partners participate in EnviRun campaign alongside the lake near their office in Changzhou, China on April 27

This plogging activity was planned by SKBMC from last year as an effort to protect the local environment. The company aims to make this activity as a representative environmental protection program by continuing plogging in the future as well.

▲ Members of SKBMC and its business partners take a group photo before participating in the EnviRun plogging activity around the lake area in Changzhou, China on April 27

As EnviRun and supporting children with developmental disabilities are two major themes of SK Innovation’s company-wide social contribution projects, SKBMC’s activities in the first half of 2022 are great examples of how global business site can also effectively operate ESG programs that match not only the company’s goals but also the local needs.