Korean firms keen on biodiesel

South Korea’s large enterprises are paying more attention to biodiesel for future business opportunities. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, SK Chemicals and Aekyung Petrochemical have registered with the government to produce biodiesel, bringing the number of domestic producers to 16. Seoul-based Aekyung Petrochemical Corp. produces organic chemicals, including phthalic and maleic anhydride and plasticizers. SK Chemicals, based in Suwon-si, approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul, produce specialty chemicals for adhesives, automotive chemicals, water treatment chemicals, coatings and pet resins for bottles. (June 28, 2007)