This article introduces SK On’s social contribution activities and presents key points from the company’s Sustainability Report, published in October 2025, in a simple, easy-to-read way.
How Much of a Positive Impact Has SK On Had?
At SK On, we’re working to build a better future by benefiting both the environment and our communities. That means finding smarter ways to lower our greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), use water more efficiently, and strengthen the systems that help us safely manage hazardous chemicals. We’re making good progress on this, steadily improving the battery-making process to reduce impact and operate more responsibly. SK On is actively engaged in volunteer activities with local communities, too. So what kinds of initiatives are helping drive these changes? Let’s take a closer look at SK On’s sustainable activities.
A More Impactful Journey Together, with SK On
SK On believes that no one thrives alone. That’s why we take our role in the community seriously and try to create a positive impact where it’s needed most. All around the world, our employees support seniors living alone, children with developmental disabilities, and other underserved groups. In Hungary, our support for music education for people with developmental disabilities led to the creation of Parapillék, an orchestra that has since performed at the Great Music Festival — now a proud cultural event in the nation.
▲ Annual blood donation activities carried out by SK On Hungary (left) and a music performance in Hungary featuring musicians with developmental disabilities (right)
People live alongside nature, so SK On also works to protect it. In Korea, SK On employees remove invasive plant species along the Hangang River and take part in regular plogging activities, which involve participants picking up litter while on group walks or jogs. In the United States, teams join the Adopt-A-Road program to keep community roadways clean. And through mangrove restoration projects in Fiji, Malaysia, and beyond, we help preserve ecosystems often called the “lungs of the Earth.”
Responsible Actions for a Sustainable Environment and Society
SK On’s efforts to create a sustainable environment and society are also featured in its Sustainability Report. We’re working to reduce our environmental footprint across every stage of battery production, measuring and systematically managing greenhouse gas emissions while also working to reduce them. We manage air pollutants more strictly than what the law requires, and at our Seosan site in Korea, a telemetry system tracks emissions in real time so we can respond quickly and responsibly.
Recycling is another big part of our efforts, too. We recover black powder1) from battery scrap and reuse it as a resource. Water used during manufacturing is purified through reverse osmosis (RO) facilities and fed back into the process to reduce waste. Finally, we also operate B-CHEMS, our company-wide chemical management system, which carefully reviews the hazards and risks of chemical substances before they enter our sites.
1) Black powder is a substance produced by crushing battery scrap or spent batteries. Rich in lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, it’s often called the “crude oil” of battery recycling.
SK On believes the sustainability of all stakeholders is incredibly important. We identify potential human rights risks through our Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) and operate an online grievance channel for employees, partners, customers, and local communities. Based on the feedback and reports received through these channels, we work to improve working environments and systems.
Physical safety risks are also continuously monitored. All sites operate under essential safety rules known as the Safety Golden Rules, and risk assessments are conducted once a year. To help prevent recurrence of any issues, any improvement measures identified at one site are shared across other sites.
In addition, SK On conducts supply chain ESG evaluations for all partners to identify, prevent, and mitigate potential risks in advance. For suppliers of key minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, independent third-party experts carry out audits in line with OECD due diligence guidance.
SK On is building a culture grounded in transparency and integrity. We offer tailored ethics training for employees and operate a 24/7 ethical management reporting channel where anyone can safely raise concerns at any time. We also prioritize compliance in our approach to governance. We’ve built a compliance management system aligned with international standards and provide a range of compliance training programs covering areas such as fair trade, anti-corruption and trade secrets. These efforts help create a workplace where everyone can work with confidence, supported by clear principles and trusted processes.
A Record of SK On’s Sustainable Future
This record reflects SK On’s sincere efforts to realize sustainable operations. SK On’s Sustainability Report captures not just what the company has achieved so far, but also the values and direction guiding its path forward. If you’re curious about the standards and activities behind how sustainable batteries are made, take a look at the full Sustainability Report on the SK On website.
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