[CONNECT TOGETHER] For a More Meaningful World – Give! Reuse! Run!

The belief that small acts of kindness can accumulate to brighten the world is a timeless and universal truth embraced across cultures and throughout history. From Japan and China to Singapore, France, and the United States, we see this idea taking root in communities everywhere. Let’s explore how these values are coming to life around the globe. Here are some inspiring stories about sharing what we have, reusing things in creative ways, and running forward together—all with the aim of creating a more meaningful world.

■ Let’s Give! Turning Kindness into Opportunity

SK Functional Polymer (SKFP), the French subsidiary of SK Geo Centric and a leader in industrial packaging materials, holds an annual donation program every November. In this initiative, local employees gather unused clothing, accessories, household items, books, and small appliances to donate to Emmaus,* an international nonprofit organization. These donated items are repaired and sold by Emmaus, with the proceeds supporting those in need. In 2024, the event took place in three regions: Paris, Balan, and Serquigny. Donations included six boxes from Paris, five boxes from Serquigny, and 15 boxes, along with one desk and six lockers from Balan. In total, 26 boxes of donated goods found new homes, and the sales proceeds were invested in projects aimed at empowering disadvantaged individuals toward self-reliance. What could have been discarded items became valuable stepping stones for someone else’s new beginning.

*Emmaus: Founded in France in 1949, Emmaus is an international nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty and social exclusion through various initiatives. It provides housing and job opportunities for marginalized groups, such as the homeless, unemployed, and refugees, supporting their independence through education and training programs. By collecting, repairing, and reselling donated goods, Emmaus not only supports the environment but also reinvests all proceeds into social projects.

In some locations, flea markets are organized using donated goods from employees. SK Earthon Shenzhen in China is one such example. Since 2022, this flea market has auctioned various items donated by employees. For each item sold, the company matches the proceeds with an equal donation, and the combined funds are then used to support elderly welfare programs through the Nanshan District Charity Federation in Shenzhen. It’s a wonderful demonstration of how small acts of engagement by employees can grow into significant contributions to the local community.

SK Enmove Japan (SKENJ), a subsidiary of SK Enmove, joined a vaccine support program in 2024 led by JCV**, a UNICEF-affiliated organization. This program involves collecting plastic bottle caps, recycling them, and donating the proceeds as vaccine funding. Vaccinating a child in a developing country requires roughly 2 kilograms (1,000 caps) of bottle caps. In July last year, SKENJ collected approximately 4.5 kilograms of caps and donated them to JCV. Each bottle cap became a valuable gift, contributing to the life-saving vaccinations for children in nearby countries.

This year, in an effort to expand the scope of the vaccine program, SKENJ employees also donated books, DVDs, and other items in June. The donated items were sold to a used bookstore chain, and the proceeds were used to fund vaccinations. What started as a simple act of collecting plastic bottle caps has grown into a larger movement for change.

**Japan Committee, Vaccines for the World’s Children (JCV): Established in Japan in 1994, JCV is an international nonprofit supporting vaccine programs. It assists in vaccinating children in developing countries, protecting them from infectious diseases. In collaboration with UNICEF, JCV provides vaccines and vaccination equipment to local communities.

■ Let’s Reuse! Reusing instead of Dumping

In January 2024, SK Functional Polymer (SKFP), initiated the “PCs of Love” donation campaign. As part of this initiative, the company donated 53 refurbished IT devices through the La Collecte Tech*** platform. These devices, which were once difficult for recipients to access, now serve as valuable tools for online learning and job searches. Through this simple yet impactful effort, SKFP has contributed to supporting individuals who previously faced barriers to accessing technology, providing them with a foundation for new opportunities.

***La Collecte Tech: Launched in 2020 by the French nonprofit organization Emmaüs Connect, this platform is dedicated to recycling unused IT equipment. It collects and refurbishes IT devices from companies and public institutions, redistributing them to digitally underserved communities to promote digital access and inclusion, while reinvesting proceeds into social projects.

In Singapore, global members of SK Energy International (SKEI), a subsidiary of SK On Trading International specializing in energy trading, are also engaged in locally tailored sustainability initiatives. Each year, SKEI runs a campaign to recycle used IT equipment, including office PCs. Since 2019, SKEI has been participating in HP’s corporate hardware recycling program, the HP Sustainability Benefit Report – Hardware Disposal Program, by donating end-of-life IT devices to HP. From 2019 to 2024, a total of 222 IT devices have been collected, disassembled, and sorted by material to be reused as recycled resources. By revitalizing unnecessary equipment into reusable resources, SKEI is contributing to the development of a more efficient circular economy.

SKEI is also committed to ensuring that not a single used battery is carelessly discarded by continuing its everyday environmental practices with employees. The used battery recycling campaign, initiated on a quarterly basis in 2023, is continuing this year as well. By consistently collecting and delivering used batteries to professional recyclers, SKEI aims to reduce environmental pollution and resource waste caused by improper disposal. This ongoing effort represents a positive step forward, as employees directly engage in resource conservation through everyday actions. Looking ahead, SKEI is committed to exploring simpler yet effective environmental practices that employees can adopt in their daily lives.

■ Let’s Run! Together Toward a Better Tomorrow

SK Battery America (SKBA), the U.S. subsidiary of leading electric vehicle battery manufacturer SK On, has been actively engaged in community outreach programs to support local children. Since 2020, SKBA has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs, a nonprofit organization in Jackson County, Georgia, to co-host the annual “Run to Greatness 5K” fundraising marathon. Through this event, the company continues to support children and teens in the local community.

At the inaugural event in 2022, 50 participants, including 30 SKBA employees, ran together to raise funds, which were used to support various community development programs through the Boys & Girls Clubs. By the third event, held in June 2024, participation had grown to over 120 people, including around 20 SKBA employees, who ran together for about three hours to raise even more funds. SKBA also contributed as an event sponsor, ensuring the race’s success and providing additional donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County.

Beyond being a fun and shared experience, the Run to Greatness 5K has evolved into a meaningful opportunity to support local children in growing up in a better environment. This June, the fifth event was held, and SKBA is committed to sustaining this spirit of giving, continuing to collaborate with the community to make a lasting impact in the years to come.

Each in Their Own Way, Yet Together! Across the globe, SK Innovation’s subsidiaries are engaged in a wide range of efforts to support local communities and protect the environment. In places like France, China, Japan, and the U.S., employees are coming together to donate goods, giving various items new purpose and bringing hope to neighbors and children in need. They are also collecting and recycling used batteries and IT equipment, contributing to resource circulation and environmental preservation. Members of SK Innovation’s affiliates across the globe are committed to continuing to work hand in hand with local communities to create a more meaningful world and a brighter future. “Stand together, make it better!”