Press Release Clean Energy & Ocean Solutions

Hanwha Solutions Set To Expand Eco-friendly Materials Capabilities With GRS Certification for Recycled Polyethylene

March 13, 2023
  • Hanwha Solutions obtained Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification for the production, processing and distribution stages of recycled polyethylene (rPE), a polymer made with renewable feedstocks.
  • Hanwha Solutions plans to recycle waste plastics into packaging materials and strengthen cooperation with consumer goods companies, leading the company to increase the annual supply of rPE to 10,000 metric tons by 2027.
  • Hanwha Solutions will continue to develop various renewable feedstocks and expand product applications to contribute to growing a circular economy.
Two Hanwha Solutions employees dressed in industrial gear display bags of EVA outside of a Hanwha Solutions manufacturing plant

Hanwha Solutions has acquired Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification for its recycled polyethylene (rPE) materials, opening the door for expanded product applications and market growth.

Hanwha Solutions announced on February 28 that the company acquired Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification for its recycled polyethylene (rPE) materials. This achievement will create a path for Hanwha Solutions to earnestly expand its eco-friendly materials supply.


GRS, granted by global certification authority Control Union, is a strict certification system that requires compliance with not only environmental and chemical standards, including a composition of 20% or more recycled materials with a traceable usage history, but also social standards that address labor and human rights. It is recognized as the most credible certification among the various eco-friendly certifications required by global consumer goods companies.


Hanwha Solutions’ GRS certification covers all stages of the rPE supply chain, including suppliers in production, processing and distribution, and exhibits close cooperation with all companies involved to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly process. This certification follows another reputable eco-friendly achievement, International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, granted to Hanwha Solutions in September of last year, further representing the company’s continuous commitment to building a circular economy.


To play an active role in responding to the uptick in demand for eco-friendly products, Hanwha Solutions plans to increase the internal use of its rPE-based industrial recycled packaging bags, which began production last year. By 2030, the company intends to convert 80% of the industrial packaging bags used for its products, such as EVA, a high-elastic chemical material, into packaging bags made from rPE. In addition, Hanwha Solutions will strengthen cooperation with consumer goods companies, having signed a three-party MOU for commercializing eco-friendly cosmetics containers made from waste plastic. Hanwha Solutions plans to diversify rPE application to include a range of products, aiming to increase its annual supply of rPE to 10,000 metric tons by 2027.


"Hanwha Solutions’ acquisition of GRS certification recognizes both the eco-friendliness of rPE-based products and its ability to reduce the use of new plastics,” said Jae-sik Won, head of Hanwha Solutions’ Polyolefin (PO) business division. “We will develop various renewable feedstocks and expand product applications to reinforce ESG management and contribute to growing a circular economy."

Hanwha Solutions

Hanwha Solutions aims to deliver sustainable solutions for the planet through smart energy solutions and customer-focused materials. The Company operates its business through three divisions: Qcells, Chemical, and Insight. The Qcells Division offers total energy solutions from photovoltaic module manufacturing, power plant operation to electricity retailing service. Long recognized as a prominent leader in the chemicals industry, the Chemical Division is growing into a global green energy materials company with its cutting-edge solutions for eco-friendly materials. The Insight Division is providing differentiated solutions through comprehensive development and financing for projects such as cities, smart green industrial complexes, renewable energy, premium real estate and premium content. With its innovative technologies for sustainable growth, Hanwha Solutions strives to become a global leader in bringing a better future for humanity.

For more information, visit: www.hanwhasolutions.com/en/