On July 31, SK AX, led by CEO Yoon Poong-Young, announced the launch of an integrated support service for carbon data compliance, aimed at preparing Korean manufacturing companies for the European Union’s tightening supply chain regulations. This move positions SK AX as a pioneering partner equipped with both technical expertise and strategic guidance to help Korean firms safeguard sensitive data while effectively responding to global ESG regulations.
In response to the EU’s new sustainable product regulation (ESPR), which took effect in July last year, manufacturers are now required to submit detailed product information—including material composition, raw material sources, carbon emissions, and recycling history—in the form of a Digital Product Passport (DPP). The regulation especially targets high-emission industries such as batteries, steel, textiles, and appliances. As the digital passport system becomes more prevalent, the ability to design, connect, and protect data not only impacts compliance but also directly influences export competitiveness.
To assist companies in navigating this landscape, SK AX offers tailored services based on proven industry expertise. The company’s support includes establishing a flexible Korean data ecosystem aligned with EU regulations and safeguarding confidential information.
Previously, SK AX demonstrated its technological leadership by leading the South Korea–European Union Digital Data Space Guide initiative, which develops a domestically built, distributed data ecosystem that responds adaptively to the DPP requirements while preventing information leaks. SK AX’s comprehensive approach encompasses standard architecture design, secure data infrastructure, and solutions that enable connectivity with the global ecosystem.
The company has already validated its technology through pilot projects involving data linkage between European automakers and domestic component suppliers. Additionally, SK AX acquired the Catena-X Onboarding Service Provider (OSP) status in June, fulfilling core technical requirements such as connector-based data transmission, digital twin-based format design, and data pipeline construction necessary for DPP compliance.
SK AX also plans to provide solutions that support holistic ESG data strategies, considering that DPP data is crucial for sustainability disclosures under directives like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Drawing on experience from its ESG platform developments within the SK Group, SK AX offers customized services including product-level DPP data design, sensitive data protection frameworks, compliance with international standards, and traceability systems.
Kim Min-hyeok, Head of Manufacturing and Global Business at SK AX, emphasized, “As regulations like the EU Digital Product Passport and CSRD become more active, manufacturing firms that do not adapt risk exclusion from supply chains and market opportunities.” He added, “Leveraging proven technology developed through government projects and collaborations with European automakers, SK AX will comprehensively support domestic manufacturers in protecting sensitive data and achieving compliance with ESG standards to strengthen their global competitiveness.”
