Heesung Catalysts CEO Hyun-sik Han Receives Industrial Service Medal on the 18th Chemical Industry Day

Hyun-sik Han, CEO of Heesung Catalysts, Receives the Industrial Service Medal at the 18th Chemical Industry Day Ceremony

Hyun-sik Han, CEO of Heesung Catalysts, receives the Industrial Service Medal at the 18th Chemical Industry Day ceremony.

Hyun-sik Han, CEO of Heesung Catalysts, was awarded the Industrial Service Medal at the 18th Chemical Industry Day ceremony, held on October 30 at EL Tower in Yangjae, Seoul, South Korea.

The award recognizes his contributions to strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s catalyst industry through the localization of automotive emission control catalysts, as well as his pioneering efforts in developing and commercializing climate catalysts to support carbon neutrality.

Chemical Industry Day has been celebrated annually since 2009 to commemorate the completion of the Ulsan Petrochemical Complex on October 31, 1972, a milestone in the development of Korea’s chemical industry. The event honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry.

The Industrial Service Medal is a government decoration awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to industrial development. At this year’s ceremony, a total of 52 individuals, including CEO Hyun-sik Han, received government honors and commendations from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources.

Recipients of government honors at the 18th Chemical Industry Day ceremony (Hyun-sik Han, CEO of Heesung Catalysts, third from the left).

Strengthening Technological Competitiveness Through the Localization of Automotive Catalysts

CEO Hyun-sik Han has contributed to the development of Korea’s catalyst industry by advancing the localization of automotive emission control catalysts and strengthening domestic technological capabilities.

Automotive emission control catalysts play a critical role in reducing harmful pollutants from vehicle exhaust, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Through continuous research and development, Heesung Catalysts has pursued the localization of automotive catalysts that previously relied heavily on overseas technologies. The company has also enhanced its catalyst design and manufacturing capabilities, strengthening its competitiveness in the global market.

Drawing on his extensive experience in research and development and manufacturing operations, Han has helped strengthen the company’s technological development and commercialization capabilities. These achievements have contributed to greater technological self-reliance and competitiveness in Korea’s automotive catalyst industry while establishing a foundation for Heesung Catalysts to expand its catalyst solutions into a wider range of industries.

Advancing Carbon Neutrality Through Climate Catalyst Commercialization

Another major achievement recognized by the Industrial Service Medal is Han’s contribution to pioneering and commercializing climate catalyst technologies that support carbon neutrality.

Building on the technological expertise accumulated in automotive emission control, Han has promoted the development of climate catalyst technologies and the expansion of related businesses to address growing demand for greenhouse gas reduction across industrial sectors.

In particular, Heesung Catalysts has developed catalyst technologies to reduce greenhouse gases generated during semiconductor and display manufacturing processes, including perfluorocarbons (PFCs), nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). By applying these technologies in industrial operations, the company has achieved successful commercialization. These catalysts play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and supporting companies in achieving their carbon neutrality goals.

Through these efforts, Han has helped expand the company’s business beyond its traditional automotive catalyst operations into environmental and energy applications across multiple industries, establishing new foundations for growth. This progress reflects Heesung Catalysts’ evolution from an emission control catalyst manufacturer into a catalyst solution provider addressing industry-specific carbon neutrality challenges.

Expanding the Potential of Catalyst Solutions Through Continuous Innovation

Having served as Head of R&D and Plant Manager at Heesung Catalysts, CEO Hyun-sik Han has built extensive expertise across catalyst research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

He has contributed to strengthening the company’s technological competitiveness and production capabilities by promoting continued investment in R&D, advancements in manufacturing technologies, and the automation of production processes. He has also strengthened collaboration between research and manufacturing to facilitate the practical application of new technologies and support expansion into new business areas.

Han attributed the recognition to the collective efforts of Heesung Catalysts employees who have dedicated themselves to developing environmentally friendly catalyst technologies. He also expressed his commitment to contributing to the competitiveness of Korea’s chemical industry through proprietary technologies and continuous innovation.

Heesung Catalysts will continue to invest in research and technological innovation, expand the applications of environmentally friendly catalyst technologies, including climate catalysts, and provide catalyst solutions that address environmental and technical challenges across diverse industries and industrial processes.

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