Youngone Corporation, based in Seoul, has successfully completed a project to phase out coal at its textile and dyeing facility in Nam Dinh, northern Vietnam.
The company has fully transitioned from coal to biomass boilers, using rice husk pellets as fuel. This move underscores Youngone’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
Youngone is a leading manufacturer of outdoor wear, sportswear, shoes, and bags, producing for some of the world’s top outdoor and sports brands. Founded in 1974, it operates in 17 countries and employs over 90,000 people worldwide, with production facilities in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, El Salvador, and India.
This transition to biomass aligns with Youngone’s broader strategy to combat climate change and prioritize decarbonization. It is a significant step toward achieving the company’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
The coal phase-out project began in early 2023 with feasibility studies and planning. The first biomass boiler was installed in the third quarter of 2023, followed by additional installations. The project replaced three key boilers at the Nam Dinh facility, including steam and thermal hot oil boilers.
Vice Chairman Rae Eun Sung highlighted the success of the project, saying, “The completion of the coal phase-out in Nam Dinh demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and climate action. By using biomass boilers and recycling boiler ash into organic fertilizer, we are reducing our carbon footprint, repurposing waste, and helping the local community.”
She added, “This project is an important milestone toward achieving our 2030 carbon reduction goals and sets an example for sustainable practices across our global operations.”
The new biomass boilers are powered by rice husk pellets, a renewable fuel sourced from local farm waste. Youngone worked with local rice mills to ensure the sustainability and traceability of the rice husks used.
This switch from coal not only reduces the environmental impact of the facility but also supports the local agricultural economy by turning waste into energy. The ash produced will be treated and repurposed to create organic fertilizer.
Youngone’s investment of over $2.7 million in biomass technology and waste recycling is part of its global effort to implement innovative, sustainable practices.
This milestone marks a key step in Youngone’s journey toward a more sustainable future while addressing global climate challenges.
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