SK AX announced on the 9th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with IBCT, a data space specialist company, to respond to the global manufacturing data ecosystem based on Catena-X.
SK AX and IBCT, the only official Catena-X partners in Korea, will provide a one-stop end-to-end onboarding service through this agreement. Beyond simple consulting, they offer a package covering global regulatory compliance, data standardization, life cycle assessment (LCA) consulting and solutions, digital product passport (DPP) creation and data exchange, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) system design, education, and operation.
Catena-X is an ESG data alliance established with joint investments from global leading manufacturing corporations like SAP, Siemens, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, aimed at ensuring ESG transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain through product life cycle data standardization. With the recent strengthening of carbon regulations and supply chain data disclosure requirements focused in Europe, participation in Catena-X is becoming a prerequisite for entering the global market.
As an official onboarding service provider, SK AX manages the entire process, including participant registration, ESG data integrity verification, and handling data sovereignty, security, and personal information. By leveraging AI-based platforms and cloud technology, it provides access and operational infrastructure, supporting domestic corporations in quickly and reliably adopting Catena-X standards. Additionally, it supports carbon data measurement and collection through the 'digital carbon passport platform' and collaborates with ASEIC (Asia-Europe Meeting's environmental international cooperation organization) to drive carbon neutrality support projects for small and medium enterprises domestically and internationally.
IBCT, using its self-developed data space SaaS platform 'Infirium', supports data onboarding, digital product passport creation and management, and product carbon footprint (PCF) data generation and certification, helping domestic corporations establish data systems that comply with global regulations.
Lee Jeong-ryun, CEO of IBCT, said, "Global data space connection and DPP service are no longer deferrable core tasks for export manufacturing corporations." He added, "Through cooperation with SK AX, we will provide safe and convenient SaaS services, protecting corporate secrets and supporting compliance with global ESG regulations."
Chang Hyuk-soo, head of SK AX's ESG/SHE division, said, "Within the strengthening global ESG regulations, participation in Catena-X is an essential strategy for manufacturing corporations including the automotive industry." He added, "Together with IBCT, we will support domestic corporations to secure a leading position in the global ESG data ecosystem and expand their influence in the global market."