Applied Materials Korea (CEO Park Kwang-sun) is launching an environmental protection campaign and transforming itself into a company that goes beyond technological innovation and works with the local community.

On September 20th, in celebration of World Cleanup Day, Applied conducted an environmental cleanup activity with its employees and their families in the Dongtan Shinlicheon area.

This event was part of the 'Applied Asia Cleanup' campaign, which is jointly carried out by branches in six Asian countries, and was held in Korea in conjunction with the 'Guardians of Our Rivers' program.

Participants made EM mud balls themselves and threw them into the Sinlicheon Stream, and plogged along a 3km stretch nearby, contributing to the restoration of the river ecosystem.

'Guardians of Our Rivers' is a representative environmental protection program that Applied Korea has been supporting for five years. It has been working to improve the water quality and restore the ecosystem of local rivers through various activities such as throwing EM soil balls, removing invasive plants, and planting water purifying plants.

In the first half of this year, we created EM clay balls with local elementary school students, and in the second half, we continued with family volunteer work. So far, approximately 17,000 people have participated, throwing a total of 380,000 EM soil balls into the river, helping to improve the environment.

'World Cleanup Day' is an international environmental campaign organized by the global NGO 'Let's Do It World' and is a day designated by the United Nations (UN).

According to the World Bank, global waste is projected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050, an increase of approximately 70% compared to 2016.

Accordingly, Applied Materials Asia's six branches are collaborating with local NGOs to continue environmental cleanup activities in various ecosystems, including land, rivers, and the sea, until October, and are spreading a culture of service through environmental education and community engagement programs.

“Applied Materials is committed to creating a sustainable future for the planet beyond technological innovation,” said CEO Park Kwang-sun. “We will contribute to protecting the community and the environment through volunteer activities in which employees and their families participate, and strive to create a cleaner and more sustainable world.”