Simultaneously Achieves Environmental Protection and Cost Reduction with “Slastic” Technology Combining Steelmaking Byproducts and Waste Plastics
EOMTech, a POSCO in-house venture company, has successfully developed an innovative railway sleeper utilizing steelmaking byproduct slag and waste plastics. This development is drawing attention as a case that simultaneously addresses industrial waste recycling and railway infrastructure improvement.
EOMTech was founded in 2019 through POSCO’s first in-house venture program. Under the leadership of CEO Young-jun Park, the company successfully developed a composite material called “Slastic,” according to company officials. Railway sleepers—rod-shaped structural components that support rails for train operations—are a critical element of railway safety.
With support from POSCO’s Performance-Sharing System, EOMTech significantly reduced production costs by replacing expensive glass fiber materials traditionally used in sleepers with Slastic. Notably, the newly developed sleepers are 100% recyclable, further enhancing their environmental value.
The development process was not without challenges. According to EOMTech, early-stage testing failed due to the extreme high-temperature and heavy-load conditions found in steel plant environments. However, through continued technical collaboration with POSCO, the company redesigned the sleepers and sustained its R&D efforts, ultimately succeeding in developing the Slastic composite material.
“Through the development of Slastic sleepers using steelmaking byproduct slag and waste plastics, EOMTech is helping to create a sustainable future,” said CEO Young-jun Park. He added, “Building on this technological capability, we plan to move forward with the development of a wider range of products.”
