A new partnership between performance and sustainability is reshaping the world of golf. SK Chemicals, a South Korean leader in advanced materials, has announced the use of its bio-based material ECOTRIONin the latest generation of Srixon Z-Star golf balls, developed by Dunlop Sports Korea.
This is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a real response to an increasingly urgent need: reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.
The new Z-Star has already caught the attention of demanding players worldwide. From core to cover, the ball is engineered for feel, control, and power. The standout feature? Its outer shell is now made with ECOTRION, a 100% bio-based polyol that delivers exceptional elasticity, durability, and responsiveness.
According to internal testing by Dunlop, the use of ECOTRION increased the ball’s contact time with the clubface by up to 18%, enhancing both feedback and long-distance shot control.
A technical and ethical choice
Bio-based materials are making their mark even in elite-level sports. Top golfers like Brooks Koepka, Hideki Matsuyama, and several players from the KPGA Tour have already tested the new Z-Star and praised its consistency and feel.
“In today’s golf, every detail counts. When you can choose a product that performs and respects the planet—why wouldn’t you?” – said a Dunlop spokesperson.
The move isn’t just strategic; it’s environmental. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of ECOTRION showed it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to petroleum-based polyols. This makes the Z-Star one of the first golf balls on the market to offer a real commitment to carbon reduction.
SK Chemicals has clear goals: to expand into the sports and outdoor sectors with advanced, sustainable, high-performance materials.
“Bio-based materials are among the most powerful alternatives to petrochemical solutions,” says Kim Eung-soo, Head of the Green Materials Division at SK Chemicals.
“By working with brands that share our vision, we’re building an ecosystem that combines functionality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”
With the launch of this new model, SK Chemicals and Dunlop Sports Korea prove that sustainability is not a trade-off—it’s a competitive edge. In golf, as in other fields, it’s the pioneers who set the course.
A new partnership between performance and sustainability is reshaping the world of golf. SK Chemicals, a South Korean leader in advanced materials, has announced the use of its bio-based material ECOTRIONin the latest generation of Srixon Z-Star golf balls, developed by Dunlop Sports Korea.
This is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a real response to an increasingly urgent need: reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.
The new Z-Star has already caught the attention of demanding players worldwide. From core to cover, the ball is engineered for feel, control, and power. The standout feature? Its outer shell is now made with ECOTRION, a 100% bio-based polyol that delivers exceptional elasticity, durability, and responsiveness.
According to internal testing by Dunlop, the use of ECOTRION increased the ball’s contact time with the clubface by up to 18%, enhancing both feedback and long-distance shot control.
A technical and ethical choice
Bio-based materials are making their mark even in elite-level sports. Top golfers like Brooks Koepka, Hideki Matsuyama, and several players from the KPGA Tour have already tested the new Z-Star and praised its consistency and feel.
“In today’s golf, every detail counts. When you can choose a product that performs and respects the planet—why wouldn’t you?” – said a Dunlop spokesperson.
The move isn’t just strategic; it’s environmental. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of ECOTRION showed it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to petroleum-based polyols. This makes the Z-Star one of the first golf balls on the market to offer a real commitment to carbon reduction.
SK Chemicals has clear goals: to expand into the sports and outdoor sectors with advanced, sustainable, high-performance materials.
“Bio-based materials are among the most powerful alternatives to petrochemical solutions,” says Kim Eung-soo, Head of the Green Materials Division at SK Chemicals.
“By working with brands that share our vision, we’re building an ecosystem that combines functionality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”
With the launch of this new model, SK Chemicals and Dunlop Sports Korea prove that sustainability is not a trade-off—it’s a competitive edge. In golf, as in other fields, it’s the pioneers who set the course.