A B2B environmental and trading company that runs its own operations
Since 2016, HRM has run a global circular-resource trading house, operated the Cheongju MRF and built the ECOYA digital platforms.
Who we are
HRM has traded recovered paper, plastics and non-ferrous metals since 2016 and today runs three businesses: global trading, the Cheongju MRF and ECOYA.
Company overview
- Founded
- 2016
- Business
- Global Trading · Cheongju MRF · ECOYA DX
- Head office
- Office 1303, 217-59 Kintex-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Trading countries
- 30+
Business structure
Global Trading
Multi-directional trade from raw materials to finished goods, backed by a global end-buyer network and finance & payment support.
Learn more →Cheongju MRF
Regional operations for collection, sorting, recovery and dispatch within about 100 km of Cheongju.
Learn more →ECOYA DX
Industry-specific platforms (ERP, SNAP, Intelligence) that turn trade, field operations and risk into data.
Learn more →
Milestones
- 2016
Company founded
HRM is founded and begins global circular-resource trading.
- 2020
ECOYA begins
Work begins on ECOYA, enterprise software for field operations and trade. The same year, HRM obtains GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification for trading.
- 2021
ISO 14001 certification & patent filing
HRM obtains ISO 14001 environmental management certification and files a patent for its waste-recycling management system.
- 2022
Cheongju, Gyeongju and Paju facility permits
HRM obtains circular-resource facility permits in Cheongju, Gyeongju and Paju, expanding from trading into resource-operations infrastructure. Cheongju is the operating site today; Gyeongju and Paju hold permits as the next sites. The same year, HRM receives the Minister of Environment Award.
- 2023
USD 3M Export Tower
HRM receives the USD 3M Export Tower (Presidential Award) on the 60th Trade Day. The same year, HRM obtains ISO 45001 certification and wins the Minister of Environment Award for the second consecutive year.
- 2024
ECOYA Earth launch and Cheongju ECC automation
HRM launches ECOYA Earth, a consumer participation platform, and automates the sorting process at Cheongju ECC. In recognition of its contribution to job creation and industrial development, HRM receives the Minister of Employment and Labor Award and the Prime Minister's Award.
- 2025
Cheongju SRF processing permit
HRM obtains a permit for non-molded SRF (solid recovered fuel) processing at the Cheongju plant, expanding its energy-recovery capability.
- 2026
Named to Forbes Korea's Fast-Growing Startups 50
Forbes Korea names HRM to its 2026 Fast-Growing Startups 50, chosen from 3,384 companies, in the energy and green tech sector.
- Now
Three specialist businesses
Global Trading, Cheongju MRF and ECOYA run as three specialist businesses that together are growing into a general trading house.
Certifications and awards
From international management-system certifications to government designations and awards, HRM's credentials span all three business lines.
| Type | Name | Issuer | Obtained / awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | Specialized Trading Company Designation | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy · KITA | |
| Award | 60th Trade Day USD 3M Export Tower (Presidential Award) | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy | Dec 2023 |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015 Quality ManagementNo. 24-A-3635 | IGC (Institute of Global Certification) | |
| Certification | ISO 14001:2015 Environmental ManagementNo. 24-C-1441 | IGC (Institute of Global Certification) | |
| Certification | ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Safety & HealthNo. 23-D-1264 | IGC (Institute of Global Certification) | |
| Certification | GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Trading | Control Union Certifications | 2020 |
| Certification | GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Manufacturing | Control Union Certifications | 2022 |
| Certification | Circular Resource Quality Certification | Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute | |
| Certification | Venture Enterprise Certification (Innovative Growth) | Korea Venture Business Association | |
| Certification | Corporate R&D Institute Accreditation (HRM DX Lab) | Korea Industrial Technology Association (KOITA) | |
| Award | Minister of Environment Award (2 consecutive years) | Ministry of Environment | 2022–2023 |
| Award | Minister of Employment and Labor Award | Ministry of Employment and Labor | 2024 |
| Award | Prime Minister's Award | Prime Minister's Office | 2024 |
| Award | 2026 Korea Fast-Growing Startups 50 (energy and green tech) | Forbes Korea | Jun 2026 |
In the press
Third-party coverage of HRM. Each article reflects the facts at the time of publication and links to the original outlet.
- 2026.06.30Forbes Korea2026 Korea Fast-Growing Startups 50 (selected, energy and green tech)
- 2026.05.06The Korea Economic DailyHRM supports digital transformation in logistics with photo-based record management through ECOYA SNAP
- 2025.10.27Maeil Business NewspaperTurning recycling challenges into practical action: the change brought by HRM’s ECOYA EARTH
- 2025.07.23JoongAng IlboHRM CEO Sungchan Ahn receives the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 2025 Northern Gyeonggi SME Convention
- 2025.06.20Maeil Business NewspaperECOYA EARTH partners with the Climate Action Opportunity Income app to reward eco-friendly practices
- 2024.06.19Hankyung PlusHRM, a provider of resource-circulation and waste-management solutions
- 2023.08.06TechMInterview: CEO Sungchan Ahn on building a business that earns while it recycles
- 2022.05.26PlatumHRM raises a KRW 18 billion Series A
- 2022.05.26Economic ReviewHRM secures KRW 18 billion in funding
Locations
Head office
Office 1303, 217-59 Kintex-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Operations · Cheongju ECC
88-18 Jangyang-gil, Bugi-myeon, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Korea
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00