Darum International Recognized as ‘Outstanding Company’ in Lotte Duty Free’s ESG Support Program

Darum International Co., Ltd., co-led by Kang In-hee and Kang Soo-hwan, has been designated as an ‘Outstanding’ company in the evaluation of the ‘2025 Lotte Duty Free ESG Support Program’ after achieving an 85% compliance rate with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) indicators.

The ESG support program aims to enhance sustainable management practices among partner small- and medium-sized enterprises by assessing and improving their current management status in the environmental, social, and governance sectors.

Darum International was recognized for its 85% compliance rate, having been evaluated across 78 diagnostic items, consisting of 32 existing management indicators and 15 areas improved through the program. This result meets the criteria of the ‘ESG Outstanding SMEs’ verification by the Shared Growth Committee, which requires a compliance rate of 80% or higher.

Through this initiative, the company has disclosed its environmental management policy on its website and established an environmental goal implementation plan along with a performance evaluation system. Additionally, it has developed an environmental impact assessment framework to assess the effects of business activities like office supplies and electricity usage.

In the social domain, the company has established and disclosed a human rights management charter and a health and safety management policy, while strengthening its management systems for safe working environments through measures such as checking fire evacuation routes and regular inspections of fire extinguishers. New fair contract and procurement procedures utilizing industry standard contracts from the Fair Trade Commission have also been instituted.

In terms of governance, an ethical management policy has been established, addressing anti-corruption, data protection, and intellectual property rights. Furthermore, the company's ESG management policy reflects the commitment of its top executive, who has ensured that non-financial risks and stakeholder-related issues are regularly reviewed within an internal management system.

Currently, Darum International features brands EPONA and VERTTY at Lotte Duty Free, catering to both domestic and international customers.

EPONA is a premium skincare brand born from clean ingredients sourced in Jeju and skin science, offering a range of products focused on elasticity and anti-aging, with high-concentration PDRN. VERTTY serves as a vegan clean beauty brand designed for sensitive and troubled skin, showcasing functional skincare products that target the needs of consumers in their teens to thirties, utilizing ingredients like tea tree oil, centella asiatica, and xylitol for skin soothing and hydration.

A representative from Darum International stated, “This recognition as an outstanding company is a result of applying ESG principles throughout our operational processes, including environmental management, employee rights and safety, fair trading, and ethical governance. Moving forward, we aim to further enhance our sustainable management systems as a responsible partner of Lotte Duty Free, providing trusted products and brand experiences through EPONA and VERTTY for customers both locally and internationally.”