[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] HanchangPaper(009460)successfully returned to profitability in the first half of this year, driven by price increases for general-purpose whiteboard paper and the effects of facility investments.

HanchangPaper announced on the 14th that its operating profit for the first half of this year reached 5.6 billion won, an increase of approximately 135% compared to the previous quarter. Compared to the same period last year, both operating profit and net income turned to a profit, indicating improved profitability. During the same period, revenue increased by 3.3% to 137.4 billion won.

The improvement in performance was largely driven by higher selling prices and the effects of facility investments made last year. In particular, Line 5, which produces standard whiteboard paper, saw improved profitability as domestic and international sales increased following the price hike. The company explained that this has expanded its profit base—which had previously centered on high-grade whiteboard paper produced by Line 3—to include standard whiteboard paper as well.

The company expects the effects of price increases and expanded sales for standard whiteboard paper to continue in the second half of the year. It anticipates that diversifying revenue streams across product lines, along with improved process efficiency resulting from facility investments, will further support profitability.

Rising demand for cosmetic packaging materials driven by the expansion of K-Beauty exports is another positive factor. HanchangPaper supplies whiteboard packaging materials used for everything from single-layer boxes for cosmetic containers to IT products such as cell phone cases and tobacco products. Among these, sales related to cosmetics account for approximately 10% of total revenue.

The company’s financial structure has also improved. Thanks to asset revaluation and a return to operating profit, the debt-to-equity ratio fell by 90 percentage points, from 247% at the end of last year to 157% at the end of the first half of this year. The company explained that, based on its restored profitability and improved financial soundness, it has strengthened the foundation for future business expansion.

A HanchangPaper official stated, “Profitability across our entire product portfolio is improving as we generate revenue not only from our existing high-grade whiteboard paper but also from standard whiteboard paper.” The official added, “We expect the effects of price increases for standard whiteboard paper and expanded domestic and international sales to continue in the second half of the year, and we view the growing demand for cosmetic packaging materials driven by the expansion of K-Beauty exports as a positive factor.”