R&D

Strengthening of research competitiveness, establishment of global innovation technology ecosystem

LG Chem is investing heavily in building a global innovation technology ecosystem for the development of sustainable technologies and products to meet the challenges of three new growth engines: eco-friendly materials, battery materials, and new global innovative drugs. To this end, LG Chem operates various open innovation programs to build networks with experts in various fields, providing support at all stages, from the discovery of innovative ideas to commercialization.

We have successful experiences in a variety of areas of open innovation, including investing in promising startups through LG Technology Ventures, joint investment with ADM to commercialize biodegradable plastics, and acquiring Aveo to enter the cancer drug market in North America.

Sustainable Partnership Program

Program Introduction

LG Chem is looking for creative and innovative companies and laboratories to develop jointly with our new growth engines.
In addition to eco-friendly materials, battery materials, and new global innovative drugs, the three major new growth engines, we are working on challenges to create new technologies and products in our existing businesses.
We are also open to ideas for collaboration. External proposals are communicated to the relevant business unit, and we establish collaborative business models through discussion.

Proposal Process

01Online proposal registration
02Proposal review
03Review results
04Collaborative model discussion
(NDA signing)
05Contract signing

* Collaborative models can be discussed in various forms, including collaborative research and investment.

Theme

LG Chem aims to provide solutions that utilize recycled resources for building an ecosystem of circular economy. We are currently building a low-carbon product line through recycling-based raw materials. To this end, we are reducing our carbon footprint through the introduction of circular naphtha obtained by chemical pyrolysis and the sale of PCR products made from recycled plastic.

  • Construction of Korea's first supercritical pyrolysis plant (2024)
  • Strategic investment in Mura Technology and the beginning of construction of a demonstration plant (2022)
  • Production of various recycled plastics such as PCR-ABS, PC, PE, PP, and PVC
  • Research and mass production of the chemical industry's first white PCR-ABS
Circular 이미지

- Circular Naphtha & Chemical Recycle

Circular naphtha* is oil obtained from pyrolysis of circulating resources, which enabled the utilization of low-quality and low-purity plastics such as PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) from composite materials (other) that were previously not recyclable. To provide better products to customers in the future, we are developing high-quality pyrolysis oil technology, focusing on high-value applications of wax residence and the removal of impurities such as metals, Cl, and PAH from pyrolysis oil.

* Circular naphtha is made from used plastic through pyrolysis with high-temperature and high-pressure water vapor that returns it to the state of naphtha, the earliest form of raw material.

- Mechanical Recycle

Mechanical recycling converts waste plastic that has been discarded after use into new plastic pellets or other products through processes such as sorting, shredding, and molding.
LG Chem is currently producing a variety of post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastic products and is conducting constant research on related technologies. We hope to collaborate on technology to establish a recycling ecosystem and value chain.

Be Our Partner!

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Bioplastics refers to compostable products and bio-based products that use bio-monomers and bio-feedstocks. LG Chem continues to develop eco-friendly energy and new bio materials for the Earth and consumers. In the production process, we reduce carbon emissions by utilizing bio materials and also effectively cut down on carbon footprint by using and disposing of compostable plastics.

  • Commercialization of plastic PLA using corn as raw material (2025)
  • Commercialization of compostable plastic PBAT (2024)
  • Establishment of a bioplastics joint venture with ADM (2022)
  • Mass production of BCB (bio-circular-balanced) SAP with plant-based raw materials (2021)
Bioplastics 이미지

- Bioplastics / Bio-monomers & Bio-feedstocks

Bio materials derived from plants, such as corn, sugarcane, wood, and food waste, have the advantage of replacing fossil fuels. They are also recognized as carbon-neutral raw materials that are beneficial to the environment because they do not generate carbon according to the life cycle assessment. LG Chem produces a wide range of products through such bio materials and is building collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships for the development of new bio materials.

Be Our Partner!

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To achieve zero carbon emissions in 2050, LG Chem is actively promoting the introduction of new processes, expanding the use of renewable energy, as well as developing various technologies and catalysts that capture and utilize carbon dioxide.
We constantly strive to advance materials and technologies such as secondary batteries and solar energy that improve the performance and efficiency of green energy.

  • Expansion of CNT plant for conductive additives in secondary batteries (2024)
  • Mass production of high-performance insulation material aerogel (2024)
  • Expansion of POE plant for photovoltaic encapsulants (2024)
Energy Transition & Sustainable Materials 이미지

- Clean Hydrogen & CCU* / Energy-efficient Process

*CCU : Carbon Capture and Utilization

LG Chem plans to build the industry's first hydrogen production plant that reuses hydrogen from by-product methane generated in the NCC process as fuel to reduce carbon emissions.
We are developing technologies that use carbon capture technology and convert carbon dioxide emitted from industrial processes into raw materials for chemical products, such as syngas, acrylic acid, and naphtha.
Furthermore, we are introducing innovations in carbon reduction, including waste heat recovery technology, and strengthening cooperation on new technologies such as desalting through neutralization and liquid-liquid phase separation and extraction of polymer solution to increase the energy efficiency of existing plants.

- New Material Technology for Battery & Renewable Energy

LG Chem contributes to the distribution of green electric vehicles by strengthening our cathode materials, separators, and additional battery materials business. To improve the performance and efficiency of the battery, we are developing new battery materials such as conductive additives (CNT), insulation materials (aerogel), heat-resistant adhesives, and cathode binders, as well as actively forming related partnerships.
In addition, we are expanding the production of POE dedicated to solar films to revitalize the renewable energy market, and we are exploring new renewable energy materials and technologies through external cooperation.

- 3D Printing

3D printing technology improves productivity by increasing efficiency and accuracy in production and manufacturing, and also has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the generation of waste in materials and during the production process.
LG Chem aims to deliver value for customers and the environment through research on 3D printing materials. We focus on exploring technologies for manufacturing polymer powders and additives for 3D printing, such as SLS, MJF, and SAF.

Be Our Partner!

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Global Innovation Challenge Program

The Innovation Challenge Program is a global innovation technology competition hosted by LG Chem for startups
around the world.
LG Chem focuses on sustainable technologies and products with the vision of connecting life for a better future.
We need the cooperation of all stakeholders to resolve the sustainability and ESG challenges we face.
We hope you join us in the journey of innovation through the Innovation Challenge Program.

- GIC 2023 Finalist

A total of 97 startups and research institutes from 32 countries applied for the 2023 GIC, with 58 innovative ideas in Sustainable Materials, 20 in Functional Materials, and 19 in Circular. LG Chem selected four outstanding startups from the applicants for pitching and is exploring ways to cooperate with them.

  • Microwave Chemical

  • EPOCH

  • SULAPAC

  • APChemi

Explore more about GIC 2023
GIC 2024 Comming Soon! GIC 2024 Comming Soon! GIC 2024 Comming Soon!
FAQs
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A The two programs have the same purpose of finding excellent technologies and products. In the Sustainable Partnership Program, any institution (enterprise, startups, research groups) that wishes to cooperate with LG Chem for a given topic can submit their proposals without a specific deadline. Once proposals are submitted, we will review them and examine ways for cooperation. On the other hand, in GIC, excellent institutions are selected through a public announcement within a specified period for a specific topic for conducting research and development projects.
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