LG Chem, for its rechargeable battery industry, expects increase in sales toward its major customers in accordance with the continuous growth of global IT market. The price-tightening policy of LCD and PDP makers for their piece parts is expected to diminish the profit of optical materials. However, the growth rate of LCD and PDP market will likely continue for a while, raising the demand for optical materials.
LG Chem has emerged as a leading provider of imaging solutions by developing a line of toner products as well as other advanced recording materials. The company began producing toner for copiers and printers in 1989, and annual capacity reached 5,000 metric tons in 2003, putting LG in the ranks of the worlds biggest toner makers.
We completed development and began mass production of Korea’s first lithium-ion batteries back in 1999. At the end of 2008, we were the world’s fourth-largest maker with an annual production capacity of 40 million cells, including 30 million cells in Korea and 10 million overseas. The first in the industry to commercially produce 2,800 mAh cells, we are considered to be one of the technology leaders in the field.
We produce both lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries come in cylindrical or prismatic cells, exhibit no memory effect, and have a high energy density and nominal voltage. They also have multiple safety features that make them ideal for notebook PCs, camcorders, mobile phones, and other personal electronics devices. Lithium-ion polymer batteries offer more freedom in battery shape than lithium-ion cells, enabling the battery to be easily and perfectly tailored to fit the device. Their energy density is also superior to conventional cells, allowing significant weight savings to be achieved.
Medium- and large-format batteries are highoutput, high-capacity devices with a long list of applications including robots, robot vacuum cleaners, electric bicycles, electric wheelchairs, and electric and hybrid vehicles. Since beginning commercial production of these batteries in 2005, we have continued to enhance our competitiveness by working closely with major customers. We are also positioning ourselves for future growth by accelerating development of low-cost, high-efficiency clean energy solutions.
PETROCHEMICALS
Optical & Display Materials
