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 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 is working to support a circular economy by expanding the use of recycled resources. We utilize Circular Naphtha produced through chemical recycling processes as a feedstock and supply products containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Through these efforts, we aim to promote resource circularity and contribute to a more circular use of resources.

Establishment of a Joint Venture for the HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) business (2024)
Construction of supercritical pyrolysis plant (2024)
Production of various recycled plastics such as PCR-ABS, PC, PE, PP, and PVC

- 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!

LG Chem is advancing its 2050 Net Zero ambition through renewable energy expansion, greenhouse gas reduction technologies, and CCU innovation. We also develop advanced materials for batteries and solar power applications to contribute to the transition toward reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Advancing the commercialization of DRM (Dry Reforming of Methane) technology
Mass production of high-performance insulation material aerogel (2024)
Expansion of POE plant for photovoltaic encapsulants (2024)

Energy Transition & Sustainable Materials Open Innovation LG Chem

- Sustainable Aviation Fuel(SAF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative aviation fuel that may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional fossil-based aviation fuel.
LG Chem is advancing SAF-related technologies to support the aviation industry's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We continue to invest in research and development of sustainable aviation fuels, collaborating with startups to achieve innovative technological advancements and commercialization.

- Clean Hydrogen & CCU* / Energy-efficient Process

*CCU : Carbon Capture and Utilization

LG Chem is enhancing resource efficiency and supporting greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts by producing hydrogen from by-product methane generated in the NCC (Naphtha Cracking Center) process and reusing the hydrogen as fuel.
The company is also developing carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies that convert carbon dioxide from industrial processes into feedstocks for chemical products, including syngas, acrylic acid, and naphtha.
In addition, LG Chem is introducing waste heat recovery and other energy-efficiency technologies and advancing process technologies, including desalting through neutralization and liquid-liquid phase separation and extraction of polymer solutions, to improve operational and energy efficiency across its existing production facilities.

- New Material Technology for Battery & Renewable Energy

LG Chem contributes to the distribution of 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.

Be Our Partner!

LG Chem Global Innovation Challenge Program (LGGIC)

LGGIC is a global open innovation program that connects LG Chem with innovative startups worldwide.
Guided by our vision, "We Connect Science to Life for a Better Future," LG Chem is expanding the development of technologies and products that can contribute to the circular economy and climate transition.
Join us in creating innovative solutions that support circularity and resource efficiency.

NEXT GIC COMING SOON

GIC 2023

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

FAQs

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.