According to MRC Hub article published on December 6, 2022, with the launch of its eco-friendly, highly functional bio-based ABS, LG Chem has added a further product to its growing portfolio of LetZero materials, said Sustainableplastics.
LetZero is the brand name under which the company has brought its range of sustainable materials together, and includes PCR made of reprocessed waste plastics, renewably-sourced biomaterials, and biodegradable materials made of glucose and waste glycerol extracted from corn.
ABS is LG Chems leading product on the global market. The company sells some two million tonnes of transparent ABS per year. The material is in high demand because of its favourable properties, such as outstanding heat and impact resistance, toughness, good colourability and processability. It is currently one of the go-to materials in applications ranging from toys, and household appliances to the automotive and construction industry.
LG Chem has already supplied the new Bio-Circular balanced ABS to leading toy manufacturer Mattel, in the US. ”We will lead the market with sustainable materials centred on eco-friendly products and provide valuable consumption opportunities for customers," LG Chem's petrochemical division head No Guk-rae said in a 4 Dec statement.
LG Chem has adopted the biomass balance approach in the production of various plant-based materials and is the first Asian company to bring an ISCC Plus-certified ‘eco-friendly’ ABS to the market. According to the company, a life cycle assessment has been performed showing that the new grade generates significantly lower carbon emissions from raw material production to shipment compared to conventionally produced ABS.
LG Chem will invest 310 billion won (USD233 million) to build a plastic recycling plant and an aerogel plant in Dangjin, South Chungcheong. The chemical company signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Gyeongsang provincial office and Dangjin city government Wednesday, with CEO Shin Hak-cheol and South Gyeongsang governor Kim Tae-heum and Dangjin Mayor Oh Seong-hwan, in attendance.
