LG Chem-GS Caltex Accelerate Commercialization of 'World's First' Bio-based 3HP

Cooperative Project on Eco-Friendly Bio Raw Materials on the 12th
Demonstration Plant Completed at GS Caltex Yeosu Plant
Prototype Production Targeted for Q1 2024

Vice Chairman Shin Hak-cheol of LG Chem (left) and President Heo Se-hong of GS Caltex are taking a commemorative photo after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the 3HP joint business. Photo by LG Chem

LG Chem and GS Caltex are accelerating their eco-friendly bio-based raw material business.

On the 12th, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint business cooperation on 3HP (3-Hydroxypropionic acid), a key raw material for eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics, at LG Chem’s Magok R&D campus in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The signing ceremony was attended by LG Chem Vice Chairman Shin Hak-cheol, GS Caltex President Heo Se-hong, and R&D personnel from both companies, the companies announced on the 13th.

The two companies signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) in 2021 to develop mass production technology for 3HP. In July of last year, they also broke ground on a 3HP demonstration plant at GS Caltex’s Yeosu refinery. The recently completed plant aims to begin full-scale prototype production in the first quarter of 2024.

3HP is an eco-friendly substance produced through microbial fermentation processes using plant-derived raw materials. Plastics made from 3HP are high polymers with excellent biodegradability and high flexibility, capable of replacing various disposable product materials. Additionally, 3HP can be converted into bio-based acrylic acid, which is attracting attention as a next-generation platform chemical that can be used as a raw material for various materials such as superabsorbent polymers (SAP) used in diapers, paints, adhesives, coatings, and carbon fibers.

Although there have been global attempts to develop 3HP technology, there have been no commercialized cases to date, so the prototype production by the two companies is expected to be the world’s first commercial case of 3HP.

The collaboration between the two companies was made possible by the synergy of LG Chem’s core fermentation technology for 3HP and GS Caltex’s separation and purification process technology and process scale-up capabilities.

Through this business agreement, the two companies will jointly review the 3HP joint business model and related projects. Considering the future market conditions for biodegradable materials and various bioplastics, they plan to comprehensively discuss various cooperation options, including the establishment of a joint venture to expand the joint business.

Shin Hak-cheol, Vice Chairman of LG Chem, said, "Through strengthening the partnership between the two companies in the white bio sector for a sustainable future, we will continue to lead eco-friendly technologies that can contribute to achieving net zero by 2050."

Heo Se-hong, President of GS Caltex, stated, "Through cooperation in developing eco-friendly raw materials, we will enhance ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) capabilities such as contributing to the circular economy and carbon reduction, while also creating economic value through the commercialization of high value-added products."

Meanwhile, LG Chem independently possesses world-class 3HP fermentation technology and, through this, succeeded in developing PLH (Poly Lactate 3-Hydroxypropionate), a biodegradable new material capable of achieving mechanical properties equivalent to synthetic resins, for the first time in the world in October 2020.

Additionally, LG Chem plans to realize a decarbonization strategy across its supply chain through efforts such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy, conducting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), operating responsible resource procurement policies, and developing carbon dioxide conversion technologies, aiming for net zero by 2050.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.