"Using Waste PET Bottles as Flooring Material: LG Chem Targets Eco-Friendly Plasticizer Market"

Development Requested by North American Customers

LG Chem is set to aggressively target the eco-friendly market by developing raw materials for environmentally friendly plasticizers.

On the 26th, LG Chem announced that it will create eco-friendly plasticizers used as raw materials for flooring from discarded PET bottles in everyday life, establishing a plastic recycling system.

Plasticizers are essential additives that improve the flexibility and elasticity of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and are mainly used in manufacturing flooring, car seats, and other products.

The eco-friendly plasticizer developed by LG Chem significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional products and is scheduled for full-scale production starting this December.

Recently, global policies related to plastics have been strengthened, expanding the eco-friendly market. LG Chem’s eco-friendly plasticizer was developed in response to requests from major customers primarily exporting to North America.

Some U.S. states are implementing policies to increase the mandatory use of recycled materials from the current 15% to 30% by 2030. The eco-friendly market is expected to become more active.

An LG Chem researcher is studying eco-friendly plasticizers.
[Photo by LG Chem]

To lead the eco-friendly market, LG Chem has obtained the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), a global recycling certification from the U.S. GRS certifies eco-friendly products containing more than 20% recycled materials, and major flooring and textile companies in North America hold GRS certification.

Han Dong-yeop, General Manager of LG Chem’s PVC/Plasticizer Division, said, “Through the continuous expansion of eco-friendly products such as the newly launched eco-friendly plasticizer and the already released recycled PVC, we will accelerate leading ESG innovation.”

As part of its sustainability strategy, LG Chem has introduced diapers made from bio-based materials and eco-friendly remote controls and set-top boxes using recycled plastics. In early March, the company began construction of a supercritical pyrolysis oil plant, focusing on carbon neutrality and resource circulation activities.

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