2023. 05. 10
In July 2021, LG Chem launched LETZero, an integrated eco-friendly product brand aimed at making a difference. LETZero focuses on reducing carbon emissions in the raw material stage and offers three product lines: 1) Recycled materials that are produced by reprocessing discarded plastics through mechanical and chemical methods, 2) Bio-Circular Balanced materials that utilize renewable materials derived from plant-based oils, which effectively reduce carbon emissions during the raw material stage, and 3) Compostable materials which are environmentally friendly and naturally decomposable. In August 2021, LG Chem successfully began mass-producing Bio-Circular Balanced SAP and achieved their first export, continuing to expand their eco-friendly product business. Recently, LG Chem produced eco-friendly remote controls and set-top boxes using LETZero materials. Let’s explore LG Chem’s lineup of environmentally friendly solutions that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
In collaboration with LG U+, a mobile network operator in South Korea, LG Chem developed PCR ABS material for remote controls, which was launched in October 2022. Prior to this, LG Chem had been a leader in plastic recycling with PCR ABS, a recycled material in pellet-form material derived from post-consumer plastic waste. PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials are created by collecting and recycling plastic waste discarded by consumers. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a polymer composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, known for its durability and resistance to impact and heat, as well as its versatility in terms of shapes and colors. It is widely used as a material for various products, including appliances, office equipment, automotive interior and exterior components, and toys. PCR ABS specifically utilizes post-consumer plastic waste and recycles it into ABS material for reuse.
The introduction of LG Chem and LG U+’s PCR ABS remote control is expected to annually reduce approximately 11 tons of plastic and carbon emissions by around 3.3 tons (tonCO₂-eq). To put this into perspective, it is equivalent to planting 500 pine trees, considering that a 30-year-old pine tree absorbs approximately 6.6 kg of CO₂ per year. Eco-friendly remote controls will be provided to new LG U+ TV subscribers starting from January 2023.
Following the production of eco-friendly remote controls, in October 2022, LG Chem signed an MOU with KT, a broadcasting and telecommunication network operator in South Korea, as well as Gaon Media, Marssis, KT SkyLife, and HCN, to manufacture eco-friendly set-top boxes. KT plans to complete a resource circulation process by extracting approximately 300 tons of plastic waste, including set-top boxes generated by the KT Group annually, through LG Chem’s recycling process and partnerships with other companies to produce eco-friendly set-top boxes using recycled materials.
The recycled material used in eco-friendly set-top boxes is PCR PC, made from recycled polycarbonate (PC), a material that is 150 times stronger than reinforced glass and can withstand temperatures above 120°C. PC is widely used in various fields, from electronic devices like smartphones to automotive parts and aircraft materials. It is mechanically recycled as one of the representative methods. The collected plastic is crushed, cleaned, melted, and formed into pellets. PCR PC is then created by blending a certain proportion of recycled material with new PC material, producing PCR PC with equivalent impact resistance, heat resistance, and transparency as new PC for various applications.
LG Chem and KT plan to produce approximately 10,000 units of eco-friendly set-top boxes for the upcoming GenieTV in 2022. Furthermore, starting next year, LG Chem will expand production to supply around 5 million units of eco-friendly terminal devices annually and aim to apply them to more than 20 million units by 2027.
LG Chem is at the forefront of developing and promoting eco-friendly products. The company has introduced Asia’s first plant-based eco-friendly ABS and obtained ISCC PLUS certification. ABS is a high-performance plastic known for its excellent heat resistance and impact resistance, and it is LG Chem’s top-selling product globally. The newly launched eco-friendly ABS utilizes renewable bio-based materials and is certified with ISCC PLUS, marking LG Chem’s pioneering entry into the eco-friendly ABS market in Asia. Under their integrated eco-friendly brand, ‘LETZero,’ LG Chem has released eco-friendly high-performance plastics as part of the 2050 Net Zero initiative. LG Chem has plans to actively expand and lead the market for eco-friendly high-performance plastics.
As part of their sustainability strategy, LG Chem has introduced bio-based diapers and flooring materials. Additionally, LG Chem has also released eco-friendly remote controls, set-top boxes, and other products that utilize recycled plastics, taking the lead in carbon neutrality and resource circulation efforts. Moving forward, LG Chem will continue to drive the global market with sustainable materials and a focus on eco-friendly products. LG Chem is committed to being an environmentally conscious company and working towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
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