Welcome to LETZero Encyclopedia, an introductory series to LG Chem’s LETZero brand and their products. The last episode introduced PCR PVC, a material made by utilizing recycled raw materials. Today, we take a look at the features and usages of PEC, a next-generation plastic material produced using captured CO₂ and ethylene oxide made by capturing carbon dioxide, known to us as the major cause of global warming.

PEC, an eco-friendly material from its creation to destruction

While the whole world makes collective efforts to cut down carbon dioxide, the major cause of global warming, various technologies have recently been introduced that not only reduce carbon emissions but also utilize the carbon dioxide that is emitted into the air. One of these technologies is CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization).

PEC (Polyethylene Carbonate) is a next-generation plastic material obtained through the CCU* technology. It is made by utilizing carbon dioxide captured at factories, along with Ethylene Oxide. By using carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, as a plastic raw material, it contributes to carbon neutrality and instant carbon reduction compared to conventional fossil-fuel based plastics.
*CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization):  a technology of capturing carbon dioxide both in the atmosphere and generated during an industrial process to utilize it as a resource

PEC incorporates captured CO₂ and can contribute to carbon reduction depending on lifecycle conditions, from manufacture to disposal. The process is as follows. First, we capture the carbon dioxide generated during a petrochemical process. By converting this carbon dioxide directly into a polymer, we make the PEC material. When converting the carbon dioxide into a polymer, LG Chem does not take a separate conversion process, but directly input carbon dioxide to obtain PEC polymers. By omitting the additional process, LG Chem can keep down the loss of carbon dioxide, producing PEC of maximum 50% carbon dioxide content. The PEC produced through this process is utilized in packaging, films, and material enhancers. PEC maintains its characteristics through the end of its lifespan and disposal. Unlike conventional fossil-fuel based plastics, PEC is incinerated without generating soot, contributing to the air pollution reduction.

Normally, carbon dioxide is known as a stable material that is difficult to convert into another material. LG Chem has developed a proprietary material and processing technology to convert carbon dioxide into a plastic, securing the highest productivity among existing CO₂ plastics.

PEC boasts excellent physical properties, even when compared with PLA or PBAT. LG Chem’s PEC features superior oxygen and moisture barrier than PLA and PBAT. Plus, it has higher flexibility than PLA, and higher transparency than PBAT. Furthermore, LG Chem’s PEC can be combined with fossil-fuel based materials and other materials. Based on its excellent compatibility* with PLA, LG Chem’s PEC has improved its brittleness** and barrier features while maintaining its transparency.

*Compatibility: When two or more substances have affinity for each other, forming a solution or homogeneous mixture when combined.
**Brittleness: Brittleness or embrittlement, meaning that it can be broken easily

Applications of PEC

As mentioned before, PEC has high compatibility, meaning that it can be combined with various materials including PLA and HDPE, a fossil-fuel based material, and more. PEC blended with other materials comes with high barrier properties and transparency. It can have various applications, from flexible and soft materials to solid materials. By combining PEC with different materials, including fossil-fuel based materials, we can use it to produce cosmetic containers, food packaging, water bottles, PET bottle caps, two-way stretch films, artificial leather, and shoe outsoles.
Today’s LETZero Encyclopedia took a look at PEC. The next episode will come back with a story of OBP.