LG Chem and GS Caltex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further their collaborative endeavors on a joint project focusing on 3HP (3-Hydroxypropionic acid), an essential raw material for eco-friendly biodegradable plastics.
The signing ceremony took place at the LG Chem Magok R&D Campus, attended by LG Chem CEO Hak Cheol Shin, GS Caltex CEO Heo Seo-hong, and R&D teams from both companies.
This MOU builds upon a 2021 Joint Development Agreement (JDA) between the two entities, resulting in the construction of a 3HP testing plant at the GS Caltex Yeosu Plant in July of the same year. The recently completed plant sets the stage for prototype production, slated to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
3HP, produced through the microbial fermentation of plant-derived materials, is highlighted as an eco-friendly substance. The plastics derived from 3HP showcase exemplary biodegradability and flexibility, positioning them as viable replacements for various disposable materials.
Furthermore, 3HP can be transformed into bio-acrylic acid, making it a next-generation platform chemical with applications in a range of materials, including super absorbent polymers (SAP) used in diapers, as well as paints, adhesives, coating materials, and carbon fiber.
Despite global efforts to develop 3HP-related technologies, none have been commercialized to date. Therefore, the forthcoming production of the companies’ prototype is anticipated to represent the world’s first commercialization of 3HP.
LG Chem CEO, Hak Cheol Shin, remarked, “We will persist in leading eco-friendly technologies, enhancing our commitment to achieving a 2050 Net Zero by fortifying our partnership for a sustainable future in the white bio sector.”
