Researchers at LG Chem’s future technology center test a newly developed biodegradable material featuring characteristics equal to synthetic resin, in this photo provided by the chemical maker.
SEOUL, Oct. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — LG Chem Ltd., South Korea’s leading chemical company, has succeeded in developing a new single-source biodegradable material for the first time in the world.
The company announced on Monday that it succeeded in in-house development of the new material by using corn-based glucose and waste glycerol that features a great improvement in flexibility and transparency compared to existing biodegradable materials.
Existing biodegradable materials, in general, have been used by being mixed with different plastic materials or additives to strengthen their mechanical properties and flexibility. Accordingly, the mechanical properties and prices are different by supplier.
Unlike competing products, however, the cutting-edge biodegradable material developed by LG Chem is a single-source material without the need to be mixed with other materials or additives, thereby being able to be tailored to customer specifications in quality and properties.
This photo, provided by LG Chem on Oct. 19, 2020, shows a newly developed biodegradable material featuring characteristics equal to synthetic resin and its test product, which the chemical maker has developed.
In particular, the flexibility of the new biodegradable material is improved by more than 20 times compared to existing biodegradable materials.
Even after being processed, the newly-developed biodegradable material can maintain transparency and, therefore, could have a significant influence on the eco-friendly packaging industry.
LG Chem expects the newly-developed biodegradable material to be used in various areas, including plastic bags and disposable cups, as the demand for biodegradable material is increasing amid tightened regulations on the use of disposable items worldwide.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
