SEOUL, Mar. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – In a pioneering move towards sustainable cosmetics packaging, LG Chem, a leading South Korean chemical company, is set to unveil an innovative eco-friendly plastic material derived from captured carbon dioxide at the world’s largest beauty trade fair, Cosmoprof Bologna 2024, which kicks off on March 21 in Bologna, Italy.
The global event, which is expected to over 3,000 cosmetic companies representing various sectors such as raw materials, packaging, contract manufacturing, and brands, provides LG Chem with a platform to showcase its cutting-edge sustainable solution for the beauty industry.
At the Ecozone pavilion hosted by its eco-friendly partner company, Cosmax, LG Chem will introduce cosmetic containers made from polyethylene carbonate (PEC), a next-generation eco-friendly material derived from captured carbon dioxide and ethylene oxide.
PEC is a groundbreaking innovation in the field of sustainable plastics, as LG Chem has independently developed the core catalyst and process technology required for converting captured carbon dioxide into a high-performance plastic material. This breakthrough has enabled the company to achieve the highest productivity among existing CO2-based plastics, positioning LG Chem as a leader in this emerging field.
The versatility of PEC extends far beyond cosmetic packaging. While primarily utilized in the production of cosmetic containers and food packaging, this innovative material can be blended with other plastics to create a wide range of products, from soft films to rigid cases, opening up new possibilities for sustainable solutions across various industries.
The move towards eco-friendly packaging is gaining significant momentum in the cosmetics industry, driven by stricter environmental regulations and a growing global emphasis on sustainable practices. The introduction of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has prompted many global cosmetic companies to pledge to label their products with carbon footprints and increase their use of recycled plastics by 2030.
“Based on our next-generation material PEC, derived from captured carbon dioxide, we will strengthen partnerships with cosmetic customers and contribute to preventing global warming,” said an LG Chem official, highlighting the company’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation and addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)