LG Electronics receives TÜV Rheinland verification for carbon emission reduction (Image provided by LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — LG Electronics has introduced a new eco-conscious manufacturing process for its commercial system air conditioners, significantly cutting carbon emissions and reducing plastic use as part of its broader sustainability push.
According to the company’s announcement on Sunday, LG’s latest four-way cassette system air conditioner received official carbon reduction verification from global testing and certification body TÜV Rheinland. Each unit is estimated to cut 14.85 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂eq) emissions during production.
Innovation in Materials and Method
The environmental gains stem largely from a shift in manufacturing methods and materials. LG became the first in the industry to adopt a “physical foaming molding” process for plastic panel production, in which nitrogen gas is injected to create internal bubbles. This technique allows each air conditioning unit to use approximately 900 grams less plastic.
In addition, LG has switched the panel material from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) to polypropylene (PP), a resin known for lower carbon emissions during production.
The changes are expected to yield substantial environmental impact: a reduction of approximately 270 tons of plastic and over 4,400 tons of carbon emissions annually—an amount equivalent to the CO₂ absorption of a mature pine forest spanning the size of 580 soccer fields.
Expansion Plans
Production using the new method began in June for the commercial four-way system air conditioner line. LG plans to expand the eco-friendly approach to future residential and commercial models.
The move underscores LG’s commitment to integrating sustainability into product design and production, aligning with global efforts to lower the carbon footprint of consumer electronics.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
