LG Chem and Volkswagen Group are joining forces to develop next-generation lightweight and sustainable materials for future vehicles, as automakers and suppliers accelerate efforts to cut weight, improve performance and reduce environmental impact.

 

The two companies have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at LG Twin Towers in Yeouido to “develop and expand the application of next-generation, eco-friendly mobility materials.”

 

The agreement brings together LG Chem’s materials expertise and Volkswagen Group’s automotive capabilities, with the companies set to explore joint development of advanced plastics and composite materials.

 

The partnership will focus on using LG Chem’s ABS and engineering plastics (EP) to help reduce vehicle weight while enhancing performance. Both materials offer high impact strength, durability and processability and are widely used in automotive interior and exterior components.

 

Sustainability will be a key part of the collaboration. LG Chem plans to explore wider adoption of its post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in interior and exterior components across Volkswagen Group’s major automotive brands.

 

The companies will also examine cost-efficient material solutions aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency while supporting vehicle lightweighting.

 

LG Chem has annual ABS production capacity of 2.35 million metric tons across its domestic and overseas operations. Its portfolio includes high-gloss, high-heat-resistant and paintless ABS products designed for applications including side mirrors and radiator grilles.

 

LG Chem said it has continued expanding its automotive PCR portfolio since becoming the first company in the industry to successfully produce white-colored PCR ABS in 2020.

 

The company is also developing automotive solutions such as paintless ASA and high-gloss, high-heat-resistant ABS, which are designed to help automakers reduce costs, improve manufacturing efficiency and lower vehicle weight.

 

Under the MOU, LG Chem and Volkswagen Group will conduct feasibility studies for specific material applications and share information on technology trends and global market developments involving next-generation mobility materials.

 

Volkswagen Group executives also toured exhibition booths and seminars at LG Chem’s Osan Customer Solution Campus, where they reviewed technologies centered on PCR-based circular economy solutions, electrification, high performance and cost competitiveness.

 

The delegation subsequently visited LG Science Park in Magok to explore LG Group’s future growth technologies and mobility-related R&D capabilities.

 

The companies said the collaboration reflects a shared interest in developing innovative and sustainable materials for future mobility, with LG Chem targeting further growth in high-value-added automotive materials such as ABS and EP.

 

Kim Sangmin, Senior Vice President and Head of LG Chem’s Petrochemicals Company, said: 'We expect this to be a meaningful starting point for global automakers and materials companies to jointly drive innovation in future mobility materials. Based on our technological capabilities and competitiveness in the field of high-value-added, eco-friendly materials, we will work with our customers to set new milestones for sustainable growth.”

 

The MoU signals an expanded push by LG Chem to deepen partnerships with global automakers and broaden the use of sustainable, lightweight and high-performance materials in next-generation vehicles.