[Courtesy of LG Chem]
Superabsorbent polymer (SAP), known as slush powder, can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of a liquid relative to its own mass. The largest use of SAPs is found in personal disposable hygiene products, such as baby diapers, adult diapers and sanitary napkins.
LG Chem said its product has received ISCC PLUS certification. ISCC PLUS, which is a global standard for recycled and bio-based materials, provides a thorough basis for the voluntary implementation of sustainability criteria in supply chains. The company would expand SAP sales to customers in Europe and the United States in the second half of 2021.
"It is very meaningful as it marked a starting point for our petrochemical business to convert its product portfolio to eco-friendly materials," LG Ghem's petrochemical business head Noh Kug-lae said in a statement on August 4. LG Chem has expanded the production of biodegradable plastics.
In November 2020, LG Chem signed a strategic partnership with Neste, a leading biodiesel producer based in Finland, to accelerate the production of eco-friendly materials and secure a stable delivery of biomaterials for the production of eco-friendly synthetic resins. Neste's bio-based raw materials are produced from vegetable oils such as renewable waste cooking oil and palm oil.
LG Chem has developed a new biodegradable material that can be used for plastic bags, air cap buffers, disposable cups and foaming products because of improved flexibility and transparency. Bioplastics can be made from agricultural by-products and also from used plastic bottles and other containers using microorganisms.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
