The company's PFAS-free flame-retardant PC/ABS compound, developed in the first half of 2024, has received the highest V-0 rating in the UL94 flame-retardant test, a U.S. certification standard.
The new material, made with recycled plastic, is free from perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals known for their heat resistance but criticized for their environmental impact.
LG Chem claims to be the first to achieve V-0 level flame-retardant performance with a PFAS-free PC (polycarbonate)/ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) material.
The grade requires materials to self-extinguish within 10 seconds when ignited vertically.
The material incorporates over 50 percent recycled plastic content, reducing carbon emissions by 46 percent compared to standard PC/ABS materials.
The eco-friendly plastic is expected to find applications in various electronic devices, including laptops, tablets and electric vehicle chargers.
"The transition to eco-friendly materials, including PFAS-free flame-retardant plastics, will become a global trend," said Steven Kim, executive vice president of LG Chem's engineering materials division.
"We will continue our research and development efforts to create eco-friendly and flame-retardant materials that prioritize customer health and the environment,” he added.
