Plant-Based Bio Products

LG Chem is introducing bio-acrylic acid, an environmentally friendly material made from vegetable oils. The company will start producing prototypes of this bio-based acrylic acid in the second quarter of this year, with an initial annual production of 100 metric tons (MT).

Bio-acrylic acid can be used in many products, including "cosmetics, diapers, adhesives for electronics and vehicles, coatings, and eco-friendly paints." While other companies have worked on developing this technology, LG Chem is the first to make it commercially available.

The bio-acrylic acid is "made from 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), which is produced through microbial fermentation of plant-based raw materials. It has the same properties as regular acrylic acid but is completely plant-based; LG Chem developed the 3HP strain and fermentation process in-house and received the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, confirming it as 100% bio-based."

The company plans to promote this product to sustainability-focused companies in North America and Europe, with the cosmetics industry being a key target market.

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