LG Chem recently announced it is entering the global market with eco-friendly raw materials derived from vegetable oils. The company announced that it will begin production of bio-acrylic acid in the second quarter of this year, and production capacity will ramp up to 100 mt of prototype annually.

Bio-acrylic acid can be applied to various materials, including adhesives for electronics and vehicles, coating materials, and eco-friendly paints. According to LG Chem, although attempts to develop bio-acrylic acid technology have been made worldwide, none have reached commercialization until now.

LG Chem’s bio-acrylic acid is made from 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP), produced by microbial fermentation of plant-based raw materials. The product retains the same molecular structure and properties as conventional acrylic acid while being entirely plant-based.

LG Chem developed its 3HP strain and fermentation technology in-house, earning the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product (BIOPREFERRED®) label, confirming it as 100% bio-based content, last year.

Starting with prototype production, the company plans to actively promote the product to sustainability-driven companies in North America and Europe. The cosmetics industry is expected to be a key market for bio-acrylic acid.

LG Chem plans to operate a customized bio-acrylic acid production system that can respond immediately to customer needs and is considering expanding production facilities if market demand increases.

“We expect bio-acrylic acid to be an innovative product that meets the sustainability needs of our customers and the market. We will continue leading the development of eco-friendly technologies,” said Song Byung-Keun, senior vice president and head of the Acrylates/SAP Business Unit at LG Chem.