LG CHEM's subsidiary LG ENI Bio Refining announced on the 4th that it has begun construction of a bio-oil (HVO·Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) plant in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. This plant is the first HVO facility in the country and is set to be built with an annual production capacity of 300,000 tons by 2027.
HVO is an eco-friendly product made by adding hydrogen to renewable vegetable oils such as waste cooking oil. It has a significant greenhouse gas emission reduction effect and does not freeze at low temperatures, allowing it to be utilized for various purposes including sustainable aviation fuel, biodiesel, and bio-naphtha.
LG CHEM plans to expand the proportion of globally eco-friendly certified products such as high-value-added synthetic resin (ABS) for home appliances and automobiles, high elasticity resin (EVA) for sports goods, and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) for hygiene products through the incorporation of bio-naphtha.
Earlier, LG CHEM established a joint venture named LG ENI Bio Refining with Eni's subsidiary Enilive in 2024. Eni is one of the largest integrated energy corporations in Europe, operating an HVO facility with a capacity of 2 million tons in Italy.
LG CHEM Vice Chairman Shin Hak-cheol noted, "LG CHEM is transforming its business portfolio to a low-carbon basis while simultaneously pursuing sustainable growth and revenue. We will continue to innovate and commercialize technologies in eco-friendly fuel and bio raw material sectors such as HVO."