LG Electronics is expanding the application of its antibacterial functional material 'PuroTec' into the food processing industry as part of its B2B (business-to-business) new business.
LG Electronics noted on the 16th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the smart aquaculture company Ecoaquafarm on the 13th at the Gasan R&D Campus in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul to apply PuroTec to strengthen hygiene in land-based aquaculture plant manufacturing. The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Young-seok, head of the HS Functional Materials Business Unit at LG Electronics, and Jin Hyo-sang, CEO of Ecoaquafarm.
LG Electronics and Ecoaquafarm are promoting technical cooperation to maintain food safety by applying PuroTec during the transportation, processing, and packaging of salmon. For example, applying PuroTec to the floors or walls of processing rooms can inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, ensuring a hygienic environment. Additionally, the company explained that utilizing PuroTec in refrigerators, storage areas, packaging materials, and processing equipment can help reduce bacterial proliferation and maintain the freshness of salmon.
'PuroTec' provides antibacterial and antifungal effects that prevent odors, contamination, and discoloration when added to various materials such as plastics, paints, and rubber. With a particle size of approximately 4 μm (micrometers), it demonstrates high antibacterial performance even in small quantities and can be applied to various materials like plastics and fibers, showcasing its versatility.
Since 2006, LG Electronics has consistently applied for patents related to glass powder, currently holding 420 patents, which form the basis for the development of PuroTec as a new business in B2B. Last year, it received safety recognition for the application of food packaging materials by obtaining approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact substances (FCS).
Baek Seung-tae, vice president of the Kitchen Solutions Division at LG Electronics, said, "Through the MOU, we will secure technical references for applying FDA-approved PuroTec in smart aquaculture and the food distribution industry, expanding the scope of functional materials in our B2B new business."