LG Chem and GS Caltex to Develop Plant-Based 3HP

LG Chem and GS Caltex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a joint project focused on 3HP (3-hydroxypropionic acid), a basic raw material for environment-friendly, biodegradable plastics. The signing ceremony, held at the LG Chem Magok R&D Campus, was attended by LG Chem CEO Hak Cheol Shin, GS Caltex CEO Heo Seo-hong, and the R&D teams of both companies. The Memorandum of Understanding was developed based on a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed between the two organizations in 2021, which resulted in the establishment of a 3HP test facility at the GS Caltex Yeosu Plant in July of that year. The recently completed facility is now preparing the groundwork for prototype production, scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2024. 3HP, produced through microbial fermentation of plant-based materials, stands out as an environment-friendly substance. Plastics derived from 3HP exhibit excellent biodegradability and flexibility, positioning them as suitable alternative materials for various single-use products. Furthermore, 3HP can be converted into bio-acrylic acid, making it a next-generation platform chemical with applications in a range of materials, including superabsorbent polymers (SAP) used in diapers, as well as paints, adhesives, coating materials, and carbon fiber. Despite global efforts to develop technologies related to 3HP, none have been commercialized to date. Therefore, the companies' prototype production is expected to represent the world's first commercialization of 3HP. LG Chem CEO Hak Cheol Shin stated, "We will strengthen our partnership in the white biotech sector to advance our commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2050 and continue to lead the way in environment-friendly technologies." Source