Lg ChemEdit

LG Chem, Ltd. is a major South Korean chemical company within the LG Group, one of Asia’s leading diversified conglomerates. It operates across several broad fields, including petrochemicals and base chemicals, advanced materials, and energy solutions. Headquartered in Seoul, the company has developed into a global supplier for packaging, consumer electronics, automotive components, and industrial applications. In 2020, its battery business was reorganized as a separately listed entity, LG Energy Solution, while LG Chem continued to focus on core chemical and materials businesses. The firm maintains extensive research, manufacturing, and distribution networks in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. South Korea LG Group LG Energy Solution

History

LG Chem traces its origins to the postwar period as part of Korea’s rapid industrial development. The company grew from early petrochemical activities into a diversified chemical producer, expanding its capabilities through successive mergers, reorganizations, and international investments. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, LG Chem broadened into advanced materials and specialty chemicals, aligning with global demand for higher-performing polymers, electronic materials, and functional compounds. The decision in 2020 to spin off the battery business into LG Energy Solution reflected a strategic focus on higher-growth segments, while LG Chem retained leadership in its traditional chemical portfolios and materials science initiatives. Lucky Chemical Industrial Co. LG Corporation

Business segments

LG Chem organizes its activities into three principal areas, each encompassing a range of products and applications.

Petrochemicals and base chemicals

This segment covers the production of foundational chemical products used across packaging, construction, consumer goods, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Core products include basic polymers, olefins, and downstream derivatives used to manufacture plastics, synthetic fibers, elastomers, and other materials. The segment relies on integrated manufacturing complexes and global supply chains to serve customers across multiple regions. Petrochemical industry Polymer

Advanced materials

LG Chem develops and supplies specialty polymers, engineering plastics, and performance materials used in electronics, automotive components, medical devices, and industrial applications. This includes materials designed for heat resistance, flame retardancy, optical properties, and lightweighting. The company’s advances in materials science underpin applications in mobile devices, automotive interiors, and durable goods. Advanced materials Engineering plastics

Energy solutions

The firm pursues materials and components for energy storage and power applications, including those used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. The battery-related activities have been reorganized into a distinct corporate entity, LG Energy Solution, while LG Chem continues to contribute through related chemistries, materials, and supply-chain know-how. The energy solutions portfolio also encompasses research into electrolyte formulations, separators, and related materials. Lithium-ion battery Energy storage

Global footprint and operations

LG Chem operates manufacturing plants, research and development centers, and sales offices around the world. Its global footprint supports diversified supply chains and customer proximity across continents, with activities spanning Korea, China, the United States, Europe, and other markets. The company collaborates with automakers, consumer electronics manufacturers, and industrial customers, integrating chemical production with advanced materials and energy technologies. Globalization Automotive industry Consumer electronics

Research, development, and strategic collaborations

A core element of LG Chem’s strategy is investment in research and development to advance polymer science, materials engineering, and energy-related technologies. R&D activities support innovations in high-performance plastics, functional materials, and battery-related chemistries. The company engages with universities, research institutes, and industry partners to accelerate commercialization and scale-up for global markets. R&D University–industry collaboration

Sustainability and governance

As a large chemical company, LG Chem emphasizes governance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility in its operations. Initiatives typically address emissions reductions, water stewardship, responsible sourcing, and safety performance at facilities. The company aligns its practices with international standards for corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, while pursuing transparent reporting to investors and stakeholders. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) Corporate governance Sustainability

Controversies and debates

LG Chem operates within an industry characterized by complex environmental, safety, and social considerations. Like peers in the chemical and energy-materials sectors, the company faces ongoing scrutiny over environmental impact, worker safety, and community relations at its facilities, as well as the broader implications of battery supply chains and manufacturing emissions. Debates typically center on balancing competitive industry growth with rigorous environmental protections, the pace of transitioning to low-emission processes, and transparency in supply chains. Supporters emphasize the importance of innovation, jobs, and economic development, while critics call for stronger standards and accountability. The discussions around these issues are part of wider policy and market debates that influence how large chemical and energy-storage companies adapt to changing technologies and regulations. Environmental regulation Supply chain transparency Labor rights