LG Chem to collaborate with TK Chemical to produce biodegradable plastic PBAT

South Korea's largest chemical company LG Chem Co Ltd said on Sept.
12 that it will produce biodegradable plastics to expand its presence in the eco-friendly product market after partnering with a smaller local chemical company
.

In cooperation with TK Chemical, LG Chem will develop and produce polybutenedioic acid-terephthalate (PBAT)
.

PBAT is a synthetic polymer based on fossil resources that degrades naturally within six months when buried in soil
.

The two companies said they plan to build a PBAT production facility in South Korea by the second half of 2022
.

LG Chem and TK Chem also agreed to collaborate on the production of other biodegradable composite materials
.

LG Chem announced last month that it would build a PBAT plant with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons, with the goal of mass production starting in 2024
.

TK Chemical is a subsidiary of South Korea's SM Group, known for producing chemical fibers
.