[Digital Today reporter Daegeon Seok] LG Electronics is expanding its global B2B business based on its antimicrobial functional new material, LG PuroTec. LG Electronics said on April 22 it is taking part in Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, China, from April 21 for four days to introduce its materials lineup. Chinaplas is an event attended by about 4,000 companies from about 150 countries, and is considered one of the world’s three major industrial materials exhibitions along with the U.S. NPE and Germany’s K-SHOW.

LG Electronics is showcasing a total of 5 types of its PuroTec lineup at the exhibition and has enabled visitors to experience various products using it. It introduced cases where PuroTec is applied to everyday product groups, including home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners, as well as building materials, functional clothing, hygiene products and food packaging. It has also set up a separate meeting area for B2B customers and is holding consultations on tailored solutions.

PuroTec is a powder-form substance made by crushing glass mixed with functional materials. When a small amount is added during the manufacture of materials such as plastic, paint and rubber, it produces antibacterial and antifungal effects that suppress odor, contamination and discoloration caused by microorganisms. The company said B2B customers visiting the booth showed interest in its compatibility, including maintaining inherent material properties even when applied to various materials such as transparent and flame-retardant plastics, while minimizing interference with other additives.

LG Electronics started its new materials business based on antimicrobial technology it has researched since 2023 to strengthen hygiene in home appliances. Since then, it has expanded sales by at least 2 times year on year. To expand production capacity, it is operating facilities with annual capacity of 4,500 tons at its Changwon Smart Park in South Gyeongsang province, and is building a second glass powder production base in Haiphong, Vietnam, aiming to begin operations within the year.

It is also speeding up efforts to secure patents and certifications. It holds about 420 patents related to glass powder and passed regulations related to antimicrobial agents required to enter the European and U.S. markets early this year. Last year, it signed a memorandum of understanding with international testing and certification body SGS Korea to jointly develop an international certification that officially recognizes the antimicrobial performance of LG PuroTec.

LG Electronics is also broadening application areas for its glass powder beyond PuroTec. Products include Marine Glass, which supplies nutrients to seaweed and microalgae to contribute to marine ecosystem restoration and carbon reduction, and Mineral Wash, which enables laundry without surfactants.

Kim Young-seok (김영석), head of the HS Functional Materials Business Division, said, "We will rapidly expand our new materials business by leading with a glass powder lineup optimized for the needs of B2B customers across various industries, including LG PuroTec."