LG Electronics to ramp up production of glass powders

LG Electronics plans to ramp up the production of different types of glass powder as a part of its strategy to enter the functional materials business.

LG Electronics is advancing its new business venture of supplying antibacterial glass powder and soluble glass powder. [LG ELECTRONICS]

LG Electronics plans to ramp up the production of different types of glass powder as a part of its strategy to enter the functional materials business.

The electronics manufacturer will supply antibacterial glass powder and water-soluble glass powder to third-party companies.

Glass powder is a fine powder made from ground glass. It possesses high durability and resistance to color and temperature changes.

Antibacterial glass powder, when incorporated into various materials like plastics, fibers, paints, and coatings, exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal capabilities.

The estimated market size is 24 trillion won ($17.9 billion), according to the company. It further plans to extend the business into the market for marine ecosystem restoration with soluble glass. When soluble glass is dissolved in water, it transforms into inorganic ions, which can be harnessed to restore marine ecosystems by supporting the growth of marine microalgae and seaweed. Soluble glass can also serve as an alternative to clay to disperse into the ocean during instances of "red tide" — a type of harmful algae bloom.

To venture into the new business, LG Electronics in 2022 had changed its articles of association to include "manufacturing and sales of functional materials such as glass powder."

LG appliances equipped with antibacterial glass powder such as the TROMM Washer/Dryer, DIOS Refrigerator, and Whisen Air Conditioner [LG ELECTRONICS]

Since last year, the company has been implementing antibacterial glass powder in refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and other LG appliances.

“We plan to expand the applications of glass beyond its inherent limitations, supported by our advanced technological capabilities and expertise,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, head of the Home Appliance & Air Solution Company at LG Electronics.

“The functional materials business will drive a sustainable future and will serve as a new growth engine for the company that accelerates ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management.”

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]