LG Chem adds eco-friendly features to flame-retardant plastics

LG Chem has developed an eco-friendly flame-retardant material that resists burning. The company announced that its PFAS-free flame-retardant PC/ABS material made from recycled plastics has achieved a V-0 rating in UL 94, a standard flame retardant test certified by UL in the United States.

PC/ABS is a plastic that combines PC (polycarbonate) and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) to significantly improve heat resistance and abrasion resistance.
The V-0 rating represents the highest flame retardant performance in the industry, requiring the material to extinguish within 10 seconds when burned vertically. LG Chem is the first company to certify V-0 or higher flame retardant performance with PFAS-free PC/ABS materials.

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) are known for their heat resistance and insolubility in water and oil, and are commonly used in cookware, clothing and cosmetics. However, due to their non-compostable nature and potential environmental impact, there is an increasing demand for PFAS-free materials, especially in Europe and the United States.

Through a proprietary flame retardant process, LG Chem improves the material's heat resistance without the use of PFAS. In addition, the addition of post-consumer recycled content (PCR) reduces carbon emissions. More than half of the material's ingredients are made from recycled plastic, which reduces carbon emissions by 46% compared to using standard PC/ABS materials.

Steven Kim, executive vice president of LG Chem's engineering materials division, said: "The transition to environmentally friendly materials, including flame-retardant plastics that do not contain PFAS, will become a global trend. We will continue to conduct research and development to create environmentally friendly flame retardant materials, prioritizing customer health and the environment."