LG Chem has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Volkswagen Group to develop and broaden the use of next-generation “lightweight and sustainable” mobility materials.

Under the agreement, the South Korean chemicals firm and the German automotive group will jointly work on advanced plastics and composite materials.

The aim is to cut vehicle weight and improve performance using LG Chem's acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and engineering plastics (EP).

LG Chem describes both materials as “high-performance plastics with excellent impact strength, durability, and processability”.

They are commonly used for the outer casings of home appliances and for interior and exterior automotive parts.

The company also intends to look at wider use of its post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, along with cost-efficient material options, in interior and exterior components across the Volkswagen Group's main car brands.

Both parties have agreed to pursue several research and development activities, including feasibility studies on applying specific materials.

They will also exchange information on technology trends and global market developments in the next-generation mobility materials space.

LG Chem's combined ABS production capacity across its domestic and overseas operations stands at 2.35 million tonnes per annum.

Its ABS range includes high-gloss, high-heat-resistant and paintless grades that can be used directly for customer-specific applications such as side mirrors and radiator grilles.

The company also supplies automotive products such as paintless acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) and high-gloss, high-heat-resistant ABS, which it says “help customers improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs and achieve vehicle lightweighting”.

LG Chem petrochemicals company senior vice president and head Kim Sangmin said: “We expect this to be a meaningful starting point for global automakers and materials companies to jointly drive innovation in future mobility materials.

“Based on our technological capabilities and competitiveness in the field of high-value-added, eco-friendly materials, we will work with our customers to set new milestones for sustainable growth.”

Earlier this month, LG Chem's unit LG Energy Solution announced that it had developed a key technology with Seoul National University to significantly improve the stability of next-generation lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries.

The development paves the way for commercialising LMR materials in large-format cells used in electric vehicles.