LG Chem’s subsidiary, LG Enivabio Refining, announced on August 4 that construction has begun on Korea’s first Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) production plant in Seosan City, Chungnam Province. The plant is scheduled to be a large-scale facility capable of producing 300,000 tons annually and is expected to be completed by 2027.
HVO is an environmentally friendly fuel made by adding hydrogen to renewable vegetable oils, such as waste cooking oil. It boasts excellent greenhouse gas reduction effects, low-temperature freezing resistance, and versatile applications, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), biodiesel, and bio-naphtha.
In particular, SAF is used as aircraft fuel, while bio-naphtha serves as a key raw material for ethylene in the petrochemical industry.
LG Chem plans to expand the production share of BCB (Bio Circular Balanced) products—high-value-added eco-friendly synthetic resins such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), and SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) used in home appliances, automobiles, and hygienic products—by utilizing bio-naphtha. These products have obtained ISCC PLUS certification, indicating their sustainability credentials.
Last December, LG Chem established a joint venture, LG Enivabio Refining, with Italy’s Eni, one of Europe’s largest integrated energy companies. Eni operates a 2-million-ton HVO plant in Italy and has advanced eco-friendly refining technology along with a global supply chain of sustainable raw materials.
Stefano Variasta, CEO of Enilive, stated, “The commencement of this plant marks a significant step in implementing Enilive’s strategy to expand sustainable products and strengthen its leadership in eco-friendly fuel production.”
LG Chem Vice Chairman Shin Hak-cheol emphasized, “LG Chem is transforming its business portfolio to focus on low-carbon initiatives, aiming for sustainable growth and increased profitability. We will continue to innovate and commercialize technologies in eco-friendly fuels like HVO and bio raw materials, strengthening our global competitiveness and swiftly responding to customer demand.”
