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LG Electronics has operationalized production lines for "LG PuroTec," a glass powder-based functional material, and "EasyClean Enamel" at its Haiphong production subsidiary in Vietnam to expand its functional materials business, which the company is nurturing as a key B2B enterprise. The Haiphong production line has an annual production capacity of approximately 2,000 metric tons. / Photo courtesy of LG Electronics

LG Electronics is expanding its global production infrastructure to scale up its functional materials business as a core B2B growth driver.

The company announced on July 23 that it recently operationalized production lines for "LG PuroTec" and "EasyClean Enamel"—glass powder-based functional materials—at its production subsidiary in Haiphong, Vietnam.

LG PuroTec is an antibacterial and antifungal functional material that suppresses contamination caused by microorganisms when added in small quantities to materials such as plastics, paints, and rubber. It features high compatibility with various materials while minimizing the deformation of raw material properties. Beyond home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners, it can be applied to building materials, hygiene products, food packaging, and medical equipment.

EasyClean Enamel is a functional coating material that applies a thin layer of vitreous ceramic to metal surfaces. When applied to the interiors of cooking appliances like microwave ovens and ranges, food residue and grease can be easily removed, and it offers high resistance to discoloration and scratching even with prolonged use. Maintaining stable quality even in high-temperature environments, it serves as a core material for kitchen appliances where hygiene and maintenance convenience are essential.

The newly established Haiphong production line was built in a dedicated facility spanning 3,200 square meters and possesses an annual production capacity of approximately 2,000 metric tons. LG Electronics currently operates a functional materials production line with an annual capacity of about 4,500 metric tons at LG Smart Park in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. Combined, the Changwon and Haiphong facilities secure a total annual production capacity of 6,500 metric tons.

An official from LG Electronics explained, "We expanded our production base to respond to the strengthening of hygiene and safety standards across industries and the rapid growth in demand for functional materials," adding, "The Haiphong production line will serve as a key production hub responding to demand in Global South markets such as India and Southeast Asia, as well as North America, Europe, and China."

In the functional materials business, stable supply capabilities and consistent quality are considered key competitive factors. The Haiphong production line has automated approximately 80 percent of the entire manufacturing process—from raw material input to melting, cooling, crushing, packaging, and shipping. This setup enhances production efficiency and stability while ensuring product quality uniformity.

Kim Young-seok, Head of the HS Functional Materials Business Division at LG Electronics, said, "Based on our production infrastructure and quality competitiveness, we will provide differentiated material solutions that meet customer needs," adding, "We will continue to expand business opportunities."

                                                                                                              Choi In-kyu