Milestone in bio-acrylic acid

Starting in Q2, South Korea’s LG Chem is to produce the first commercial bio-acrylic acid in the form of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP) from vegetable oils. This strain of 3HP and the microbial fermentation technology it developed in-house were given the USAD-Certified Biobased Product label in 2024, certifying it to be 100% biobased.  

Potential applications include cosmetic ingredients for direct skin contact, superabsorbent polymers, adhesives for electronics and vehicles, paints and coatings. The company plans to promote it in the US and Europe, with the cosmetics industry expected to be a key market because of its strong demand for natural materials that have the same functionality as those derived from fossil fuels. 

LG Chem added that its product retains the same molecular structure and properties as conventional acrylic acid, while being entirely plant-based. It plans to operate a customised production system that can respond immediately to customer needs and is considering expanding production from the initial prototype capacity of 100 tonnes/year if demand increases.