LG Cuts Carbon Emissions and Plastic Use in Air Conditioner Manufacturing

Share

  • New foaming injection molding process reduces plastic use by 900g per unit
  • Annual cuts expected: 270 tons of plastic and 4,400 tons of CO₂ equivalents
  • TÜV Rheinland confirms per-unit emissions now at 14.85 kg CO₂e

LG Electronics is advancing its sustainability agenda with new eco-conscious manufacturing for its commercial 4-way system air conditioners. The company has introduced a novel material and production method that reduces both plastic consumption and carbon emissions, in line with its “Better Life for All” ESG vision.

TÜV Rheinland, a global certification body, confirmed that the updated process has cut carbon emissions to 14.85 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents per unit. The shift stems from LG’s adoption of foaming injection molding, where nitrogen gas creates bubbles in the material—reducing plastic use by nearly 900 grams per unit.

Alongside the process change, LG is replacing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) with Polypropylene (PP), which carries a lower carbon footprint. Together, these innovations are projected to slash plastic use by 270 tons and carbon emissions by more than 4,400 tons annually—equivalent to the carbon absorbed in a year by a 30-year-old pine forest spanning 580 soccer fields.

RELATED ARTICLE: LG Electronics Targets ‘Future Vision 2030’ with Sustainable Investments and Eco-Focused Innovations

LG began applying the method in June for its 4-way system models and intends to roll it out across other residential and commercial air conditioners.

The company has broader climate ambitions, targeting a 54.6% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2017 levels. Measures include using renewable energy, installing high-efficiency equipment, and leveraging proprietary Core Tech such as inverter motor technology to curb energy waste.

The new material and manufacturing process we’ve introduced for our 4-way system air conditioner underscores our dedication to sustainability,” said Bae Cheung-hyun, head of the System Air Conditioners Business at the LG ES Company. “LG will continue to leverage innovative technologies to develop eco-conscious air conditioners for a healthier planet.”

Follow ESG News on LinkedIn