On February 11, 2026, LG Electronics took a bold step into the future of environmental technology, signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Suncheon City and the Seoul National University Blue Carbon Project Group. The signing ceremony, held at Suncheon City Hall and attended by key figures including Kim Young-seok, head of LG Electronics' HS Functional Materials Business Division, and Suncheon Mayor Noh Kwan-gyu, marks a new chapter in the company’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and promote carbon neutrality through innovative material science.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is 'Marine Glass,' a novel functional glass material designed to promote the growth of marine plants and enhance carbon absorption in coastal ecosystems. According to Straight News, Marine Glass releases mineral ions at a controlled rate and quantity when it comes into contact with water, supplying essential nutrients for the growth of seaweed and salt marsh plants—species known for their role in sequestering "blue carbon." Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, such as tidal flats, mangroves, and salt marshes.
The demonstration project will unfold on approximately 1,500 square meters of the Suncheonman tidal flat, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site celebrated for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. This site was specifically chosen for its status and potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives both in Korea and abroad. The aim is twofold: to verify the effectiveness of Marine Glass in promoting plant growth and to assess its impact on the efficiency of carbon absorption in situ.
One of the standout features of Marine Glass is its adaptability. As Munhwa Ilbo reports, the material can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as heavy spherical beads or flat chips. This flexibility is not just a design flourish—it’s a practical solution to the challenges posed by different water current conditions. In regions with fast-flowing water, for instance, the heavier beads or chips prevent the mineral components from dispersing too quickly, ensuring a sustained supply of nutrients to the plants below.
LG Electronics has developed proprietary technology to precisely control the dissolution of mineral components according to the intended use. This means that, depending on the environmental conditions and the particular requirements of the marine flora, the rate and quantity of mineral ion release can be fine-tuned. Kim Young-seok, speaking on behalf of LG Electronics, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing its competitiveness through this new materials business. "We will strengthen our competitiveness through the new material business," he said, underscoring the strategic importance of functional materials in the company’s broader portfolio.
The partnership is not just about a single demonstration project. As outlined in both Munhwa Ilbo and Straight News, LG Electronics, Suncheon City, and the Seoul National University Blue Carbon Project Group plan to expand their cooperation beyond the immediate goals. Their shared vision includes the creation and preservation of blue carbon ecosystems, the formation of salt marsh plant colonies within Suncheonman, and the development of long-term ecosystem management models. The hope is that these efforts will serve as a blueprint for similar projects worldwide, contributing significantly to global carbon neutrality targets.
This isn’t LG Electronics’ first foray into blue carbon projects. In late 2025, the company launched a similar demonstration at the Nakdong River estuary salt marsh in Busan, working closely with local authorities to assess the growth of salt marsh plants and their carbon absorption capabilities when Marine Glass was applied. The lessons learned from Busan have informed the design and implementation of the Suncheonman project, allowing for a more targeted and effective approach.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident not just in its blue carbon initiatives but also in its broader research and development activities. LG Electronics has been actively developing a portfolio of glass powder-based functional materials for years. Since 2013, the company has applied functional glass powder in ovens sold in the North American market and now holds 420 related patents. These innovations have led to the creation of products like 'Purotec,' which offers antibacterial and antifungal properties, and 'Mineral Wash,' a material that enhances laundry detergent performance while reducing water and electricity consumption.
Collaborations extend even further. According to Straight News, LG Electronics is working with the National Water Industry Cluster and the Korea Water Forum to test detergents containing Mineral Wash, aiming to verify their laundry performance and resource-saving effects. The company’s ongoing partnership with Seoul National University’s Blue Carbon Project Group also includes joint technology development and the pursuit of new business opportunities to invigorate the blue carbon sector both domestically and internationally.
For Suncheon City, this partnership represents a significant opportunity to showcase its natural heritage and leadership in environmental stewardship. Mayor Noh Kwan-gyu, present at the MOU signing, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to foster sustainable development and ecological preservation in the region. The demonstration at Suncheonman tidal flat—already recognized by UNESCO—could become a touchstone for future blue carbon and ecosystem restoration projects across Korea.
It’s clear that LG Electronics is betting big on the future of functional materials, not only as a driver of environmental change but also as a core element of its business-to-business (B2B) strategy. Through the research, development, and commercialization of innovative materials like Marine Glass, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and global business trends.
Kim Young-seok summed up the company’s ambitions succinctly: "We will contribute to environmental preservation and solving carbon issues, while developing a sustainable new materials business to enhance our competitiveness." With this latest initiative in Suncheonman, LG Electronics is not just talking about change—it’s putting its resources and expertise on the line to make it happen, one tidal flat at a time.
The world will be watching as Marine Glass is put to the test in Suncheonman, offering a glimpse into what might just be the next wave of climate action rooted in science, innovation, and unlikely partnerships.