In a move aimed at reinforcing its role in the global mobility sector, LG Chem has announced its plans to supply thermally conductive adhesives to North American automakers. This expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to grow its automotive adhesive business into a multi-million-dollar operation.
Thermally conductive adhesives play a crucial role in the performance of electric vehicles (EVs), as they bond battery cells to modules or packs and provide essential thermal management. The adhesives help maintain battery performance with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, a requirement for today’s high-efficiency EVs. LG Chem, with production sites in both Europe and the United States, has established a significant technical edge with over 180 patents, offering customized adhesive solutions to meet automaker demands.
Having entered the North American automotive adhesives market in 2018 through the acquisition of Uniseal, a U.S.-based adhesive specialist, LG Chem has continued to innovate. Uniseal recently developed new eco-friendly products for automotive bodies, free from harmful chemicals and with a reduced carbon footprint.
LG Chem’s portfolio now extends beyond battery adhesives, with active development in materials such as polyimide varnishes and silver nano pastes, tailored for motors and inverters/converters. The company is expanding its lineup to support a range of electronic components, including camera sensors, headlamps, and in-vehicle displays, enhancing its position within the burgeoning automotive electronics sector.
As global electrification and autonomous driving trends accelerate, the automotive adhesives market is projected to nearly double in value, from $6.7 billion in 2024 to $13 billion by 2030. LG Chem’s CEO, Shin Hak-Cheol, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Based on our expertise in materials and manufacturing processes, we will actively foster the mobility materials business as a future growth area and strengthen our market position.”
With the focus on cost-effective, lightweight, and eco-friendly materials, LG Chem’s strategic expansion aims to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable automotive solutions.
