South Korea’s companies suspend operation on environment issues, including LG Chem

LG Chem, Hanwha Chemical and 233 other companies in the Yeosu Industrial Complex have been accused of forging test results on the levels of substances causing fine dust pollution, according to the South Korea Ministry of Environment.

Investigations confirmed that a number of companies have fabricated the test result for the past several years to avoid fines on emissions of sulfur oxides. The Ministry announced that it would come up with measures to cope with the issue by May.

LG Chem has shut its 80,000 tons per annum paste PVC plant in the area immediately following the announcement with its CEO issued a formal apology. 

Meanwhile, Hanwha Chemical denied the accusations.

It is unsure at the moment if this affects any other polyolefins. LG Chem owns a 1.15 million tons/year cracker in Yeosu while Lotte Chemical also operates a 1.2 million tons/year cracker in the same area.