ZEISS: ZEISS and LG Chem agree on strategic partnership

As part of the strategic partnership, LG Chem will supply photopolymers within the ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem. The integration of these into vehicle windows will enable HWD functionality. The first series production launch for automotive OEMs is scheduled for 2029.

The partnership signing ceremony took place at the Twin Towers at LG Chem in Seoul. It was attended by key representatives from both companies, including ZEISS Microoptics Stephan Höfer, SVP and Head of Business Development and Marketing, and Dr. Viktor Schütz, VP and Head of Partnership Management, as well as Vice President Ko Kyung-deok, Head of Electronics Materials Business Unit at LG Chem.

The partners are combining their strengths to ensure a stable supply of materials for the emerging “holography” industry. With this joint commitment, applications in areas such as mobility (including solutions such as automotive displays), holographic sensor systems and a variety of consumer products can count on continuous availability. Through their coordination in the supply chain management of photopolymers, both companies ensure that today’s automotive OEM programs run smoothly and future series productions are secured worldwide, including the aforementioned holographic windshield displays for vehicles.

The partnership goes far beyond mere material supply. LG Chem is developing the photopolymers together with ZEISS as part of a co-development approach. The holography expertise of ZEISS is incorporated into the definition of customer-specific requirements. As customer requirements and markets are constantly changing, both companies continuously adapt their development priorities to respond to these needs and market trends. The direct and effective communication that has been practiced for a long time is essential for the agile development process. As a result, customers benefit from a stable supply of high-performance optical and holographic solutions for a wide range of applications.

While ZEISS contributes its expertise in micro-optics and holography as well as its knowledge of high-quality optical standards and products, LG Chem contributes decades of experience in chemical development and production and utilizes its expertise in polymer synthesis and precision coating. LG Chem’s photopolymers offer high optical efficiency and thermal stability, backed by a patent portfolio of over 150 intellectual property rights. Both companies ensure that the photopolymers meet the highest performance and regulatory requirements. ZEISS ensures traceability and transparency within the international ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem for the emerging holography industry. LG Chem ensures responsible sourcing and energy-efficient production of the photopolymers.

Holographic Windshield Displays (HWD) represent the next generation of vehicle displays. They transform the windshield into a transparent display that shows important driving information such as navigation, speed and warnings directly in the driver’s field of vision. At the same time, HWDs enable multi-display functionality across different areas of the windscreen, allowing the driver and front passenger to experience customized content such as infotainment or additional information.

Voices from the management 

Dr. Viktor Schütz, VP and Head of Partnership Management at ZEISS Microoptics, explains: “With LG Chem at our side, the ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem will deliver reliable, advanced industrial-scale photopolymers for transparent automotive displays. Through our joint focus on innovation, technical standards and security of supply, we will help our customers master the most demanding holographic applications in the automotive industry and beyond.” 

Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem, explains: “Our partnership with ZEISS is a strategic collaboration aimed at ensuring competitiveness based on optical technologies beyond just material supply. LG Chem will drive the innovation of automotive displays with differentiated optical material technologies.”

About ZEISS 

ZEISS is a leading global technology company in the optical and optoelectronic industry. In its four divisions Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets, the ZEISS Group most recently generated annual sales of around 11 billion euros (September 30, 2024).

ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and therapy in ophthalmology and microsurgery for its customers. ZEISS also stands for the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. ZEISS branded products such as ophthalmic lenses, photographic lenses and binoculars are sought-after and trendsetters worldwide.

With a portfolio geared towards future growth areas such as digitalization, health and Industry 4.0 and a strong brand, ZEISS is helping to shape technological progress and is advancing the world of optics and related areas with its solutions. The basis for the success and further continuous expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership is the sustained high level of expenditure on research and development. ZEISS invests 14% of its revenue in research and development work – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is equally an investment in the future.

With more than 46,500 employees, ZEISS is active in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development locations and 35 production sites worldwide (March 31, 2025). The headquarters of the company, which was founded in Jena in 1846, is located in Oberkochen, Germany. The sole owner of the parent company, Carl Zeiss AG, is the Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest German foundations for the promotion of science.

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Further links

👉 www.zeiss.de  

Photo: LG Chem