ZEISS and LG Chem form a strategic alliance to develop and supply advanced photopolymers for next-generation holographic automotive windshield displays by 2029.
ZEISS, a global pioneer in optics and photonics, has entered into a strategic partnership with LG Chem, a leader in advanced materials, to strengthen the industrial-scale supply of photopolymer films for advanced optical applications. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the optical and materials industries, focusing on the development of high-quality photopolymer films—essential materials used in Holographic Windshield Displays (HWD) for the automotive sector. Under this alliance, LG Chem will provide photopolymer films through the ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem, supporting their integration into next-generation automotive windshields and targeting serial production for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by 2029.
The official signing ceremony took place at LG Chem’s Yeouido Twin Towers, attended by leading executives from both companies. Representing ZEISS were Stephan Höfer, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development and Marketing, and Dr. Viktor Schütz, Vice President and Head of Partnership Management. From LG Chem, Ko Kyung-deok, Vice President and Head of the Electronics Materials Business Unit, was also present.
This partnership brings together ZEISS’s expertise in microoptics and holography with LG Chem’s chemical innovation and large-scale production capabilities to ensure a stable, sustainable, and innovative supply chain for the emerging holography market. The collaboration not only strengthens material supply but also supports key applications across mobility, holographic sensors, and consumer electronics, ensuring reliability even in times of global supply chain uncertainty. Both companies will coordinate closely on supply chain management, inventory, and production planning to guarantee smooth and consistent delivery of materials to OEMs worldwide.
Beyond material delivery, the partnership emphasizes co-development and agility. With ZEISS defining technical and performance requirements for optical applications, LG Chem develops advanced photopolymers tailored to evolving customer and market needs. This dynamic collaboration allows for rapid adaptation to technological trends and consumer demands, ensuring that customers benefit from resilient access to high-performance optical materials.
LG Chem’s photopolymer films are characterized by their high optical efficiency and excellent thermal stability, supported by a robust intellectual property portfolio of more than 150 patents. The company’s deep expertise in polymer synthesis, liquid formulation, and precision coating complements ZEISS’s commitment to precision optics, traceability, and quality assurance. Together, they uphold rigorous standards for performance, durability, and regulatory compliance while maintaining environmentally responsible manufacturing and sourcing practices.
In the automotive industry, photopolymers are crucial for Holographic Windshield Displays, a next-generation transparent display technology that turns vehicle windshields into interactive visual interfaces. These displays can project real-time driving data, navigation guidance, and entertainment content, offering both drivers and passengers a personalized visual experience.
Commenting on the alliance, Dr. Viktor Schütz of ZEISS Microoptics stated, “With LG Chem as our partner, we will deliver advanced photopolymers at scale for transparent automotive displays, setting new industry standards in innovation and reliability.” Meanwhile, Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem, emphasized, “This partnership goes beyond materials—it’s about building optical technology leadership. LG Chem will drive the next era of automotive display innovation.”
