- ZEISS and LG Chem established a strategic framework for industrial-scale photopolymer film supply in advanced optics.
- Partners co-develop photopolymer solutions for next-generation automotive holographic windshield displays, aiming for OEM production by 2029.
- The alliance strengthens supply chain resilience and supports the long-term growth of advanced holography and optical technologies across mobility and other sectors.
ZEISS, known worldwide for expertise in optics and photonics, and LG Chem, a leader in advanced materials, announced their strategic alliance that stands for robust, sustainable, and innovative photopolymer film supply on industrial scale. This partnership marks a milestone for the optical industry. These photopolymer films are a key material for Holographic Windshield Displays (HWD) in automotive.
Under the agreement, LG Chem will supply photopolymer films within the ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem to support integration into automotive windshields and deliver HWD functionality. The first serial production launch for automotive OEMs targets an SOP in 2029.
The signing ceremony was held at LG Chem’s Yeouido Twin Towers, attended by key figures including ZEISS Microoptics representatives Stephan Höfer, SVP and Head of Business Development and Marketing, and Dr. Viktor Schütz, VP and Head of Partnership Management and Vice President Ko Kyung-deok, Head of Electronics Materials Business Unit from LG Chem.
The partners combine their strengths to anchor a stable material supply for the upcoming new industry “Holography”. With this shared commitment, applications such as in mobility (including solutions like automotive displays), holographic sensor systems, and a variety of consumer technologies can rely on continuous availability, even during market uncertainty. By coordinating supply chain integration and inventory management, both companies keep today’s automotive OEM programs running and safeguard future serial production worldwide, including for automotive holographic windshield displays.
The partnership represents a collaboration well beyond basic material delivery. Aligned with ZEISS’ expertise in holography and precise definition of application needs, LG Chem develops photopolymers based on a co-development approach. As customer requirements and markets change, both companies quickly adjust development priorities to respond to customer needs and market trends. Both teams foster agile development through direct, effective communication. Customers benefit from a resilient supply of high-performance optical and holographic solutions for a broad range of applications.
While ZEISS draws on its microoptics and holography expertise and knowledge of high-quality optical standards and products, LG Chem brings decades of high-quality chemical development and production to the table and leverages expertise in polymer synthesis, liquid formulation, and precision coating. LG Chem has achieved high optical efficiency and excellent thermal stability in its photopolymer films, backed by over 150 patents. Both companies ensure that every photopolymer film reaches ambitious targets for performance, reliability, and regulatory conformity. ZEISS ensures traceability and transparency within the global ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem for the upcoming Holography industry. LG Chem places emphasis on responsible sourcing and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
In automotive, photopolymers are a critical component for “Holographic Windshields Displays” (HWD). HWDs represent the next generation display technology that transforms the windshield into a transparent display, capable of showing driving information, navigation, entertainment, and more. It also enables multi-display functionality across different areas of the windshield, offering drivers and passengers customized information.
Statements from Leadership
Dr. Viktor Schütz, VP and Head of Partnership Management at ZEISS Microoptics, says, “With LG Chem at our side, the ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem will deliver reliable, advanced photopolymers at scale for transparent displays in automotive. By focusing together on innovation, technical standards, and supply continuity, we help customers tackle the toughest optical challenges in automotive and beyond.”
Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem, notes, “Our partnership with ZEISS is a strategic collaboration aimed at securing competitiveness based on optical technologies, beyond mere material supply. LG Chem will lead the innovation of automotive displays with differentiated optical material technologies.”
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