ZEISS, a global leader in optics and photonics, and LG Chem, a premier innovator in advanced materials, have announced a strategic partnership to ensure a robust, sustainable, and innovative supply of photopolymer films at an industrial scale. This collaboration represents a significant advancement for the optical industry, with these photopolymer films playing a crucial role in automotive Holographic Windshield Displays (HWD).
As part of the agreement, LG Chem will supply photopolymer films within the ZEISS Microoptics Enabling Ecosystem to facilitate their integration into automotive windshields, enabling advanced HWD functionalities. The first series production for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is targeted for a start of production (SOP) in 2029.
The formal signing took place at LG Chem’s Yeouido Twin Towers, attended by prominent leaders such as Stephan Höfer, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development and Marketing at ZEISS Microoptics; Dr. Viktor Schütz, Vice President and Head of Partnership Management at ZEISS Microoptics; and Ko Kyung-deok, Vice President and Head of the Electronics Materials Business Unit at 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.”
