LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Sunday it has opened its third overseas research and development center in Germany to develop environment-friendly, next-generation technologies. The Europe Innovation Center, located in Frankfurt, will focus on developing technologies involving next-generation rechargeable batteries, bio chemicals and recycling in partnership with local universities and R and D centers, the company said in a statement. "The company will strengthen its R and D capabilities in terms of environment-friendly technologies to the level of global top-tier players, with focus on exploring business opportunities in eco-friendly plastics and battery recycling fields," LG Chem Chief Technology Officer Lee Jong-ku said in the statement. LG Chem has two overseas R and D centers in the United States -- the Life Science Innovation Center in Boston built in 2020 and the North American Innovation Center built last year. Source: Yonhap News Agency