[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ]LG Uplus(032640)has established a framework to address “Catena-X,” which has emerged as a key data standard for global automotive and manufacturing supply chains, and is stepping up to help domestic companies navigate European supply chain regulations.

LG Corp. announced on the 28th that it held the “Catena-X Business Strategic Partnership Signing and Joint Business Launch Ceremony” with IBCT, a company specializing in data spaces, and will pursue a joint business initiative to provide integrated support—from Catena-X adoption to system implementation and operation—for domestic manufacturing companies.

Recently, there has been a rapid trend toward stricter ESG and data regulations across the entire supply chain—including product production histories, raw material procurement information, and carbon emissions—led primarily by the European Union (EU). Consequently, participation in “Catena-X,” a global data-sharing ecosystem led by automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, has emerged as a key factor determining the survival of domestic parts and manufacturing companies seeking to export to Europe.

Catena-X is a platform designed to help participating companies securely share key data required for regulatory compliance in a standardized manner while maintaining data sovereignty. However, there have been persistent concerns that the barriers to entry are too high for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies—which lack sufficient technological capabilities and infrastructure—to build and implement such systems on their own.

To alleviate the burden on these companies, the two firms are launching a one-stop integrated business system that covers everything from implementation consultations and sign-ups to system development, the provision of cloud and security infrastructure, and service operations.

Partner company IBCT is the sole domestic affiliate of “Cofinity-X,” the operator of the Catena-X commercial service. Based on its proprietary data space platform, it provides customized solutions for key areas of EU regulations, including △Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) △Digital Product Passport (DPP) △Supply Chain Traceability △Certificate Management (CCM).

LGU+ will oversee consulting, implementation, and operations for enterprises based on its proven cloud, telecommunications network, and security infrastructure. In particular, the company plans to create an environment that securely connects to the global ecosystem by integrating advanced security solutions to prevent the external leakage of sensitive core manufacturing data.

Kwon Geun-seop, Head of the Customer Group at LG Uplus, stated, “For Korean companies participating in European supply chains, a key challenge is not only how to collect and manage data but also how to connect with global partners while securely protecting critical manufacturing data.” He added, “Leveraging LG Uplus’s enterprise customer base and our cloud, network, and security capabilities, we will support Korean manufacturing companies in adopting Catena-X more easily and reliably.”

Lee Jeong-ryun, CEO of IBCT, said, “As global supply chains rapidly shift toward a data-centric model, domestic manufacturing companies are required to establish data management systems capable of responding to these changes.” He added, “By combining IBCT’s Data Space technology with LG Corp.’s stable ICT infrastructure, we will provide practical services that enable exporting companies to effectively connect to the global manufacturing ecosystem.”