Newsroom Covestro Blog

“We need to set ourselves ambitious climate targets”

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:34:00 +0100

You may have already seen it on the news: Covestro has set itself the goal to achieve climate neutrality in our own operations by 2035. This ambitious target is backed by a solid plan. For me as a technology person, the path forward is truly exciting! #fullycircular #parisagreement #netzero

A green energy future needs pioneers on both sides

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 11:17:17 +0100

Renewable energies are one of four pillars for realizing our vision of a circular economy. But the demand for green electricity is growing immensely, not just in our company but throughout the chemical industry - especially due to the electrification of existing processes and the use of green hydrogen. So we need significantly more wind power, solar energy and other renewables for our industry, and we need them at competitive prices. We've been drawing attention to this fact for a long time. And even more important: We set impulses.

Covestro relies on green electricity

By entering into what was then the world's largest industrial power purchase agreement for electricity from offshore wind, we have put an exclamation mark in 2019 together with Ørsted - even beyond the boundaries of the chemical industry. Starting in 2025, we will purchase green electricity from the 83 wind turbines of Borkum Riffgrund 3 in the North Sea for our German sites for a period of ten years.

This allows us to be part of a special success story. What makes it special is not only that Borkum Riffgrund 3, with a capacity of 900 MW, will be the largest German offshore wind farm. On top of that, the project also demonstrates what partnerships can achieve. There is a need for pioneers, such as Ørsted, among the electricity producers who are determined to drive forward the energy transition. But we also need pioneers on the customer side who support such projects at a very early stage.

Courage to transform

As the first key customer of Borkum Riffgrund 3, we are pleased that the offshore wind farm is launching its implementation with a positive investment decision. From 2025, we will obtain 100 MW of green electricity from it for our German sites. This marks an important step forward for us in the direction of climate-neutral production. At the same time, as the world's leading manufacturer of innovative, sustainable and versatile high-tech polymer materials, we want to continue to pave the way for a sustainable future - in our industry and beyond. The cooperation with Ørsted was therefore the start of a series of partnerships in the energy sector.

Acting in concert for a common goal

Over the past two years, we have secured large volumes of green electricity for our sites in Belgium and China. We want to continue to play a pioneering role and are working to switch our energy supply completely to renewable energy. And at the same time, our materials for the wind power industry are helping to increase the efficiency and durability of new turbines.

But the truth is that goodwill on the part of the industry alone will not be enough. The political roadmap needs to be set, above all to speed up approval procedures for new turbines and ease the burden on electricity prices for consumers and industry. That is why the task for governments in the next few years is to lead the way: Be pioneers and make bold decisions to lend the needed tailwind to the transformation of our economy and society.

Seven ideas for a sustainable future

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:05:00 +0200

1. We have to embrace circularity as guiding principle.
The time of linear economy of “take, make, waste” production and consumption isn't compatible with the challenges facing the world today. Climate change, population growth, unsustainable lifestyles – surmounting global challenges like these require embracing Circular Economy as a guiding light. The chemical industry wants to be a trailblazer on this journey.

2. We need collaboration.
Society, businesses, and governments must cooperate across borders and beyond industry sectors to bring the idea of a Circular Economy to life. Let’s join forces, time for individual players is over. We have to work together to find and implement practical new solutions.

3. Green electricity is key.
Renewables like solar and wind energy are needed: fast, cheap and in abundance. To pave the way to climate-neutral production, we have to electrify processes and make our electricity grids fit for the future. Green electricity is also key for the next point.

4. The rapid ramp up a hydrogen economy.
Green hydrogen is the key element of a sustainable future, but it’s not readily available and expensive. We have to expand the demand, infrastructure and production to get a functioning market up and running. And we need to involve international partners to cover the expected demand. Further we must not miss the momentum of our days.

5. We must stick open to every technology.
It’s no question if we use CO₂ or biomass as raw material of the future. We will use both. Bans on thinking will get us nowhere. Let's trust in the innovative power of our engineers.

6. Carbon leakage is a threat for climate protection.
Climate change does not care whether we produce emissions in the EU or in Asia. Industry does. The industry wants to contribute to climate protection in Europe. To do so, it needs the support of policymakers to remain competitive throughout its transformation.

7. Chemical recycling is a rising star.
Chemical recycling is the only sensible way to recycle certain plastics. It is therefore necessary to promote and develop chemical recycling as a supplement to mechanical recycling. One example: It is possible to recycle soft polyurethane foam in mattresses. This makes it possible to completely recover the two core raw materials used in polyurethane.