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Covestro,circular economy,open innovation

Netherlands logo made of used plastics for the Netherlands Consulate General in Guangzhou

In die Zwischenablage kopiert
Covestro promotes circular economy through open innovation
  • Contribution to the rebranding campaign of the Netherlands
  • Recycled polycarbonates and composites for new logo
  • Incorporating Covestro's expertise in 3D printing
  • Durability through aqueous polyurethane coating and adhesive solutions
open innovation,innovation,circular economy
Jan Anne van der Veer, Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands Kingdom in Guangzhou, is proud of the new logo. © Consulate General of the Netherlands, Guangzhou
In its complete orientation towards the circular economy, the materials manufacturer Covestro relies on close cooperation with all partners in the value-added cycle. A current example is a cooperation with the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou, China, and with NANOxARCH, a local startup focused on sustainable material design. They developed a mobile outdoor logo installation made of recycled plastics for the consulate. This prototype is part of a logo concept that could inspire other Dutch embassies and consulates globally which is in alignment with their ambitious sustainability development goals (SDG's). The background is a rebranding campaign by the Dutch government, which is working on improving the national image and which wants to achieve that its country is in future only referred to as "Netherlands" and no longer as "Holland".

The logo consists of the two letters N and L of the country code, each one meter high. The main frame of the figures is made of polycarbonate, which contains recycled materials from waste sources such as used water bottles. It has been 3D printed using innovative large format technology. This finished part is strong and durable and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Covestro is already working with Chinese partners in the value chain to transform used polycarbonate water bottles into high-performance recycled plastics for the electronics, household appliances and automotive industries.

The facade of the logo is made from recycled Maezio® composite sheets, which are made from processing waste. This material is not only light, strong and durable, but also corrosion resistant to meet the demanding requirements of outdoor installations. Its thermoplastic matrix makes it possible to completely recycle the material from both industrial waste and end-of-life products.
The Covestro team is pleased about the successful production of the new logo for the Dutch Consulate General in Guangzhou using recycled plastics. © Covestro

With open innovation to recycling management

"Circular economy must become the new guiding principle and that’s why we are working with the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou and partners in the value chain to design and produce this creative logo," said Holly Lei, President of Covestro China. "Through open innovation, we are striving to integrate the industrial chain and involve the end users to achieve a fully circular economy."

Michiel Bierkens, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou, said: "We are happy to be working with Covestro to enhance our new logo, as such cooperation will underscore our joint efforts to create a circular and sustainable world. We expect to promote this concept locally and globally by using it in our events so that more people can see this initiative and contribute their own efforts."

Covestro is on the way to fully aligning its entire production and product range, and in the long term all areas, to a new circular concept. The initiative to anchor circularity in a holistic approach focuses on four priorities: an increased use of alternative raw materials, innovative recycling processes, renewable energies and joint solutions.

"The partnership with NANOxARCH and the Dutch Consulate for the new logo is just another concrete example of how our open-innovation collaborations in China can drive solid progress towards the future, especially in a circular economy," said Dr. Michael Schmidt, Covestro's Head of Innovation for Asia Pacific. "For us, this is just the beginning, as we and our partners are working on numerous concrete measures and projects along the value chain for improved recycling and reusing plastics."

The Covestro products used in the logo include an aqueous polyurethane dispersion for adhesives that bond the main frame and facade securely, easily and efficiently, and raw materials for aqueous polyurethane coatings that offer good adhesion to the recycled polycarbonates, flexible surface design, anti-stain and durability. Both waterborne systems are also characterized by very low VOC emissions.

About Covestro:

With 2019 sales of EUR 12.4 billion, Covestro is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. Covestro has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 17,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2019.

This press release is available for download from the Covestro press server at www.covestro.com. Photos are available there for download as well. Please acknowledge the source of any pictures used.

Find more information at www.covestro.com.
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Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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