Case study
Makrolon® RE polycarbonate supports sustainability goals
Deutsche Telekom teamed up with Covestro to develop its next-generation fixed-line device using Makrolon® RE, a polycarbonate with attributed renewable raw materials via mass balance. Deutsche Telekom highlighted its responsible use of resources by marking it with the #GreenMagenta label.
Case study · February 8, 2023
The Material Effect
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Paving the way to a climate neutral future with plastics
Deutsche Telekom (opens in a new tab), a leading telecommunications company, updated its ambitious climate target to reach Net Zero emissions by 2040 across the entire value chain from production to customer use for Scopes 1 to 3. The company developed the #GreenMagenta (opens in a new tab) label to highlight its more sustainable communication devices. These and other sustainability initiatives demonstrates Deutsche Telekom’s firm commitment and leadership toward taking responsibility for environment and society.
Fulfilling supply chain needs with renewable raw materials
Guided by its sustainability objectives, Deutsche Telekom sought sustainable raw materials from Covestro to produce the next generation of fixed-line devices. One of the main challenges was reducing the material’s carbon footprint without compromising performance. A more sustainable alternative to fossil polymers with good IR transparency was required.
“Reducing emissions for plastic parts is an attractive goal for us. We have a requirement in place to avoid the use of fossil carbon. Makrolon® RE is a first-class solution to meet our sustainability goals. I am pleased that our sustainable approach in the supply chain has met a fertile ground at Covestro.”
Dr. Steffen Wasmus
Group Partnering & Devices, Deutsche Telekom
Fixed-line device with Makrolon® RE solution from biowaste and residual materials
Makrolon® RE polycarbonate from Covestro was the ideal material, contributing to Deutsche Telekom’s sustainability goals, without compromising on performance. The chosen Makrolon® RE grade with about 85% attributed renewable share has a more than 80% lower CO2 footprint than conventional polycarbonates. The polycarbonate, which earned ISCC Plus certification, features feedstock derived from biological waste and residues instead of fossil sources.
Based on its sustainable attributes, the device was marked with the Deutsche Telekom #GreenMagenta label.
“Makrolon® RE polycarbonate makes it possible to use biowaste and -residues as renewable carbon source for the telecommunication value chain, without compromising on performance. With Deutsche Telekom we found a partner to achieve climate objectives and drive the raw material change towards renewable feedstock together.”
Dr. Niklas Meine
Industrial Marketing Electrical & Electronics EMEA, Covestro
Key Benefits
IR transparency
The Makrolon® RE portfolio includes IR-transparent grades
Preserve fossil fuels
Mass-balanced raw materials from biological waste and residues largely replace fossil feedstock
Reduced carbon footprint
Significant carbon footprint reduction in comparison to conventional polycarbonates
Bio-circular attributed raw materials
Predominantly based on via mass balance attributed biowaste and residual materials
High-quality drop-in solution
Makrolon® RE grades have identical high-performance properties to standard Makrolon® grades
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