Center of Excellence for Thermoplastic Adhesive Films

The Buxtehude site is part of the Covestro Specialty Films division, which manufactures technical film solutions worldwide, and serves as an established center of expertise. Beyond production, the facility houses research and development (R&D) as well as process development capabilities, supported by an extensive pilot plant technical center. Drawing on years of experience in flat extrusion of mono- and multi-layer adhesive films, the site offers a comprehensive portfolio of ready-to-use solutions.

This includes adhesive films based on high-performance polymers such as co-polyamides, co-polyesters, and multi-layer systems combining polyethylene (PE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which are used globally across industries including textiles, composites, electronics, personal care, and ballistic protection.

Drawing on years of experience and deep expertise in extrusion and development of technically demanding adhesive films, the Buxtehude site specializes in customer-specific solutions. As a center of excellence for thermoplastic adhesive films, Pontacol brings together production, R&D, and process development at this location, supported by an extensive pilot plant technical center.

The close integration of development and production enables our R&D specialists to develop new adhesive films quickly and efficiently, delivering tailored solutions for demanding customer requirements. State-of-the-art, flexible production facilities, actively practiced quality management, and deep industry knowledge form the foundation for high-performance, reliable adhesive film solutions – from concept to commercial readiness.

Durability is a key quality factor in modern textile production. Pontacol^® co-polyamide adhesive films provide stability and lasting dimensional stability for seam tapes, such as those used in shirt collars, cuffs, or jean waistbands. They offer excellent wash resistance and maintain secure adhesion even after numerous wash cycles.

Delivery on silicone paper enables efficient industrial processing. The films can be handled with precision during cutting, punching, and exact positioning. During the bonding process, they melt uniformly and create reliable bonds with both fabric and seam tape. The result is high-quality textile reinforcement with lasting hold, flexibility, and exceptional durability.

Flocking is a proven finishing technique where fine fibers are permanently applied to textiles using adhesive and heat. The result is a raised, velvet-like surface with a premium appearance – ideal for customizing textiles, sportswear, and functional apparel.

Theses specially developed adhesive films based on co-polyesters, thermoplastic polyurethane, and co-polyamides enable uniform, process-reliable application and create dependable bonds between flock fibers and a wide variety of substrate materials – completely solvent-free.

Precisely defined layer thicknesses ensure consistent quality and high reproducibility in every production run. The finished textiles feature excellent wash and abrasion resistance along with a pleasantly soft hand feel and can be efficiently integrated into industrial manufacturing processes.

Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate strategy at the Buxtehude site. Through targeted measures in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and emissions reduction, the company actively contributes to responsible and future-oriented business practices.

The site exclusively uses green electricity from renewable energy sources. Since 2019, Pontacol has also generated its own power through a 20 kWp (kilowatt-peak – representing maximum system capacity) photovoltaic system installed on the state-of-the-art, energy-optimized administrative building. This system covers 30 percent of the office building's electricity consumption. Since 2021, the company has also promoted electric mobility for employees and visitors by providing two 3.7 kW (kilowatt) and three 11kW charging stations.

Since 2014, groundwater from an on-site source has been used to cool production facilities. The cooling operates through an officially approved, closed-loop system where water is returned to the well after use. The quality of the returned water is regularly monitored by the relevant authorities and internal quality assurance measures.

In addition to efficient cooling, waste heat generated during extrusion is purposefully reused. Through air-to-water heat exchangers, it serves to warm fresh air for facility heating, largely replacing the use of fossil fuels for hot air generation. Only electrical energy for operating circulation pumps is required, contributing to overall resource-efficient energy use.

Furthermore, Covestro is targeting operational climate neutrality by 2035. By then, the company aims to achieve net-zero emissions from its own production (Scope 1) and from purchased energy (Scope 2). Greenhouse gas emissions upstream and downstream in the value chain (Scope 3) are also to be reduced by ten million tons of CO₂ (minus 30 percent compared to 2021) by 2035 – in the long term, Covestro is aiming for climate neutrality for Scope 3 emissions by 2050.