Since 2003, Covestro has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County, contributing $50,000 annually toward building materials and providing employees with paid time off to volunteer. Together, the partnership has helped build 20 homes for local families. Each year, approximately 10 to 20 Covestro volunteers invest nearly 200 volunteer hours during a week-long build, framing walls and raising the roof of a new home for a family on the path to homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity provides a hand up, not a handout. Future homeowners contribute a down payment, complete a minimum of 250 hours of sweat equity, attend financial literacy and homeowner education classes, and purchase their homes through a zero percent interest mortgage. Mortgage payments are then reinvested to help fund the construction of future Habitat homes. Over the past 30 years, Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County has built approximately 190 homes throughout the community.

"We know we're building houses, but we're also building hope, stability, and brighter futures for families in our community," said James Tolley, Maintenance Management at Covestro's South Charleston site and an eight-year member of the HFHKP Board of Directors. "The more I learned and experienced how this truly changes the lives of families and creates opportunities for their children, the more committed I became. I cannot champion this cause enough."

Tolley and his family have remained active supporters of Habitat through volunteer builds, fundraising efforts, and contributions to Habitat's ReStore through donations and purchases.

"Covestro has been a valued partner of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County for more than 20 years," said Andrew Blackwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County. "Their investment of both financial resources and volunteer manpower has helped us expand access to affordable homeownership and create lasting change for families throughout our region."

Blackwood noted that the partnership was recently recognized at HFHKP's annual fundraising event.

"On Tuesday evening, Covestro was honored as Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha Putnam County's 2026 Partner of the Year at our annual fundraiser, A Taste of," Blackwood said. "This recognition reflects Covestro's unwavering support of our mission and the incredible example the company sets as a dedicated and impactful community partner."

The success of the partnership has also inspired other Covestro locations across the country to establish similar collaborations with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, extending the impact of the company's commitment to building stronger communities.

About Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County:

Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam County (HFHKP) has sought to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat partners with individuals and families to build and improve places to call home. Through affordable homeownership opportunities, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, Habitat helps families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

HFHKP is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit housing organization operating in all 50 states and in more than 70 countries.

​“Europe’s chemical industry is at a crossroads. The structural challenges are severe, and market realities have changed fundamentally. We need to adapt our portfolio to where we can compete successfully in the long term to ensure a future for our production in Europe," says Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro. “This is not an easy step for anyone involved, and we are fully aware of what it would mean for our colleagues in Antwerp should this intention be confirmed. Covestro NV will approach this intended transformation responsibly and discuss its intention openly and constructively with the local employee representatives.”

Structural market pressure on European polycarbonates

​The announcement reflects broader structural challenges currently affecting the European chemical industry. High production and energy costs, weak demand and increasing international competition continue to weigh on Europe’s competitiveness. To date, European industrial policy has failed to provide an adequate response to these structural challenges and to close this competitiveness gap.

At the same time, significant capacity additions, particularly in Asia, have created persistent global overcapacity in standard polycarbonates. Capacity utilization has dropped significantly and is expected to remain at a low level for the foreseeable future. Against this backdrop, Covestro NV’s operations in Antwerp have been increasingly loss-making since 2022, making the current setup, in the company‘s view, economically unsustainable. Covestro NV believes that failing to act now would undermine the long-term economic viability of the Antwerp site.

Clear future perspective for Antwerp site

Covestro NV continues to see a clear future for its Antwerp site as an important part of the group’s European production and innovation network. The majority of activities at the site would be retained and fall outside the scope of this intention. The remaining polycarbonate line would focus on higher value specialty grades such as heat-resistant APEC^®. The previously announced investment in a new aniline production unit would continue as planned, strengthening the role of Antwerp as the aniline hub for Europe. The polyether production lines in Antwerp are also unaffected by this intention, as is the Technology Centre based in Antwerp, which drives global process technology development for polycarbonates.

"Commodity production in Europe is increasingly difficult to operate competitively, while we continue to see attractive opportunities in high-value specialty materials," says Thorsten Dreier, CTO of Covestro. "To remain competitive on a global scale, we need a cost base that allows us to invest in innovation and future-oriented technologies. By focusing Antwerp accordingly and continuing the investment in a new aniline plant, Covestro NV aims to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the site."

​Information and consultation process starts

The intended measures could affect up to 260 employees in production and support functions out of currently around 970 employees at the site. Covestro NV is now launching the formal information and consultation process with employee representatives in accordance to local laws. No final decision will be taken before this process has been completed and its outcome carefully considered.

Today, the collaboration includes Covestro’s polycarbonate, polycarbonate blend and thermoplastic polyurethane portfolios, as well as solutions for applications with specific requirements relating to resource efficiency and circularity. The two companies combine Covestro’s materials expertise with ALBIS’ application knowledge, distribution network and proximity to customers in numerous international markets. At Fakuma, Covestro and ALBIS will use the anniversary not only to look back, but also to highlight the role of their long-term partnership in an ever-changing plastics industry. As markets become more volatile and customer requirements more complex, reliable partnerships help preserve application know-how, strengthen supply reliability and accelerate the development of innovative solutions.

“Longevity in a partnership is not passive – it requires constant reinvention. What has lasted for 60 years is not only the original agreement, but the shared commitment to solving customer challenges together,” said Dr. Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at Covestro.

“Many applications require not only the right material, but also deep application understanding, fast technical support and reliable supply. Together with ALBIS, we bring our expertise and solutions closer to customers – from joint application development and technical problem-solving to a shared pipeline of innovative projects,” said Nikolai von Harpe, Head of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes EMLA at Covestro.

ALBIS and Covestro are also pursuing new opportunities beyond Europe. In recent years, ALBIS has expanded its presence in markets including Brazil, Israel, India and North Africa, creating additional access to local customers and applications. Looking ahead, both companies aim to further strengthen their collaboration in high-growth, future-oriented applications. On that basis, the partnership is well positioned for its next phase of growth.

“Anyone can be a good partner when business is easy. The real test is what happens when markets and customer requirements change,” said Horst Klink, CEO of ALBIS. “Over the past six decades, we have been through many of those challenges together. That experience makes this partnership so valuable today and gives us a strong basis for future growth.”

Partnership at a glance

• 60 years of continuous collaboration, from 1966 to 2026
• Origin: distribution of Bayer’s polymer portfolio in Germany
• Expanded across Europe, Turkey, the Maghreb region, Brazil, Israel, India and other international markets
• Scope today: polycarbonates and TPU, plus distribution, technical collaboration, licensing and material solutions for applications requiring resource efficiency and circularity
• Future focus: e-mobility, healthcare, more sustainable packaging and applications involving recycled or renewable feedstocks and circularity
• Anniversary marked at Fakuma 2026 in Friedrichshafen

Established to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and advanced the goals of CPI and the broader polyurethanes industry, the award honors Reinstadtler’s long-standing contributions, most notably his work with CPI's Professional Development Program and his years of service as an instructor for the polyurethane coatings and elastomers courses.

"Over the years of teaching and presenting, I've met a lot of technical and commercial professionals, many of them fairly new to the polyurethane industry," said Reinstadtler. "One of the most rewarding feelings is when they approach you years later and tell you they remembered something from your training and that it made a difference in their job and their research. I strive to be a servant leader, so that really makes me feel like I did something right."

Throughout a career spanning elastomers, microcellular foams, coatings, and sealants, Reinstadtler has championed both the technical and commercial sides of the industry, advocating for the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of high-performance polyurethanes. On receiving the award, he noted, "This shows that ACC and CPI value training and sharing technical developments. Being recognized for demonstrating the Ethical Leadership Benefiting Society principle of Responsible Care is pretty special."

"Steven has been a part of the fabric of Covestro for 38 years, and during that time he has shown an unmatched commitment to educating and sharing the benefits of polyurethane-based chemistry,” said Jack O’Malley, senior country representative for coatings and adhesives NA at Covestro. “We are incredibly proud of Steven and thankful for CPI’s recognition of his ongoing efforts on behalf of the industry.”

The adoption of this PC blend for an IMC process is another leading example of “The Material Effect” – where together with its partners, Covestro bridges laboratory and industrial scale development for series production. It is a powerful combination of material science, process- and application development that enables breakthrough performance. IMC combines injection molding and coating in a single, integrated process. By eliminating conventional post-painting steps, IMC contributes to reducing CO2 emissions while delivering outstanding Class A surface quality. The exceptional surface quality enables a seamless visual integration with adjacent glass, creating a refined, premium exterior appearance.

Makroblend^® UT235M is a PC blend commonly used in exterior applications where low linear thermal expansion and dimensional stability are important. For this application, the grade was selected to meet product requirements for exterior appearance, dimensional stability, and durability on the luggage panel. The grade is also compatible with the IMC coating system, supporting coating adhesion and the targeted surface finish in series production.

Looking Ahead

In the role of an IMC solution provider, Covestro collaborates across the value chain to advance adoption and scale up of in-mold coating in Japan. Local support covers the complete process from application development to daily technical assistance. IMC evaluation capabilities are installed at the Covestro Japan site to verify under near production conditions and enable timely decisions with partners. Covestro will continue supporting stakeholders to meet application requirements and sustain series performance, coordinating with global teams where appropriate. Leveraging its expertise and global network, it is not just what Covestro materials are – it is about what Covestro enables its business partners to achieve.

• Battery & Energy Storage
• Industrial Electronics
• Medical Equipment
• Transportation
• Consumer Electronics

Makrofol® FR 7-2 is also available in clear. Clear sheets and rolls are available in thicknesses 0.010" and 0.015".

Makrofol® GP800 Polycarbonate Sheet: Tough. Transparent. Made with Makrolon® is a high-quality polycarbonate sheet built on proven Makrolon® technology, delivering the combination of optical clarity, toughness, and processability that distributors and their customer's demand. 

Key features include:

• Impact resistance that outperforms glass and acrylic (per ASTM D 3763) \Excellent optical clarity with minimal distortion. Abrasion-resistant grades available
• Lightweight vs. glass alternatives. Thermoformable, printable, and easy to machine and fabricate

Makrofol® GP800 offers a reliable, readily available solution for distributors serving markets ranging from industrial glazing and protective guarding to point-of-purchase displays and signage. 

“We are excited to be at IAPD with an expanded portfolio that gives distributors more opportunities to grow. Makrofol® FR 7-2 film and Makrofol® GP800 sheet offer new solutions to help our distribution partners expand their reach and pursue new business,” said Katelyn McGovern, Consumer & Industrial Solutions segment manager at Covestro LLC. 

Meet Us in Atlanta 
Stop by Booth #17 to speak with Covestro's Specialty Films specialists, pick up product literature, and discover how our sheet and film solutions can strengthen your portfolio. Distributors interested in learning more can contact Covestro's Specialty Films division at 413-665-7016 or download a brochure.
 

"With ISCC PLUS certification across our entire purenit^® production we have the basis to use Desmodur^® CQ MS from Covestro as a binder with bio-circular¹ attributed raw materials." says Dr. Andreas Huther, Managing Director of puren gmbh. “For our customers, this means the same material, the same performance and less CO₂ emissions and thus a material that takes a further step forward towards more sustainability and circularity. Sustainability therefore becomes a key performance indicator.”

"Desmodur^® CQ MS is based on climate-neutral² MDI made from bio-circular¹ feedstocks and certified through the mass balance approach," says Hermann Dörholt, Head of the Performance Materials business entity at Covestro. "This gives puren a raw material that delivers a lower carbon footprint while keeping processing unchanged. This kind of collaboration across the value chain is exactly what turns a single innovation into a measurable contribution for the whole industry and its customers."

A material made from residues

purenit^® is a highly compressed functional material based on rigid polyurethane foam (PUR/PIR) with a density of around 550 kg/m³. Despite its low weight, it is pressure-resistant, moisture-resistant and dimensionally stable, provides reliable insulation, and can be sawed, milled, drilled and glued with standard woodworking machinery. These properties make it a core material for windows, doors, facades and base areas in construction, for bathrooms, wellness areas and outdoor kitchens, and for interior fit-out in motorhomes, commercial vehicles and ships.
purenit^® is produced using an adhesive-press process in which polyurethane residual materials are processed into homogeneous boards. This upcycling approach, turning a byproduct of PU production into a standalone, high-quality material, is unique in the insulation industry in this consistency.

ISCC PLUS certification for more sustainability

The use of Desmodur^® CQ MS relies on the mass balance approach: bio-circular¹ feedstocks are physically blended in at an earlier stage of production and then mathematically allocated to the final product. ISCC PLUS independently verifies this allocation across the entire supply chain. Only full certification of purenit^® production to this standard allows puren to correctly represent the bio-circular¹ raw material and the associated improvement in sustainability.

Collaboration across the value chain

Covestro supplies Desmodur^® CQ MS, a raw material with a reduced carbon footprint, and puren processes it into a material that itself is built on the recovery of PU residual materials. The result is a product that benefits from circular thinking at two points in the value chain: the raw material and the material concept itself. For the polyurethane industry as a whole, this example shows that circular economy is already reflected today in certified, market-ready products. The new purenit^® product using Desmodur^® CQ MS as a binder was announced at the inauguration event. Market launch is planned for 2027.

¹Bio-circular materials are derived from waste and residues of biological origin.

²Climate neutrality is the result of an internal assessment of a partial product life cycle from raw material extraction (cradle) to the factory gate (of Covestro), also known as cradle-to-gate assessment. The methodology of our LCA with external audit and certification is based on the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards. The calculation takes into account biogenic carbon sequestration based on preliminary data from the supply chain. No compensation measures were applied.

"Our customers want to act now on their climate targets — and they need a partner they can trust to act with them," says Bernd Hennig, Head of Trading Cluster MDI EMLA at Covestro. "Desmodur^® CV is our answer: a commercially available pMDI that immediately reduces Scope 3 emissions for our customers, offers a strong price performance profile with no disruption to their existing processes."

Enabling lower-carbon solutions across key industrial value chains

Rigid polyurethane foam based on MDI is a core material in relevant products, including PU insulation boards and metal-faced sandwich panels for buildings, as well as for refrigeration appliances. Manufacturers across both sectors face growing regulatory requirements and increasing market expectations to reduce the carbon footprint of their products — and to demonstrate these reductions through transparent, independently verified environmental data.

For manufacturers of building insulation or appliances, Desmodur^® CV opens a direct pathway to reduce the carbon footprint of their products. With a certified PCF reduction of about 25 percent at the raw material level, it provides the basis for customers to substantiate lower product carbon footprint claims, differentiate in the market with transparent sustainability data, and meet their own climate targets — while supporting ESG and sustainability reporting requirements.

Because Desmodur^® CV is fully drop-in compatible, this transition requires no changes to existing formulations or production processes — making it as straightforward as a raw material switch can be.

Desmodur^® CV complements Covestro's existing Desmodur^® CQ product family, which addresses circularity through the use of attributed alternative raw materials. Together, the two product families offer customers a range of pathways to reduce the environmental footprint of MDI-based applications.

_{¹Product carbon footprint is calculated based on a methodology certified by TÜV Rheinland Energy & Environment GmbH, against ISO 14040:2006, ISO 14044:2006, ISO 14067:2018, and Together for Sustainability PCF Guideline Version 3.0.}

The technically demanding circuit, with its tight corners and changes in elevation, challenged both the cars and the entire team. Throughout the 24 hours, the team had to balance speed and energy consumption while continually adapting its driving approach to the conditions on the track. Rain during the night and on Sunday morning made conditions even more difficult and led to several incidents across the field. At around 6 a.m., the rear of Adelie stepped out and the solar car tumbled over. No one was injured in the incident. The vehicle had to be removed from the track and taken to the team’s pit box. The team pulled together and was able to return Adelie to the race. Despite the time lost, Adelie went on to finish sixth.

“This race demanded everything from us,” says Nassim Lagrou, Team Manager of Team Sonnenwagen Aachen. “After the incident involving Adelie, it was clear to us that we would not give up. The team repaired the car and returned it to the track. We are very proud that both solar cars crossed the finish line in fifth and sixth place. At the same time, we are taking away important insights for our further development. The open dialogue with Covestro and its support with materials and expertise help us turn these insights into concrete improvements and continuously develop our vehicles.”

“Team Sonnenwagen delivered an outstanding performance, and we are pleased to have supported the team on this journey,” adds Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro. “This achievement demonstrates what partnership can accomplish: The team contributes its deep understanding of the vehicles and its ideas, while Covestro brings its materials and application expertise. We are united by a passion and determination to drive progress by developing, testing and refining solutions together.”

A long-standing partnership with an eye on the future

This collaborative approach has developed over many years. Covestro has supported Team Sonnenwagen since it was founded in 2017 and has been its main sponsor and technology partner since 2018. In spring 2026, the partnership was extended for another two years. It goes far beyond financial support: With the shared objective of pushing boundaries and continuously developing the solar car, the team shares its requirements and experience from development, testing and racing. Covestro experts contribute their materials and application expertise. Together, the partners discuss technical challenges, test material solutions and refine them further.

The current Sonnenwagen Æthon demonstrates how this collaboration translates into specific applications. It incorporates more than ten different Covestro materials, including raw materials for chemically recycled foam in the driver’s seat, mass-balanced Vulkollan®* for cushioning between the battery and the car body, and thermally conductive Makrolon® TC polycarbonate for the battery cell holders.

Following the finish in Zolder, attention is already turning to the next challenge. The insights gained from the European Solar Challenge will feed into the development of a new solar car, which the team plans to race at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia in 2027. The goal is to build on its top finish from 2025 and, if possible, improve on it.

*“Mass-balanced” means that the share of biobased and/or recycled raw materials is attributed to this product on an accounting basis.

As one of the first installations of its kind worldwide for this material class, the pilot plant marks a pioneering step toward future-proof circular solutions for high-performance elastomers. The project draws on Germany’s strong chemical and engineering expertise and underscores Covestro’s commitment to Leverkusen as a location for industrial innovation.

“Turning circularity into technically robust and commercially viable solutions is central to Covestro’s strategy,” said Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro. “With this pilot plant, we are bringing innovative chemistry closer to industrial application and responding to our customers’ growing demand for circular solutions. At the same time, the project demonstrates the contribution that Germany’s industrial and engineering expertise can make to more resilient and circular value chains in Europe.”

From laboratory scale to technical validation

At the heart of the project is Vulkollan^®, a high-performance polyurethane elastomer used in forklift wheels, railway buffer elements, automotive jounce bumpers, and vibration control components. Often invisible, these materials are essential to the safe, reliable and long-lasting operation of vehicles and industrial equipment.

Covestro’s chemical recycling process breaks selected end-of-life Vulkollan^® material down into purified building blocks for reuse. It enables more than 90 percent of the material by mass to be recycled and can reduce the carbon footprint by up to two thirds compared with fossil-based virgin material.

The new pilot plant takes the technology beyond the laboratory, enabling Covestro to test different waste streams, refine the process and generate the data needed for future industrial scale-up.

“This pilot plant is a key step in our pre-industrialization journey,” said Thomas Braig, Head of the Business Entity Elastomers at Covestro.

“It allows us to demonstrate the technical feasibility of chemical recycling for Vulkollan^®, systematically refine the process and lay the groundwork for future industrial application. Our ambition is to develop scalable circular solutions for high-performance elastomers together with our customers and partners.”

Building a circular value chain

Covestro is working with customers, recyclers, waste collectors, logistics providers and other partners to develop the collection and return systems needed for future closed-loop solutions.

These partnerships will be essential to securing suitable end-of-life materials, maintaining consistent feedstock quality and establishing an economically viable circular value chain for high-performance elastomers.

Building on the work with Vulkollan^®, Covestro also aims to use this pilot plant to explore circular solutions for selected specialty cast elastomers and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU).

With the new pilot plant, Covestro is strengthening Leverkusen as a center for sustainable material innovation and advancing its ambition to become fully circular.

The collaboration brings together Fertiglobe’s global ammonia production and supply capabilities, MB Energy’s energy infrastructure and logistics expertise, and Covestro’s position as a major industrial consumer of ammonia in Germany.

Under the MoU, Fertiglobe, the world’s largest seaborne exporter of urea and ammonia, will explore the potential supply of ammonia through an import terminal proposed to be built and operated by MB Energy, an independent and integrated energy company, at Blumensand in Hamburg. As part of the collaboration, Fertiglobe will also explore potential equity investment in the Hamburg terminal.

Covestro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials, will evaluate the potential offtake of ammonia delivered through the terminal for use as feedstock in its production and/or to meet hydrogen supply requirements.

By developing an additional route for ammonia imports into Germany, the collaboration has the potential to diversify supply options and strengthen the resilience of supply chains serving European industry. The parties will also explore opportunities to serve other industrial customers across Europe.

The parties will jointly assess the commercial, technical and logistical requirements for the potential supply of ammonia via Hamburg, including terminal capacity, volumes, delivery arrangements and onward transportation to industrial customers. They will also evaluate enabling infrastructure and logistics, including pipelines, barges and rail transportation.

Ammonia is an essential feedstock for the chemical industry and can also serve as a carrier of hydrogen. Access to reliable and competitive lower-carbon and renewable ammonia could help reduce the carbon footprint of chemical production and support the industry’s energy transformation. Import, storage and transport infrastructure will be critical to making such supplies available at an industrial scale.

The collaboration will consider conventional, lower-carbon and renewable ammonia, including the carbon intensity of potential supply and alignment with applicable regulatory and certification frameworks, such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and relevant low-carbon and renewable hydrogen requirements.

Ahmed El-Hoshy, Chief Executive Officer of Fertiglobe, said: “This MoU marks an important step in strengthening Fertiglobe’s connectivity with industrial customers in Europe and expanding routes to market for our global ammonia platform. Together with Covestro and MB Energy, we see an opportunity to support the development of a reliable and competitive ammonia supply chain through Hamburg, in line with our Grow 2030 focus on customer proximity and disciplined growth in lower-carbon ammonia.”

Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro, added: “Ammonia is an essential building block for the chemical industry – and its carbon footprint matters for the transformation of our production. Securing reliable, competitive and increasingly low-carbon ammonia is therefore a strategic priority for Covestro. Together with Fertiglobe and MB Energy, we are exploring an additional supply route that could support our path toward climate neutrality while strengthening supply resilience in Germany and Europe.”

Jonathan Perkins, CEO of MB Energy, commented: “Europe’s energy transition depends not only on low-carbon molecules, but on reliable infrastructure to reach industrial customers at scale. This MoU brings together complementary capabilities across supply, logistics and demand to explore a credible ammonia value chain through Hamburg. With MB Energy’s long-standing infrastructure and logistics capabilities, we aim to strengthen supply security while enabling the progressive introduction of lower-carbon ammonia in Germany and across Europe.”

The plant, which shall create 35 new jobs, will be built at Chemical Park Delfzijl at the northern Coast of the Netherlands. It will use BioBTX's proprietary ICCP technology, which converts the type of mixed plastic waste that would otherwise be incinerated or put to landfill via catalytic pyrolysis into aromatic oil consisting of benzene, toluene and xylenes (B-T-X). These are the same building blocks the chemical industry uses today in coatings, pharmaceuticals and performance materials. They can also be used for the isocyanate production (MDI/TDI) of Covestro, out of which soft foam for e.g. mattresses or rigid foam for insulating refrigerators are made.

"We've followed BioBTX's progress for years and are very happy to now see the point where the technology proves itself at industrial scale," says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at Covestro. "This marks a very important step. Moreover, it processes mixed plastic waste instead of a single sorted stream, which is exactly the kind of recycling we need more of at scale to make a circular economy become reality."

In total, the plant is expected to recycle about 20,000 tonnes of waste and produce around 10,000 tonnes of renewable aromatic oil and 8,000 tonnes of sustainable by-products from it annually. Compared to conventional, fossil-based BTX production, the process is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions of the resulting chemical building blocks by 70 to 80 percent.

“Reaching this key milestone in the development of BioBTX marks an important step in our journey towards our mission of making circular chemistry possible. I am very proud of the full BioBTX team and shareholders whose dedication and commitment has made this achievement possible. We are going to build our world’s first fully sustainable aromatic plant. A great accomplishment!” says Ton Vries, Co-founder and CEO of BioBTX.

This milestone concludes a 14-year journey from an idea in 2012 through lab- and pilot-scale to commercial execution. While this first plant focuses on mixed plastic waste, the ICCP technology is feedstock-flexible, with the potential to expand to other sources in the future, such as biomass.

KOLLEKT brings together FORVIA HELLA as coordinator alongside partners BMW, Covestro, Geba, Fraunhofer IEM, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, the University of Paderborn, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), and SW Maschinenservice. The project runs from June 2026 to May 2029, with a total BMFTR funding volume of €4.371 million including project lump sums.

From Headlamp to Tomorrow's Resource

The automotive industry faces growing pressure from resource scarcity, supply security concerns, and tightening regulatory requirements — most notably the EU End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation. Technological hurdles, cost pressure, and insufficient product recyclability have so far prevented efficient plastics cycles from becoming established at scale. KOLLEKT directly addresses this gap by placing "Design for Circularity" at its core — product design optimized for recyclability from the very beginning, complemented by four R-strategies: Repair, Re-Use, Remanufacture, and Recycle. KOLLEKT researches how future lighting components can be made repairable, reusable, and recyclable — and what production and logistics processes this requires.

Covestro's Role: Materials That Enable Circularity

As a key materials partner in KOLLEKT, Covestro contributes its deep expertise in high-performance polymers and sustainable material solutions — working across the full circular value chain, from supporting circular product design and material concepts through to the evaluation of recycling pathways for polycarbonate. Covestro's Makrolon®, Bayblend® and Apec® materials are among the most widely used plastics in automotive lighting applications, and bringing these materials back into high-quality use cycles is central to the project's ambition. Covestro's involvement ensures that material properties, recyclate quality, and end-of-life behavior are fully considered from the design stage onward — a prerequisite for true circularity, and a direct expression of Covestro's vision of a fully circular economy.

"KOLLEKT is a prime example of how we create value together with our customers and partners — going beyond material supply to co-designing solutions from the very beginning," says Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro. "By aligning early across the value chain with BMW, FORVIA HELLA and other partners, we can embed circularity directly into product development. That is what true co-creation looks like—and how we turn sustainability ambitions into tangible outcomes.”

Intelligent Dismantling and Digital Twins

A flexible, AI-powered robotic dismantling cell is central to KOLLEKT's technical approach. Using digital product twins and AI-based data processing, the project establishes the foundation for reuse and recycling at industrial scale — enabling precise, largely automated, and material-pure disassembly. Networked data exchange integrates material, product, and process information in real time, creating a transparent, traceable circular ecosystem.

Building on Proven Foundations

KOLLEKT builds directly on its predecessor project NALYSES, successfully completed in 2026, and advances its findings into a comprehensive, end-to-end circular value creation model. Early involvement of SMEs, industry associations, and networks — alongside conferences, academic teaching, and publications — ensures that results can be scaled and transferred to other sectors beyond automotive lighting, including electrical and electronics applications.

Advancing Circular Economy Goals

KOLLEKT aligns directly with Covestro's strategic commitment to the circular economy. Covestro continues to expand its portfolio of circular solutions — including its post-consumer recycled Circular Intelligence (CQ) product families like the R, RV and RP material lines. Notably, RV and RP product lines address post-consumer car2car recycling, featuring recycled end-of-life vehicle materials such as headlamps, with third-party certification. The insights generated by KOLLEKT will contribute to meeting EU ELV recycling targets toward 2032 and support automotive manufacturers in fulfilling expected recycled content quotas — without compromising performance or quality. Through its global production and supply network, Covestro supports decarbonization and resource circularity in mobility, truly elevating materials into solutions that matter.

"KOLLEKT is a concrete step toward closing the loop on high-performance polycarbonate in automotive applications," says Guido Naberfeld, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at Covestro. “By combining Design for Circularity with advanced recycling technologies and digital traceability, we are demonstrating that sustainability and material performance are not a trade-off. This is how Covestro contributes to meeting the EU's ELV targets and helps the entire automotive value chain transition to a truly circular model.”

PITTSBURGH, July 30, 2026 — Law enforcement officers increasingly encounter hand-held laser threats during operations, requiring protective eyewear that doesn't compromise visibility or safety. For manufacturers of this eyewear, the challenge has been finding a material that brings together optical precision, impact resistance, and compatibility with sensitive additives in a single solution.

NoIR InSight, a leader in laser safety eyewear, turned to Covestro's Makrolon® LQ3187 polycarbonate to produce its LaserShield® eyewear. The lenses are molded with heat sensitive, narrow absorption peak absorbers that deliver a tight performance balance between protection against laser energy and clear visibility of the environment. Makrolon® LQ3187 was selected for its compatibility with highly purified absorbers, superior toughness in high-impact scenarios, and excellent optical performance, all critical in these situations.

"At NoIR, we've always believed that protection and performance should go hand in hand," said Ben Gleichert, Production Manager of NoIR InSight. "Covestro's materials help us deliver eyewear that meets the highest standards."

Makrolon® LQ3187 is a high-performance polycarbonate that delivers a unique combination of properties:

• High performance and optical quality: Offers excellent clarity and transparency, making it ideal for lenses and filters where visibility is critical
• UV stabilized: Provides UV 400 cut-off protection, helping shield eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays
• Impact resistance: Delivers outstanding toughness and high impact strength, meeting stringent ballistics and impact standards for protective eyewear
• Easy processing: Designed for injection molding, with easy release properties and a processing window that supports complex, additive-rich formulations (such as those needed for light-filtering)

This demanding application marries two difficult material requirements: the toughness of the end-product and the ability to mold within very narrow processing windows required for absorbers that provide narrow band light-filtering. Covestro's material and technical expertise enabled NoIR to overcome manufacturing challenges that had been problematic for over a decade. A clear example of The Material Effect in action, combining material science and manufacturing expertise to solve a longstanding challenge.

Covestro also provides materials used in NoIR's broader product portfolio, including laser safety eyewear for medical, industrial, and research applications. Makrolon® 2258 polycarbonate is used in specialty laser filters in clinical settings where tissue color rendition is essential (hair removal, tattoo removal, vascular and surgical lasers) and ultra-short pulsed scientific applications that require high visibility of the experimental setup, as well as industrial applications such as laser cutting, laser welding, and laser marking. Additional specialty filters are in development.

"NoIR Insight's eyewear demonstrates how our polycarbonates can meet complex technical demands without compromising safety or clarity," said Emily Shaffer, Healthcare Market Manager, Americas – Engineering Plastics, Covestro LLC.

Covestro continues to invest in polycarbonate technologies that deliver The Material Effect across industries, enabling partners like NoIR InSight to develop products that meet the highest standards of safety, clarity, and performance.

PITTSBURGH, July 27, 2026 – Covestro LLC, a world-leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, is proud to announce that Tara Zurcher, Social Media & Online Platforms Manager, Americas, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Women Breaking the Mold award by Plastics News.

The Women Breaking the Mold Awards recognize women who are shaping the future of the plastics industry through leadership, innovation and meaningful contributions to their organizations and the broader manufacturing community.

As one of the industry's rising communications leaders, Zurcher is redefining how the chemical and plastics industry connects with audiences. Through authentic digital storytelling, she brings visibility to the people, technologies and innovations behind the materials that power everyday life, helping amplify the stories happening inside Covestro's walls to audiences around the world.

Whether creating viral social media content, launching employee storytelling campaigns or empowering colleagues to become brand advocates, Zurcher's work has strengthened Covestro's reputation while making advanced materials more relatable and accessible to the public.

"We're incredibly proud to see Tara recognized with this well-deserved honor," said Alice Sox, Head of Corporate Communications, Americas, Covestro LLC. "She has a remarkable ability to uncover the human stories behind our innovations and share them in ways that inspire employees, engage audiences and showcase the impact our industry has on everyday life."

"I am honored to receive this recognition from Plastics News," said Zurcher. "The best stories are the ones our employees tell every day through their passion, expertise and innovation. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help bring those stories beyond our walls and highlight the important role our industry plays in making the world a brighter place."

Zurcher's recognition reflects Covestro's commitment to fostering innovation, empowering employees and celebrating leaders who are helping shape the future of the plastics and chemical manufacturing industry.

PITTSBURGH, July 17, 2026 — Covestro recently launched "I Helped Make This," a new storytelling campaign that celebrates the employees whose work helps make the products people use every day. 

From vehicles and medical devices to electronics, sporting goods and building materials, chemistry plays a vital role in modern life and yet the people behind these innovations often go unseen. The campaign highlights the scientists, engineers, operators and manufacturing professionals whose expertise helps bring these products to life while showcasing the meaningful careers that drive the chemical industry forward. 

"Every product has a story, and at the heart of that story are the people who make it possible," said Tara Zurcher, Social Media & Online Platforms Manager, Americas, at Covestro. "Through I Helped Make This, we‘re shining a light on the real people behind the materials that become products millions of people use every day. I'm excited to share their stories, celebrate the pride they take in their work and help people better understand the positive impact the chemical industry has on everyday life." 

Through employee stories, videos and photography, "I Helped Make This" offers an inside look at the people powering innovation across Covestro's U.S. operations and the products they help make possible. 

Learn more and explore the ‘I Helped Make This’ campaign. 

The agreement marks a significant evolution in the two companies’ relationship – moving beyond traditional supply towards collaboration across the value chain, driven by a shared conviction that the future of mobility, energy and intelligent systems demands deep co-innovation. For Covestro, the partnership directly supports its “Sustainable Future” strategy by advancing innovations that enable circular solutions and drive growth in industries where material performance is becoming an increasingly important source of competitive advantage.

“At Covestro, we believe in the power of material science and collaboration to drive industry transformation – and this partnership with BYD is a strong example of that," said Lily Wang, President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. "BYD's expanding portfolio represents some of the most exciting and demanding material challenges of our time, and that is exactly where Covestro’s depth of expertise becomes most valuable. We look forward to translating that expertise into tangible solutions together with BYD.”

“Covestro has proven itself as a trusted material innovation partner, and this agreement reflects our confidence in taking that relationship to a new level,” said Head of Materials, BYD. “As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in future mobility and beyond, we look forward to co-innovating with Covestro to develop the advanced material solutions that will redefine future industries and accelerate our global ambitions.”

Material expertise complementing BYD's cutting-edge applications

Under the MoU, the two companies will deepen their collaboration across new energy vehicles, power batteries, public transportation, energy storage, and new technology applications. The partnership will include joint innovation initiatives, technology co-development and strategic investment opportunities.

Covestro will provide dedicated R&D resources to co-develop new material technologies, volume supply security, early access to new material innovations and customized technical support. BYD in turn commits to proactively engaging Covestro in new projects and technology roadmaps across its entire business portfolio.

Covestro’s world-class material expertise in polycarbonate and polyurethane solutions, backed by decades of experience in automotive and electronics application, complements BYD’s key application areas:

• New energy vehicles: Proven material solutions in lighting, premium interior and exterior, and intelligent electronic components, delivering both aesthetic and functional value for smart mobility.
• Power batteries & energy storage: Lightweight, high-performance materials that balance safety, thermal management, and cost efficiency across EV and residential applications.
• Next-generation technologies: High-performance polymer solutions engineered for extreme demands – combining lightweight construction, structural integrity, thermal and electrical management, and durability to enable complex technology platforms of the future. 

Building a more sustainable industrial future

Beyond product co-development, the two companies are committed to advancing low-carbon and circular material solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of next-generation mobility, energy and intelligent systems. Covestro’s CQ (Circular Intelligence) labeled materials, made with at least 25 percent alternative raw materials, form a key part of this commitment.

• Preliminary sales amount to EUR 6,729 million.
• Preliminary EBITDA amounts to EUR 669 million. 

This development is mainly attributable to higher prices while raw material prices were increasing with a time-delay. 

Consequently, for the fiscal year 2026, Covestro adjusts its EBITDA forecast. EBITDA is now expected significantly above previous year level. The previous forecast projected EBITDA around previous year level. 

Unchanged, Free operating cash flow (FOCF) and ROCE over WACC each are expected significantly better than 2025 level. Unchanged as well, greenhouse gas emissions, measured via CO₂ equivalents, are expected to be between 3.9 million tons and 4.5 million tons. 

The interim statement of the first half year 2026 will be published on July 31, 2026. 
 

With the acquisition, Covestro expands its production footprint for HDI derivatives and reaffirms its commitment in two important regions, while strengthening its ability to serve customers in the coatings and adhesives industry with greater flexibility and reliability.

HDI derivatives are essential building blocks for high-performance polyurethane coatings, adhesives and sealants. They are used in a broad range of applications, including automotive coatings, protective coatings for infrastructure, marine coatings, wood furniture, electronics and other demanding industrial applications.

“By adding these sites in Thailand and the US, we are strengthening our regional production capabilities and improving our ability to supply customers from locations close to them,” said Thomas Roemer, Head of the Business Entity Coatings and Adhesives at Covestro. “Reliable supply, regional availability and technical expertise are critical for our customers, especially in a challenging market environment. This acquisition helps us deliver even better on those needs.”

The two sites complement Covestro’s existing production network for HDI derivatives in major regions including Europe, Asia and North America. The additional capacities will further enhance Covestro’s ability to respond to customer demand and support long-term growth in high-performance and more sustainable coatings and adhesives applications.

“Strong customer relationships are built on trust, reliability and the ability to deliver value over time,” said Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro. “This acquisition strengthens our position in a business where customers count on us for consistent quality, regional supply and application expertise.”

The acquisition follows Covestro’s earlier acquisition of the Resins & Functional Materials business from DSM and continued investments in organic growth, underlining the company’s commitment to the coatings and adhesives industry. 

With the acquisition, Covestro expands its production footprint for HDI derivatives and reaffirms its commitment in two important regions, while strengthening its ability to serve customers in the coatings and adhesives industry with greater flexibility and reliability.

HDI derivatives are essential building blocks for high-performance polyurethane coatings, adhesives and sealants. They are used in a broad range of applications, including automotive coatings, protective coatings for infrastructure, marine coatings, wood furniture, electronics and other demanding industrial applications.

“By adding these sites in Thailand and the US, we are strengthening our regional production capabilities and improving our ability to supply customers from locations close to them,” said Thomas Roemer, Head of the Business Entity Coatings and Adhesives at Covestro. “Reliable supply, regional availability and technical expertise are critical for our customers, especially in a challenging market environment. This acquisition helps us deliver even better on those needs.”

The two sites complement Covestro’s existing production network for HDI derivatives in major regions including Europe, Asia and North America. The additional capacities will further enhance Covestro’s ability to respond to customer demand and support long-term growth in high-performance and more sustainable coatings and adhesives applications.

“Strong customer relationships are built on trust, reliability and the ability to deliver value over time,” said Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro. “This acquisition strengthens our position in a business where customers count on us for consistent quality, regional supply and application expertise.”

The acquisition follows Covestro’s earlier acquisition of the Resins & Functional Materials business from DSM and continued investments in organic growth, underlining the company’s commitment to the coatings and adhesives industry.

Meeting growing global MDI demand 

“This investment program is a clear commitment to our customers and to our long-term growth in the MDI market,” said Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chief Executive Officer of Covestro. “We see strong and sustained demand, and at the same time increasing requirements for supply reliability. With these planned investments, we are strengthening our ability to serve our customers at scale while leveraging our technology and operational strengths. XRG’s long-term commitment provides the right foundation to execute these projects and enables us to leverage integrated value chains, strengthen supply resilience and compete at a global scale.” 

Long-term demand for MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), a key raw material for polyurethane rigid foams, is expected to grow globally, driven by multiple applications: building & construction (energy-efficient insulation), appliances (food chain efficiency and sustainability-driven modernization), and sports and lifestyle applications – particularly in Asia and the Middle East. At the same time, demand growth is projected to outpace capacity additions, increasing the importance of reliable, large-scale supply. Covestro is one of the world’s leading MDI producers with production sites in Europe, Asia, and North America. 

China: Building on proven operational excellence 

Covestro is preparing to expand its existing site in China with a new MDI production train. In addition to the main MDI unit, the investment includes upstream plants and supporting infrastructure to manufacture key intermediates on site, creating an integrated production setup. The facility will use the proprietary MDI AdiP technology, which significantly reduces energy consumption. Overall, the new MDI train is designed to operate with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 & 2). 

“Our Covestro Integrated Site Shanghai combines strong reliability with proven capabilities in delivering complex projects,” said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer of Covestro. “The new MDI train will improve overall production efficiency and underlines our ambitions to reach operational climate neutrality. This is also achieved thanks to our proprietary AdiP technology, which has been successfully demonstrated at industrial scale in Germany." 

UAE: Exploring strategic ecosystem advantages 

The feasibility study for a potential new MDI production facility in the United Arab Emirates will assess synergies within the emerging ecosystem in Al Ruwais Industrial City, building on the previously announced partnership with TA’ZIZ and Fertiglobe. A globally oriented facility of this scale would complement Covestro's local-for-local production approach and strengthen supply security for customers across all regions. 

The assessment will consider access to energy from renewable sources and the integrated industrial platform of the TA’ZIZ chemicals hub, including reliable local supply of key raw materials such as chlorine and ammonia. A potential investment would build on the project blueprint from Shanghai. 

XRG brings strategic perspective to Covestro’s growth options 

Both initiatives reflect Covestro’s ambition to pursue long-term growth opportunities in the global MDI market with discipline and focusing on sustainable value creation. As Covestro’s strategic investor, XRG brings a long-term investment perspective and global platform view to this next phase. 

“The planned expansion in China and the feasibility study in the UAE show how we are targeting opportunities to strengthen supply resilience, enhance competitiveness and support customers over the long term”, Steilemann added. 

During COMPUTEX 2026, Covestro held a seminar themed “Grab the development trend of material effects in AI era” and showcased its material solutions, drawing strong interest from industry attendees. The seminar highlighted how these innovations can power next-generation product development, particularly in AI data center servers, thermal management solutions and outdoor network equipment. 

"The Material Effect is not only about what materials can do in a product, but also about how material expertise can support customers across the innovation journey,” said Lily Wang, President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. “By combining high-performance polycarbonates, sustainable material choices, application development and global supply capabilities, Covestro helps customers bring AI-era electronics from idea to scale." 

Strengthening AI Data Center Server Performance

As AI applications scale, the hardware systems behind computing power are facing more demanding operating conditions. In data centers and supercomputing servers, higher power density and more compact architectures are raising requirements for flame retardancy, thermal stability, structural strength and lightweight design. 

Within server and data-storage systems, components such as air ducts, HDD/SSD trays, front bezels and light guides must maintain tight tolerances within compact layouts while enduring repeated maintenance cycles. These demands call for materials that combine durability, flame retardancy, heat resistance and excellent processability. 

Covestro’s polycarbonate solutions help meet the requirements of demanding server applications while enabling thin-wall structures and complex geometries. With bio-circular attributed and post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates, Covestro also supports lower-carbon material choices for AI infrastructure while maintaining high performance. 

Unlocking Smarter Thermal Management

As AI-era electronics and connected devices become more powerful, compact and always-on, thermal management is becoming central to system performance and product design. 

Higher power density can create heat challenges within limited space, requiring materials that support heat dissipation while enabling lightweight and more integrated component designs. For applications such as next-generation Wi-Fi routers, Makrolon^® TC polycarbonate combines thermal management, dimensional stability, lightweighting and flame retardancy to help support compact thermal designs. 

Compared with metal heat sinks or multi-part thermal solutions, this material-based thermal management approach for electronic components can simplify production and finishing, helping optimize total cost while unlocking greater design potential. 

Extending Resilient Connectivity Outdoors

As AI-era applications place greater demands on connectivity, network infrastructure for telecommunications and connectivity is extending into more complex outdoor environments. Outdoor network equipment, including 5G base stations, satellite terminals and outdoor Wi-Fi devices, must maintain signal performance and device protection in harsh outdoor environments. 

Under extreme temperature fluctuations, especially in low-temperature conditions, traditional housings for network devices can become brittle and prone to fractures. Covestro’s low-temperature impact-resistant polycarbonate solutions help maintain stable signal transmission under extreme temperature fluctuations from -40°C to 85°C and in high-salt environments. 

With strong dimensional stability, stable dielectric performance across a wide range of high- and low-frequency bands and high resistance to solar radiation, these materials support durable device and antenna housings for harsh outdoor use, helping realize reliable, long-term operation in outdoor network and telecom applications. 
 

The award was presented during the 2026 AISIN Supplier Conference held in Detroit, where suppliers from across North America were recognized for operational excellence and strong partnership performance.

The Covestro Tailored Urethanes business was recognized for its continued commitment to reliability, product quality and collaboration in support of AISIN's operations.

Covestro's Tailored Urethanes business provides polyurethane solutions widely used in automotive applications, including seating, interior comfort systems, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) management. These materials help improve durability, comfort and performance while supporting lightweight design and long-term reliability in vehicle components.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from AISIN," said Alexander Pichi, Sales & Marketing, Tailored Urethanes NA, Covestro LLC. "This award reflects the dedication of our teams and our ongoing focus on delivering high-quality materials, dependable supply and strong customer support."

AISIN recognized Covestro with a Quality & Delivery Award certificate for excellent performance and contributions throughout 2025.

Covestro and AISIN maintain a long-standing business relationship supporting applications in the automotive industry, where consistent quality, supply performance and collaboration are critical to success.

Alexander Pichi, Sales & Marketing, Tailored Urethanes NA, Covestro LLC, receives the award on behalf of Covestro from the AISIN leadership team.