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.

Fossil-based aniline production generates approximately 20 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually worldwide. To specifically reduce the carbon footprint of aniline production, Covestro uses a tailored microorganism in its bio-based process that converts industrial sugars from plant-based biomass into an intermediate product through fermentation. In a second step, chemical catalysis converts this intermediate into aniline with 100% plant-based carbon.

Continuous Fermentation Process: A Technological Breakthrough

Bio4PURConti aims to take this a step further: instead of the fed-batch method used so far, in which raw materials are added and product harvested in stages, the project targets a continuous fermentation technology for the first time. By using plant-based sugars, e.g. from hardwood biomass, it offers a renewable feedstock pathway. The resulting bio-based aniline is fully drop-in compatible with existing polyurethane value chains, meeting MDI specifications without requiring changes to downstream processes, making it a powerful lever for defossilization well beyond the chemical industry itself. The project scales from lab to 1.5 m³ semi-industrial demonstration at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (Ghent) and Covestro (Leverkusen), integrating cell recycling, real-time analytics and downstream processing. Key objectives include higher space-time yields and significant improvement in product carbon footprint.

"Bio4PURConti is a landmark project – not just for Covestro or the aniline market, but for the entire field of industrial biotechnology," says Dr. Markus Dugal, Head of Process Technology at Covestro. "Demonstrating continuous fermentation at semi-industrial scale for a high-volume raw material like aniline will set a new benchmark for what biotech processes can achieve in the chemical industry. Biology and engineering, when combined at scale, can fundamentally reshape how we produce the materials the world depends on."

A Consortium Driving European Biotech Leadership

The 10-partner consortium, spanning 7 countries, brings together leading industrial and academic organisations: Covestro Deutschland AG (Germany), Fibenol Imavere OÜ (Estonia), University of Stuttgart (Germany), Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW (Belgium), Center for Advisory Systems in Technology, Dortmund e.V. – ZEDO (Germany), Norwegian University of Science and Technology – NTNU (Norway), Axel'One (France), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (Finland), Cluster Industrial Biotechnology – CLIB (Germany), and Asociación Española de la Innovación en el Marketing y la Inversión Sostenible – AEIMIS (Spain).

The project has a total budget of €8.4 million, with €7 million in EU funding, and runs for 42 months. Together, the consortium aims to significantly reduce the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of aniline in the future. As one of the world's leading aniline producers with a production capacity of over one million tonnes per year, Covestro is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation towards a more sustainable aniline production.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
This project has received funding from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101292477.

The project is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members.

ISCC PLUS-certified chlorine from Covestro is produced by using electricity from renewable sources, supporting a more sustainable production process and contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

As of January 2026, the entire CR production of ARLANXEO is based on ISCC PLUS-certified chlorine, marking an important milestone in the company’s sustainability journey and its commitment to a more sustainable value chain. 
This transition is resulting in an average reduction in global warming potential (GWP) of approximately 20% compared to 2025 levels¹, depending on the specific product grade.

“Integrating ISCC PLUS-certified materials into our production is a key step in reducing the environmental footprint of our CR rubber products,” said Niels van der Aar, Head of Sustainability at ARLANXEO. “It underlines our commitment to supporting customers with more sustainable material solutions while advancing transparency along the value chain by supplying corresponding product environmental footprint data for ARLANXEO’s entire CR product portfolio.” 
As a key chemical supplier to ARLANXEO, Covestro plays a crucial role in enabling this transition by supporting the availability of ISCC PLUS-certified chlorine.

“At Covestro, we support our customers in reducing emissions along the value chain by supplying more sustainable basic chemical raw materials from our multiple ISCC PLUS-certified production sites,” said Moritz Winterstein, Head of Trading Cluster Basic Chemicals EMEA at Covestro. “Our collaboration with ARLANXEO demonstrates how certified raw materials and renewable electricity can contribute to lowering the product environmental footprint of downstream applications and support customers in achieving their sustainability targets.”

The introduction of ISCC PLUS-certified feedstock, like ISCC PLUS Chlorine, strengthens the position of ARLANXEO as a leading supplier of more sustainable elastomer solutions, particularly for industries with ambitious climate targets, such as automotive, construction, industrial and adhesive applications.

In addition, ARLANXEO can also offer Baypren® Eco grades combining ISCC PLUS-certified chlorine and ISCC PLUS-certified butadiene, enabling further reductions¹ in environmental impact and supporting customers in achieving their sustainability targets without any compromise in performance.

_{¹ Relative changes in Global Warming Potential – GWP100 incl. biogenic [kg CO₂e] 
Example of the relative change of the Global Warming Potential (GWP100 incl. biogenic [kg CO₂e] for Baypren^® 116 M45 as from January 2026. In the graph also the Baypren^® Eco 116 M45 is added as Eco option. A full Product Environmental Footprint report is available upon request.}

Covestro is globally recognized for Platilon® and Dureflex®, innovative thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films designed for demanding applications requiring stretchability and flexibility, durability, optical performance, and process reliability. Insulectro provides extensive technical expertise, logistics support, and customer service for a broad portfolio of advanced substrates and conductive inks used in printed electronics.

"Customers today need more than materials alone - they need trusted partners who can help them move faster, solve technical challenges, and scale with confidence," said Justin Spitzer, Business Development Manager, Stretchable Printed Electronics, Specialty Films, Covestro LLC. "Our collaboration with Insulectro combines strong technical knowledge, responsive service, and high-performance material solutions that support innovation across the printed electronics value chain."

Through this collaboration, customers benefit from enhanced access to Covestro specialty films products, localized technical support, and a distribution partner with longstanding expertise in advanced electronic materials and applications.

"Insulectro is committed to bringing best-in-class materials and technical resources to our customers," said Kevin Miller, Vice President of Sales for Printed Electronics. "Working alongside Covestro allows us to provide innovative film solutions backed by strong application knowledge, dependable supply, and a shared commitment to customer success."

This partnership supports a broad range of applications, including flexible printed electronics, membrane switches, smart surfaces, medical technologies, industrial electronics, and emerging connected device applications.

Covestro (Booth F02) and Insulectro (Booth K07) will showcase their partnership at the TechBlick conference, June 10-11, Computer History Museum, Mountain View, CA, USA.

Printed Electronics device manufacturers interested in learning more can visit TPU and Polycarbonate Solutions Enable Printed Electronics or contact Covestro's Specialty Films division at 413-665-7016.

Stretchable and Flexible Printed Electronics using Covestro’s Platilon® and Dureflex® Films

The successful implementation exemplifies how “The Material Effect” elevates materials into solutions that matter. This was achieved through an innovative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Kyushu, INC., parts supplier Kojima Industries Corporation, and Covestro. Together, the four companies conducted comprehensive testing and evaluation to ensure the recycled material met all performance requirements without compromising quality standards.

Integrating high levels of post-consumer recycled content into visible premium interior parts has typically been a high technical hurdle - making use in such areas difficult with many resins - yet the Bayblend® resin used in the LEXUS ES demonstrates that this barrier can be overcome. This marks one of the first integrations of 35% post-consumer mechanically recycled content in visible components within a premium automotive segment.

Meeting Performance Standards 

By fusing premium materials with specialized expertise, Bayblend® T85X R35 CQ delivers on all specifications for multiple Lexus ES interior parts while incorporating post-consumer recycled content. The material delivers essential performance characteristics including durability, surface quality, dimensional stability, and processability while integrating seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes.

"This collaboration demonstrates that more sustainable materials can meet the required standards of premium automotive applications," said Fumihiro Togashi, Global Strategic Account Manager, Toyota Group at Covestro. “By working closely with Kojima Industries Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Toyota Motor Kyushu, INC. throughout the development process, we've proven that environmental responsibility and product excellence can go hand in hand.”

The material's versatility extends beyond pre-colored applications to paintable components, enabling use in both visible interior areas and exterior parts. Covestro ensures consistent quality and supply reliability by utilizing one of the most dependable post-consumer recycled sources in the plastics industry. The company's global production footprint further enhances cross-regional supply stability and provides capacity to support anticipated volume increases as more sustainable automotive materials gain broader market adoption.

Advancing Circular Economy Goals

This adoption aligns with the four companies' sustainability strategies. Covestro positions the circular economy as a strategic pillar and continues expanding related product families. Toyota Group leads industry initiatives in environmental stewardship and resource circularity. In parallel, Kojima Industries Corporation and Kojima Group drive sustainability across manufacturing and supply chains, supporting circular material use and responsible sourcing.

The partially recycled plastic solution supports fulfilling expected quotas related to the ELV Regulation, demonstrating how more sustainable materials can simultaneously meet performance and regulatory requirements in the automotive industry.

Looking Ahead

Covestro continues expanding its circular economy solutions through “The Material Effect” approach, including the recently launched "RV line”, part of the post-consumer recycled R series – featuring recycled end-of-life vehicle materials such as headlamps, with third-party certification. These developments address critical automotive industry challenges amid tightening environmental pressures and regulatory requirements.

The innovations will contribute to EU ELV recycling targets toward 2032. Through its global production and supply network, Covestro supports decarbonization and resource circularity in mobility while enabling automotive manufacturers to meet evolving regulations without compromising product quality - truly elevating materials into solutions that matter.

The camp will be held at three locations spanning northern, central, and southern Taiwan. The camp are co-organized with the Taipei City Government and its Department of Education; the Changhua County Government and its Department of Social Affairs, and the Pingtung County Government and its Department of Social Affairs. 

A Rotating Theme — New Experiments Every Cycle 

The camp operates on a three-year thematic cycle, rotating among *Grandma's Magical Kitchen, Grandpa's Secret Garden, and Grandchildren's Wonderland, with an entirely new curriculum developed for each theme. Returning in 2026, Grandpa's Secret Garden introduces a fresh set of experiments designed to spark scientific curiosity while creating meaningful shared experiences between grandparents and grandchildren. 

Three Hands-On Experiments 

Butterfly Pea Flower Dyeing — Nature as a Color Palette 
The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) — a tropical bloom rich in natural anthocyanins — functions as a natural pH indicator, shifting from deep purple-red in acidic conditions to vivid green in alkaline ones. Working with test tubes, salt, citric acid, and baking soda, participants observe firsthand how chemistry transforms color, with each team producing results that are entirely their own. 

Summer Snowflakes — The Science of Superabsorbent Polymers 
Using superabsorbent resin, participants witness the rapid transformation of a small quantity of powder into glistening, crystalline structures upon contact with water. The material can be tinted with butterfly pea flower extract and taken home for continued exploration — or mixed into soil to retain moisture and support plant growth during dry periods. 

Steady Hand Circuit Game — Applied Electrical Engineering 
Participants assemble a complete electrical circuit from individual components — connecting a battery, light bulb, and buzzer to verify conductivity — before constructing the classic steady-hand wire loop game. The activity introduces foundational concepts in electronics and produces a fully functional take-home game for the whole family.

Science as a Bridge Across Generations 

“For many of us, some of our most treasured childhood memories were made alongside our grandparents,” said Annie Chen, Managing Director of Covestro Taiwan. “Covestro Taiwan looks forward to bringing grandparents and grandchildren together through this special event — exploring the fascinating science hidden in everyday life through garden experiments. Our hope is that they laugh together, discover together, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind memory that belongs only to them." 

Changhua County Magistrate, Wang Huei-mei stated: “As society changes and intergenerational contact becomes less frequent, creating meaningful events for different generations to learn and grow together has become an important public priority. Changhua County Government is pleased to partner with Covestro Taiwan on this initiative, which uses science as a medium to foster natural interaction between grandparents and grandchildren — turning hands-on experimentation into an opportunity for connection, shared experience, and lasting memory.”

Pingtung County Magistrate, Chou Chun-mi indicated: "'Grandpa's Secret Garden' is more than a science experience — it's a space where grandparents and grandchildren grow together through companionship. Pingtung County has long been committed to intergenerational inclusion and all-age care. Through this collaboration with Covestro Taiwan, we hope to nurture children's curiosity through hands-on exploration, while helping seniors stay active and engaged — allowing knowledge and warmth to flow naturally across generations." 

Event Information: 

- Organizer: Covestro Taiwan 
- Co-organizers:Taipei City Government and Department of Education; Changhua County Government and Department of Social Affairs; Pingtung County Government and Department of Social Affairs 
- Curriculum Partner:Prof. Liang-Rong Hsu, Golden Tripod Award Winner and instructor Tiffany Chen 
- Artwork: Illustrator Chang Chen-fu 
- Eligibility:Grandparent-grandchild pairs (grandparent + elementary school-aged grandchild); registration in pairs required 
- Duration, Date and Location: 90–100 minutes per session 
1. Taipei: August 22–23 | Taipei Hakka Culture Hall 
2. Changhua: August 29 | Yuanlin Children and Youth Welfare Service Center 
3. Pingtung: August 15 | Neipu Social Welfare Complex 
- Registration & Details: https://forms.office.com/e/DKvheX0pCW
- Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026 
2025 Highlight Video of the Camp: https://youtu.be/7oNQiqMEYIs

Across modern football, materials play a role in helping enable speed, control, comfort, durability and reliable performance, from equipment and apparel to infrastructure and digital connectivity.

Covestro is highlighting this “material effect” behind football: the often unseen contribution of material science to the way the sport is played, experienced and connected around the world.

The athletes enabled by materials

Modern football has become faster, more precise and more connected. Players sprint more, press harder, change direction faster and perform under intense physical and mental pressure. Behind this evolution are better training methods and data analytics, but also materials that help make high performance more reliable.

The football itself is a good example. Modern balls use advanced materials, carefully engineered surfaces and precise construction methods to support consistent weight, shape, rebound and flight behavior, even under demanding weather conditions. Compared with traditional leather balls, today’s footballs are designed for greater reliability and more predictable performance.

Footwear has also changed fundamentally. Modern football boots combine lightweight uppers, flexible structures and high-performance sole plates to support grip, acceleration, agility and ball control. The contact between player, pitch and ball has become a highly engineered interface.

Sportswear plays its part as well. Lightweight, breathable and durable textiles can help manage moisture and comfort during high-intensity performance. Covestro’s INSQIN^® waterborne polyurethane technology enables high-performance textile coatings that can provide softness, water resistance and long-lasting performance while supporting more sustainable manufacturing approaches.

Materials beyond the pitch

The material effect extends beyond players and equipment. Stadiums, training facilities and broadcast infrastructure also depend on advanced materials.

Lightweight and durable polycarbonate solutions have been used in large-scale roofing applications. They can help create weather-resistant structures that protect spectators while reducing weight and maintenance requirements.

At the same time, football is becoming increasingly digital. From connected match technologies and live analytics to broadcast systems, streaming platforms and fan experiences, every match depends on the reliable flow of data. Advanced polymer materials help protect cables, connectors and electronic components and support the infrastructure that brings the game to fans around the world.

As sport becomes more connected, the infrastructure behind it becomes more demanding. Data centers, communication networks and electronic systems require materials that can support reliability, protection and performance at scale.

Innovation is a team sport

The evolution of football shows how performance is rarely the result of a single factor. It comes from the interaction of talent, preparation, technology and the right materials.

The same applies in business. As customer challenges become more complex and markets move faster, innovation increasingly depends on collaboration across disciplines, industries and value chains.

“Innovation today needs to be fast, focused and collaborative,” said Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro. “Co-creation with customers works much like collaboration in a football team: different strengths come together around one shared goal, focusing their preparation to secure the win, and trust and speed making the difference.”

From the pitch to the stadium and from equipment to digital infrastructure, football shows how advanced materials can help shape performance where it matters most.

PITTSBURGH, June 5, 2026 – Covestro LLC, a world-leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, announced that its Baytown, Texas site has been recognized with the 2025 Caring for Texas Award by the Texas Chemistry Council. The award honors member companies demonstrating outstanding performance and leadership in community engagement, safety, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and emergency response.

The Caring for Texas Award is presented annually to facilities that exemplify the highest standards of Responsible Care® principles and demonstrate measurable impact across operational excellence and community partnership. Covestro's Baytown site was selected based on its strong safety culture, proactive environmental initiatives, and ongoing contributions to local community resilience and development programs.

"This recognition reflects the commitment of our Baytown team to operate safely, sustainably, and as a trusted neighbor in the community,' said Victor Ortega, Baytown site manager and senior vice president of Performance Materials and Operations North America. "We are proud of the work our employees do every day to uphold high standards in safety and environmental performance while also supporting meaningful community engagement across the Gulf Coast region."

At the Baytown site, Covestro continues to advance initiatives focused on operational safety, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, digitalization, and emergency preparedness, while also investing in community programs that support education, workforce development, and local partnerships. Covestro has received the Caring for Texas Award for the past four consecutive years and has been honored 13 times since the award’s inception.

The Texas Chemistry Council's Caring for Texas program highlights companies that go beyond compliance to demonstrate leadership in protecting people and the environment while strengthening the communities in which they operate.

PITTSBURGH, June 2, 2026 – Covestro LLC, a world-leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, today highlighted a cross-border mentoring experience that connected Robert Morris University (RMU) students with a Covestro employee during their visit to the company’s Leverkusen site in Germany.

The visit gave students firsthand exposure to Covestro’s global operations and innovation culture while creating opportunities for mentoring and career discussion. As part of the Faculty Lead Education Abroad Program (FLEAP), students met with RMU alumna and Covestro Security Incident Response Analyst Carrie Barnhart, who began her career in Pittsburgh and now works at the company’s global headquarters in Germany, as well as Covestro Cyber Defense Manager Christoph Strassburger and Chief Information Security Officer Markus Schmall.

The experience gave students insight into international career opportunities in technology and cybersecurity, while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications across science, engineering, business, and IT. Discussions explored global perspectives on information technology, digital transformation in the era of AI agents, and emerging cybersecurity challenges, while also highlighting the value of cross-cultural experiences and global mobility in shaping professional development within a global materials company.

The visit reflects Covestro’s ongoing collaboration with academic partners such as Robert Morris University and the strong local ties that enable global opportunity. With Covestro’s North American headquarters in Pittsburgh located near RMU’s Moon Township campus, these regional connections help support international learning and exchange. As part of RMU's Collaborative Learning Institute, the Covestro Center for Community Engagement advances community impact through collaborative programs such as this.

The initiative also supports Covestro’s Brighter Communities efforts, which focus on developing talent through three pillars: Brighter Minds, Brighter Planet, and Brighter Together. The program helps connect students with real-world experience in fields such as IT and digital innovation, while supporting long-term workforce development.

"This engagement demonstrates how local connections can translate into global impact," said Ben Renwick, STEM Education Lead at Covestro LLC. "By bringing students together with employees in IT and other global functions, we are helping broaden perspectives and inspire future talent."

Covestro continues to invest in education partnerships and early-career engagement programs that strengthen talent pipelines and support its global innovation network.

“Taiwan is a critical hub for the global electronics and electrical industry and an innovation base for forward looking applications such as AI robotics,” said Alec Yang, Head of Sales and Market Development TPU Taiwan of Covestro. “With our TPU APAC R&D center and manufacturing site in Changhua, we can directly support local customers for material development and scale up for critical applications including consumer electronics and artificial intelligence. This enables an efficient transition from R&D and application validation to localized mass production, addressing the diverse demand for high-performance and sustainable materials across the regional value chain.” 
 

Enabling performance leaps for AI-Powered Robots in the Real World

In the field of service robotics, AI is accelerating the transition from single‑purpose function to diverse and complex real-world scenarios, which raises the bar for material performance. Overall robotic performance depends not only on algorithms and mechanical design, but also on the stable performance of key components under high‑frequency operation. With excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility and mechanical strength, TPU has become one of the key enabler for motion functions and critical movements in robotics applications.

Driven by AI, household cleaning robots are gaining enhanced capabilities in recognizing complex environments and types of dirt, while market now expects cleaning performance across more scenarios. The material performance of core components — such as seals, rollers, side brushes and wheels — directly affect suction efficiency, cleaning results, obstacle climbing capability and traction. To ensure stable cleaning across complex floor conditions, materials must maintain controlled deformation and durability under prolonged dynamic loads. Covestro's Desmopan® IT series TPUs delivers stable performance under high-frequency operation and supports low-noise operation across a variety of floor surfaces. In high-humidity or wet environments, such as pool and garden cleaning robots, this material also offers excellent hydrolysis resistance and antimicrobial properties, helping extend equipment lifetime and enhance reliability.

Biomimetic designs in embodied intelligence place higher requirements for mobility, protection and human-machine interaction. In critical structural and exterior components, TPU can deliver skin-like softness and conformability while maintaining durability and chemical resistance under repeated stress and everyday use. For example, foams made with Desmopan® FLY can be used in foot structures to provide excellent cushioning and rebound. Desmopan® AIR series utilizes a parallel-layered extrusion process to create multi layer cushioning structures, supporting customized biomimetic designs as well as prototyping and performance validation during development. In tactile sensing and safe interaction, TPU serves as a foundational material for electronic skin solutions. flexible TPU films bring tactile sensing to dexterous hands and electronic skin while improving flexibility in the hands and fascial structures. In systems involving high frequency dynamic motion, TPU is also used for cable jacketing in robotic arms and operating equipment. Its outstanding flexibility and mechanical strength under repeated bending, ensuring long term stability of signal transmission and power delivery, it also meets flame retardant requirements, making it suitable for industrial robots and for electronics and electrical applications with stringent safety and environmental standards.

Combining rubber-like elasticity with the strength of engineering plastics, TPU also offers excellent processability and recyclability. Suitable for multiple molding methods, including injection molding and extrusion, supporting robotics products from prototyping to large-scale production.

Delivering High Performance and Sustainability for AI Laptops and Smart Devices

As intelligence continues to evolve in end devices, material innovation is playing an increasingly vital role in enabling performance upgrades and sustainable design in consumer electronics.

As AI functions deeply integrated into everyday work, creative and mobile use scenarios, laptops face higher requirements in terms of high speed computing, lightweight design, thermal management and environmental sustainability. Components such as foot pads and thermal management components, which support heat dissipation and anti-slip functions in laptops, can be overmolded with TPUs of different hardness, helping optimize overall device weight while improving recyclability. Covestro’s Desmopan® XHR series TPU offers excellent heat and wear resistance, maintains outstanding mechanical performance under sustained high temperature conditions, making it particularly suitable for devices with demanding thermal management requirements, such as servers and gaming laptops. In response to the growing sustainability trend, Desmopan® CQ series TPUs uses bio-based feedstocks and the mass balance approach can achieving a share of sustainable content of over 80%. While delivering comparable performance to conventional fossil-based materials, helping brands reduce carbon footprint across the entire product life cycle.

In smart connected devices such as speakers and gateways, Desmopan® IT series TPU can be used in exterior panels and base plates, combining pleasant haptics, vibration damping and long term stability, while offering broad design freedom for brands. In flexible wearable devices that come into direct contact with skin, such as smart bands, watch straps and earphones, Desmopan® IT series TPU delivers a soft, skin-friendly touch along with excellent abrasion resistance and antimicrobial properties, ensuring lasting comfort during prolonged wear, while maintaining high standards of hygiene and meeting the demanding requirements of health monitoring and fitness tracking applications.

“Material innovation in the AI era is not only about boosting performance, but also about enabling more efficient product development and more reliable mass production,” said Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development TPU APAC of Covestro. “Focused on ongoing innovation in high-performance TPU materials and related technologies, we continue to expand what’s possible in cutting-edge applications, supporting customers in visionary project development and accelerating the transition from validation to scale. Our TPU Application Development Center, opened this May in Guangzhou, works in synergy with the Taiwan R&D Center to strengthen technical support across Asia Pacific as a global manufacturing hub. Combined with our regional production and supply chain network, Covestro will keep driving performance leaps and sustainable progress in electronics and electrical applications for the AI era.”

The global AI infrastructure market is experiencing rapid expansion across multiple sectors. AI server shipments to the United States from Taiwan-based manufacturers nearly doubled year-on-year in 2025[1], driven by demand from hyperscale data center operators, while data center power densities in AI-optimized facilities now exceed 100kW per rack. The robotics sector is transitioning from research and development to commercial deployment, with embodied intelligence applications—including logistics robots, humanoid platforms, and intelligent automation systems—entering mass production. Taiwan's semiconductor industry, which accounts for over 60% of global advanced semiconductor manufacturing capacity[2], is projected to reach NT$7.1 trillion in output in 2026, representing 24.4% year-over-year growth[3] driven by High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), GPU production, and advanced packaging technologies, according to the Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC). As production scales across these sectors, manufacturers require material solutions that meet technical specifications while providing supply reliability and local technical support.

“Technology is moving faster than ever, and AI is opening up entirely new possibilities across industries,” said Lily Wang, President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. “At Covestro, we deliver high-performance, sustainable material solutions that help our customers move faster, backed by a stable global supply network that scales with them. ‘The Material Effect’ is about pushing industry boundaries while advancing the circular economy, and turning good ideas into lasting impact.”

Unleashing the AI Computing Revolution

Covestro is presenting material solutions for AI data centers, computing hardware and semi-conductor manufacturing during COMPUTEX 2026. 

“We bring together expertise from across our business areas to create integrated solutions that help customers accelerate innovation,” said Thomas Derichs, Global Head of Industrial Marketing Electronics & Electrical at Covestro. “Through close collaboration, we are enabling the leap from prototype to production, from concept to commercial.” 

For AI data centers and supercomputing servers, Covestro's polycarbonate solutions provide flame retardancy, thermal management, and lightweight properties for power distribution, energy management, cooling systems, IT hardware, and chips. These solutions support reliable operation in high-density computing environments and mission-critical applications. 

Further upstream in the supply chain, advanced semiconductor wafer storage and transport demand strict cleanliness, visibility and dimensional precision. Covestro’s ultra-clean transparent solutions for FOSB (Front Opening Shipping Box) provide low outgassing and high transparency, while anti-static solutions protect wafers from electrostatic discharge damage and particle adhesion. These polycarbonate solutions contribute dimensional stability and heat resistance to help reduce contamination risks, improve chip yield and support the safe handling throughout wafer storage and transportation process. 

AI notebooks, gaming devices and peripherals are driving demand for materials that support both performance and distinctive design. Covestro offers carbon fiber-reinforced, high glass fiber-reinforced, and transparent flame-retardant polycarbonates, enabling lightweight, high-strength designs, premium quality and bold visual effects. 

Shaping the Future of Embodied Intelligence

As one of COMPUTEX 2026's core focus areas, embodied intelligence represents a defining frontier where The Material Effect comes to life. Drawing on expertise across its businesses, Covestro provides a broad material portfolio for embodied intelligence. 

Covestro’s polycarbonate solutions enhance lightweight structural components with outstanding impact resistance, and provide high infrared transmittance for accurate environmental sensing in sensor housings. Rigid polycarbonate films support human-machine interaction through ambient lighting and touch functionality, while flexible TPU films bring tactile sensing to dexterous hands and electronic skin. Flexible TPU elevates hands and fascia with soft, elastic, skin-like conformability for fingertip covers and outer panels, delivering durable, chemical-resistant performance under repeated stress. 

Covestro is also working with value-chain partners to accelerate material solutions for real-world robotics applications. Through its collaboration with Hikrobot, Covestro supports high-performance material solutions for smart logistics and machine vision applications, helping advance the commercialization of logistics robots. Together with Carthane, Covestro is exploring structural components, Cast PU elastomers for feet and joints protection systems for robots. 

For commercial robot vacuum cleaner, Covestro worked with Roborock to develop more sustainable material solutions for next-generation intelligent products. The company’s sustainable TPU solutions enable lighter, easily processable functional parts—such as brushes and wheel coverings, support both performance and design freedom. 

Crafting Tomorrow's Connected World

As AI drives intelligence into every connected device, advanced connectivity is raising the requirements for smart devices and the infrastructure behind them. Beyond performance, applications increasingly call for refined design, sustainability and engaging user experiences. 

Covestro’s material solutions support these evolving needs across connected applications. For satellite broadband and communication equipment, Covestro’s polycarbonate solutions combine high signal transmittance with long-term outdoor stability, supporting reliable connectivity in demanding environments. In next-generation Wi-Fi routers. Makrolon® TC polycarbonate solutions help dissipate heat while maintaining signal transparency, and optimizing total cost ownership, addressing both thermal management and cost-efficiency needs of more compact and powerful connected devices. 

In smart home and IoT devices, flame-retardant design-forward materials bring connected homes to life. For AR/VR and wearable devices, optical-grade materials deliver comfort, durability and visual immersion for long-term everyday use. Covestro’s HMI (human to machine interface) solutions further enhance smart living experiences by integrating interfaces, sensing functions and lighting effects into compact device designs, creating more intuitive and seamless smart surfaces. 

Combining Sustainability and Aesthetics

In the era of sustainable consumption, low-carbon products with refined aesthetics have become a key differentiator for businesses. 

Covestro addresses this from the ground up, building a diversified recycling ecosystem to secure supply chains, matching PCR (post-consumer recycled) waste streams to specific technical requirements that fulfill industry standards. To strengthen material traceability, supply stability, and quality consistency, Covestro has diversified PCR feedstock with various sources such as water bottles, ELV (end-of-life) headlamps, and wafer boxes broadly used in the semiconductor industry as wafer carriers, to empower a comprehensive PCR portfolio and GLOCAL supply. This diversified approach has contributed to the high-performance Makrolon® R series, delivering glass-fiber reinforced grades with strong impact strength as a distinctive and reliable solution for the market. 

Covestro also offers bio-circular attributed material options, helping customers further reduce carbon footprint without compromising performance. This is demonstrated in products like the Bayblend® RE in BLUETTI’s Elite 100 V2 power station, which contains 25 percent bio-circular attributed content, reducing its carbon footprint by over a fifth compared with the conventional model. Additionally, Covestro offers a portfolio of NIA-PFAS (Non-Intentionally Added Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) materials with good flame-retardant performance and robust mechanical properties, aligning with the EU’s proposed PFAS restrictions and the latest EPEAT guidelines. 

In the global AI era, CMF trends reflect both functional imperatives and emotional design language. Translucent and gradient finishes communicate technological transparency and innovation, while nature-inspired textures and earth-tone palettes bridge the digital-physical divide, making advanced AI systems feel approachable rather than alien. Covestro works closely with design institutions and enterprises to find the right balance between aesthetics, functionalities and environmental footprint of sustainable materials. Covestro's CMF capabilities ensure that material innovation keeps pace with design ambition. By integrating color consistency, surface innovation, and circular material science, Covestro empowers customers to bring both sustainability and aesthetics to life, translating circular material choices into distinctive, reliable and market-ready products that meet the evolving demands of the AI era. 

Join Covestro at the “Grab the development trend of material effects in AI era” seminar in Taipei on June 4, 2026, to discover how high-performance materials can support the next wave of AI-driven innovation. Register at: http://www.caemolding.org/activity-20260604/

[1] taiwannews

[2]MIC AISP

[3] 【MIC FORUM】2026臺灣半導體產值創新高 達7.1兆新台幣　AI應用朝代理與實體深化 成為半導體中長期成長動能 | 資策會產業情報研究所（MIC）

PITTSBURGH, May 26, 2026 – Covestro announced today that its Newark, Ohio, site has received a 2026 Award for Excellence from the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council for an innovative wastewater treatment enhancement project designed to eliminate the potential for plastic resin discharge and further improve water quality being discharged to the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). 

The award recognizes the Newark site’s implementation of three major technological upgrades that strengthen environmental protection and support more sustainable operations. These enhancements include a steam recovery system that captures, condenses and redirects steam back into the wastewater system for treatment and recycling; an upgraded filtration system featuring Variable Frequency Drives and multimedia filtration to ensure no plastic pellets can reach the POTW, and an advanced ion resin treatment system that improves water quality being discharged to the POTW. 

In addition to eliminating plastic resin discharge, the project also improves onsite water conservation and recycling capabilities. A planned second phase of the initiative is expected to generate an additional 8,000 to 10,000 gallons in daily water savings. 

“This project is a tangible example of how Covestro translates its global sustainability commitments into local environmental action,” said Brent Goetz, HSEQ Manager at Covestro’s Newark site. “Our team is proud to implement solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also help protect our local environment and support the communities where we operate.”