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.}

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.

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.

The new compressor operates on the principle of a heat pump: Water vapor is generated during the production processes for TDI, a component of flexible foam. Covestro requires steam for many production processes, but the steam produced during TDI manufacturing is not hot enough. Therefore, some of it is released into the environment as waste heat. The compressor raises the steam to a higher temperature and pressure level, making it suitable for use in production processes.

“Energy efficiency is a key lever for transforming our production towards climate neutrality and a circular economy. The principle is: the less energy we need, the better,” says Thorsten Dreier, CTO of Covestro. “That’s why we’re using every opportunity to make our production even more energy-efficient with modern, innovative process technologies.” From 2005 to 2022, Covestro already reduced its energy consumption by around 40 percent. The next goal: By 2030, the company aims to consume 20 percent less energy per ton of product produced than in 2020.

This project is part of an energy efficiency strategy with which Covestro is driving its transformation to climate-neutral production. As part of the master plan, the company is continuously searching for further potential energy efficiency measures. “With these projects, we are not only reducing our CO₂ emissions, but also saving on energy costs,” says Andreas Doerfer, Global Energy Excellence Manager. “To achieve our energy efficiency target, we must utilize all available options for using the waste heat generated in our processes to manufacture our products.”

Following the installation of an energy-efficient reactor at the TDI plant last year, the new compressor for the Dormagen site is the next major project to future-proof the location: “This investment clearly demonstrates Covestro’s long-term belief in the Dormagen site and its commitment to investing here,” says Philip Bahke, Head of Operations in Dormagen and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this year, with the compressor expected to go into operation in mid-2027.

The so-called People Mover, which will be tested on public roads this year at speeds of up to 50 km/h, is the result of a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union.

"The People Mover is more than just a vehicle – it's a showcase for the future of mobility," explains Jochen Hardt, Head of Global Marketing Mobility at Covestro. “It also vividly demonstrates the 'Material Effect,' for example in the 381cm large windshield made of polycarbonate. Additionally, we considered recycling during the design process and worked with three fully recyclable monomaterials Arfinio^®, TPU and Polycarbonate that can be found either in interior or exterior.”

Material Effects for the Major Trends in Mobility

The materials used in the People Mover demonstrate Covestro's Material Effects and include, for example, Makrolon^® AG for the 381cm panoramic glazing. Covestro can offer this innovative polycarbonate solution based on mass-balanced raw materials from post-consumer waste.

For the autonomous driving systems, opaque but sensor-transparent Makrolon^® AX ST is used for multi-sensor system covers. This innovative solution enables seamless and invisible integration of sensor technology while providing resistance to vandalism and stone impacts.

In the interior, the lightweight, high-quality, and fully recyclable monomaterial Arfinio^® is used in a vehicle for the first time. The material combines a stone-like appearance and feel with high resistance to mechanical stress, UV radiation, and wear.

A consistent monomaterial approach with recycling in mind was also pursued for the seat upholstery. Printed TPU-based solutions made of Desmopan^® AIR provide high seating comfort combined with high abrasion resistance and easy cleaning – a crucial factor for vehicles in continuous public transit operation.

Monomaterials Facilitate Recycling

The use of monomaterials also facilitates recycling at the end of the lifecycle and supports SUE's claim to consider sustainability not only in the propulsion system but throughout the entire vehicle architecture.

"With SUE, we pursued a user- and design-centered approach from the beginning," says Alexander Uedelhoven, founder and project manager of SUE and authorized signatory at UE | STUDIOS. "We wanted to develop not just a technologically advanced vehicle, but one optimally aligned with passenger needs in terms of service, information, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The materials and extensive technical expertise from Covestro gave us the freedom to implement this vision without compromises."

The project was realized in collaboration with renowned partners, including the Institute for Automotive Engineering of the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Automotive Technology (NFF), TÜV Nord, the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT, and Deutsche Bahn (DB Regio).

As initiator, project manager and vehicle manufacturer, UE | STUDIOS are responsible for the overall concept, complete development, design and production of the SUE People Mover.

The investment in this entirely new site, originally announced in 2023, marks a significant milestone in Covestro’s region-for-region strategy and its commitment to growth in its Solutions & Specialties business. The Zhuhai site will be developed in three phases across a 45,000-square-meter area, with maximum production capacity estimated to reach 120,000 tons a year upon completion of the final phase, expected in the 2030s. This will then make it the company’s largest TPU production facility globally.

“The inauguration of our Zhuhai site represents a pivotal moment in Covestro’s growth strategy. This investment demonstrates our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers across Asia Pacific while strengthening our position in high-growth markets,” said Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro. “The facility will enable us to deliver innovative TPU solutions closer to our customers, enhancing our service capabilities and responsiveness.”

Regional synergies with nearby R&D and AD capacities

The Zhuhai site will be strategically supported by a regional TPU R&D Center in Changhua and a new TPU application development (AD) center in nearby Guangzhou, which integrate technical acumen with innovative solutions and tailored services. Together, these facilities are expected to generate powerful regional synergies through collaborative and complementary strengths, positioning Covestro optimally to serve its customers throughout the region.

“The site as well as the nearby R&D and AD capacities are state-of-the-art. Our site in Zhuhai furthermore significantly expands our global TPU production network and reinforces our strong market position in TPU in the region,” said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of TPU at Covestro. “With our integrated regional setup combining production, fundamental research and customer-focused application development, we’re well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific requirements of diverse industries located in south China, like automotive, consumer electronics to footwear.”

“The Zhuhai site underscores Covestro’s long-term commitment to China and aligns with the country’s high-quality development and sustainability agenda. This investment further establishes Guangdong, with a particular focus on the Greater Bay Area, as Covestro’s strategic hub in China along with Shanghai, enabling us to deliver innovative solutions locally while supporting customers throughout Asia. We’re proud to contribute to China’s industry transformation and development as a reliable partner,” said Covestro China President Holly Lei.

The Zhuhai site is capable of producing TPU with the label “CQ”. Covestro materials with this designation contain at least 25 percent alternative, non-fossil raw materials, supporting customers in reducing their carbon footprint in final products, especially important in sectors such as electronics where sustainability has become a global trend.

For Schleswig-Holstein, the project represents an important step on the path to climate-neutral transformation of the state. This was emphasized by Tobias Goldschmidt, Minister for Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature of the state, at the groundbreaking ceremony: “The energy transition is Schleswig-Holstein's project of our time. The rapid expansion of renewable energies is a booster for our business location Schleswig-Holstein and makes future-oriented projects like the heat battery possible in the first place. Covestro and Rondo impressively demonstrate how they are driving the energy transition forward with innovative strength, technological know-how, and full confidence. Projects like this contribute significantly to energy sovereignty and to achieving our climate neutrality goals.”

The 100 MWh Rondo Heat Battery (RHB) is scheduled to go into operation by the end of 2026. Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are supporting the project. The battery will produce ten percent of the required steam at the site, saving up to 13,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

"As an innovation company, we are always excited when we can further develop and test promising ideas that can bring us closer to our goals of a circular economy and climate-neutral production," says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, CTO of Covestro. "The heat battery is such an idea: a new technology that enables us to take another step forward on our path to a sustainable future."

The Rondo Heat Battery combines centuries-old materials with modern automation: electrical energy is stored in the form of heat – with the help of bricks that have been used as heat storage in steel mills for centuries. The heat drives an ordinary boiler that delivers emission-free steam. With electricity from renewable energy sources, a constant amount of steam can thus be continuously generated.

“This project shows how two of Europe’s central challenges can be solved together,” said Eric Trusiewicz, CEO of Rondo Energy. “As renewable power expands, it increasingly creates daily periods of abundant, low-cost electricity. At the same time, European industry needs reliable, affordable energy to remain competitive. Together with Covestro, we are demonstrating that clean industrial heat can be both highly reliable and a powerful tool for balancing the grid — while building the energy infrastructure needed to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and energy security.”

For Covestro, steam generation is an essential part of the production process and accounts for a large portion of energy consumption. The steam at the Brunsbüttel site is currently still generated with natural gas. Based on the experience with using the Rondo Heat Battery in Brunsbüttel, Covestro is evaluating whether deployment on a larger scale is possible.

Read more here ›

For BLUETTI, the main challenge lies in ensuring that the device's housing lasts as long as its internal components. With more than 4,000 charging cycles – about 10 years of use – BLUETTI's LiFePO4 battery requires a housing that withstands aging, brittleness, and wear, even under extreme temperatures and UV exposure. Safety is equally crucial, as the material must tolerate heat during operation without fire risk. Beyond these high material requirements, BLUETTI is strongly interested in reducing the CO₂ footprint of its products, which is why the material must also meet this requirement.

Covestro's Bayblend^® polycarbonate meets both requirements: It offers high impact resistance even at low temperatures and complies with UL 94 V-0 flame retardant standards for safe operation. The Bayblend^® RE grade used in the Elite 100 V2 power station is also manufactured with renewable ingredients attributed through mass balance accounting from biological waste and residues, while meeting high performance requirements. The material is part of Covestro's CQ (Circular Intelligence) product portfolio, which marks products related to at least 25 percent alternative raw materials.

"This collaboration with BLUETTI demonstrates how innovative materials can accelerate the transition to more sustainable solutions for the rapidly growing portable power market," said Lily Wang, Global President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. "Our engineering plastics designed for the circular economy not only deliver the technical performance required for demanding outdoor applications, but also help our customers reduce their environmental footprint while advancing the circular economy."

Allen Huang, Vice President of BLUETTI, added: "Our partnership with Covestro is based on a shared vision for a greener planet. By using their advanced bio-circular attributed materials, we enhance the durability and safety of our products while actively reducing our environmental impact. This collaboration enables us to offer reliable, stylish, and sustainable energy solutions that empower our users to live better lives."

Beyond technical performance, Bayblend^® enables refined surface textures and diverse color options through Covestro's advanced CMF (Color, Material and Finish) capabilities. This design flexibility allows BLUETTI to meet evolving consumer preferences for more expressive, aesthetically appealing products without compromising performance standards.

The Elite 100 V2 will be launched on January 7 afternoon at BLUETTI’s CES booth #9837 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and be available globally.

¹ The CO₂ footprint reduction is based on a certified life cycle assessment of the housing component comparing Bayblend^® RE to conventional polycarbonate. The bio-circular content is tracked and correspondingly attributed through certified mass balance methodology.

This is important because the conventional vehicle part coating process typically involves multiple steps, each of which adds cost, uses energy, and limits design freedom. Direct Coating from Covestro transfers the molded part to a second cavity and applies a low viscosity 2K PU that cures in the mold. This integrated process requires no conventional coating- or painting lines, accelerates cycle times, streamlines operations, and enables more flexible, scalable production of a range of coating designs, including those featuring haptics and visual effects.

“With a broad network of partners across the entire value chain, we are well-positioned to support the global rollout of Direct Coating,” said Benjamin Herzberg, Technology Expert IMC at Covestro. “We have over two decades of proven experience in the Direct Coating process, with a strong focus on joint projects across the automotive industry. Our application and scale-up expertise is anchored across technical centers worldwide and backed by a strong IP portfolio. Our latest customer support enhancement is a tool that compares cost and CO₂ emissions with the conventional manufacturing process.”

End-to-end solutions and support

Covestro also offers tailored polycarbonate substrates such as Makrolon^® IMC2477. This solution delivers excellent adhesion to polyurethane coatings while maintaining good optical properties in both transparent and colored opaque finishes. Additionally, Covestro has designed dedicated polyurethane coating raw materials for Direct Coating applications. These materials include fast-curing, low-viscosity polyisocyanates and polyols suitable for these applications.

“Customers can accelerate their time-to-market by benefiting from guidance on mold design and process optimization, as well as using our facilities to trial designs and validate parts and production conditions,” added Thomas Baeker, Marketing Manager for Industrial and Automotive Coatings at Covestro.

Since 2021, a leading German automotive manufacturer has used Covestro products for Direct Coating components in both exterior and interior vehicle applications.

More information
Tier suppliers and OEMs interested in evaluating Direct Coating can find out more by visiting the Covestro website.

Additionally, our technical experts can also provide suppliers and OEMs with a bespoke cost calculation tool and access to Covestro technical labs.

The collaboration seeks to develop a circular economy model for medical devices by proving both technical feasibility and economic viability while navigating the complex regulatory landscape of medical waste management. In cooperation with additional partners in the United Kingdom – including Allmed’s distribution partner Kimal, a leading regional hospital trust and a specialized recycler – Allmed and Covestro are now preparing for their first recycling trials.

“The circular economy in healthcare is still emerging – but it holds tremendous potential. With this feasibility study, we want to demonstrate that even complex applications like artificial kidney filters can be circular and become a valuable source of high-quality polycarbonate recyclate instead of being incinerated or sent to landfill,” says Lily Wang, Global Head of Engineering Plastics at Covestro.

Allmed is equally committed to ambitious sustainability goals: “Blood purification devices are essential for life-saving treatments but also require significant resources. Our ambition is to show that high medical performance and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand,” explains Ahmed Sorour, Chief Executive Officer at Allmed.

Matt Press, Chief Executive Officer of Kimal Group added: "We are very proud that Allmed had chosen Kimal and the UK market to be at the forefront of this fantastic and groundbreaking initiative".

About Allmed:
Allmed is a leading innovator and supplier of groundbreaking blood purification devices. It encompasses the widest portfolio of such devices globally, from neonatal care up to the largest blood filters on the market. It is headquartered in the UK, with key technology centers in Germany, and exports its devices and technologies to over 40 countries worldwide. Allmed is committed to showcasing to the world that even life-saving medical devices can enter and exit the supply chain sustainably.

Find more information at Allmed – Delivering world class Dialysis Treatment
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The new coatings portfolio targets critical applications in mobility, home & living, infrastructure, renewable energy and printing & packaging. Designed for local markets, these products reflect Covestro’s deep understanding of customer needs and its ability to translate insights into practical, high-performance materials.

• Mobility: Bayhydrol® A 2670, developed locally for China’s railway sector, supports the shift from solvent-borne to waterborne coating systems. This topcoat solution delivers superior weathering and chemical resistance, helping rolling stock withstand high-speed sand erosion and climate variability while maintaining excellent appearance such as high gloss. Fast drying and easy application enhance manufacturer productivity. The solution also fits particularly well in South Asia’s substantial automotive refinish market, which is similarly transitioning to waterborne systems.
• Home & living: NeoCryl® XK-228, a locally developed waterborne low-hydroxy acrylic emulsion, addresses market needs for color stability, hardness, fast delivery and chemical resistance in industrial wood coatings, floor coatings and wall paints. Its innovative design reduces the minimum film formation temperature to below 10°C, significantly lowering the need for coalescents and VOC emissions while enhancing formulation flexibility.
• Infrastructure: Bayhydrol® UH 2896 and Bayhydrol® UH 2897, developed with proprietary synthesis technology for China’s waterproofing market, serve as standalone resins in 1K waterborne coatings or blending resins to enhance performance. Suitable for construction applications including outdoor roofing and indoor bathrooms, the polyurethane dispersions deliver superior water resistance, long-term durability, low-temperature flexibility and excellent processing performance while providing formulation flexibility for differentiated products.
• Renewable energy: To reduce costs and boost efficiency in photovoltaics, locally developed hardener Desmodur® ultra N 31890 BA features rapid drying speed nearly three times faster than standard hardeners under high temperature bake, substantially boosting production efficiency. Its excellent UV resistance supports over 25 years of service life, while robust hygrothermal aging resistance ensures stable performance across environments. Strong substrate adhesion provides flexibility for diverse applications.
• Printing & packaging: Driven by sustainability trends and growing safety and health concerns—especially among younger generations in leading Asian markets—NeoCryl® A is a new waterborne acrylic emulsion developed for barrier coating of food-contact-grade paper packaging. It delivers excellent water and grease resistance while serving as a sustainable alternative to traditional polyethylene laminating films. The solution supports recycling, with tested pulp recyclability exceeding 90 percent, and safeguards consumer health by avoiding PFAS.

Lab automation: Investing in the future

The Weighing & Mixing Workstation represents a strategic investment in R&D efficiency and will soon begin operation. This automated system handles material weighing and mixing during experiments while securely recording data to the cloud. Capable of continuous operation, it automates repetitive tasks and streamlines workflows, enabling R&D teams to focus on high-value innovation, respond faster to customized market needs and shorten time-to-market, while also reducing raw material waste. Its precision and digital data capture also lay the groundwork for AI-driven insights in materials development.

“With the new workstation we’re building the infrastructure that will enable AI systems to unlock new material insights and accelerate breakthrough discoveries. Together with these locally developed products, we’re making continual investment in innovation which will keep us ahead of market demand and drive customers’ success,” said Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific, Covestro. 

Based on deep industry insights, the two companies will focus on automotive and industrial coatings, covering applications such as automotive OEM coatings, components, refinish paints, as well as coil steel, construction machinery, wind power and photovoltaics. The collaboration will encompass low-carbon material development, technological innovation, energy efficiency improvements and VOC emission reduction to drive sustainable and high-quality industry development through enhanced supply chain coordination.

This agreement, signed at Nippon Paint’s booth during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), reflects a shared commitment between Covestro and Nippon Paint to explore new collaborative pathways.

Over the years, both companies have built extensive experience in product development and material innovation. At the 2022 CIIE, Nippon Paint and Covestro unveiled a pioneering bio-based automotive coatings solution that enables matte-finish gradient colors—a technologically challenging feat that addresses the automotive industry’s demand for outstanding performance, distinctive design and sustainability. This latest partnership expands the collaboration from automotive coatings to broader industrial applications, aiming to establish a comprehensive low-carbon coating system covering raw materials to finished products through deeper technical collaboration and resource integration.

“CIIE serves not only as a showcase for global innovations but also as an important platform for fostering supply chain collaboration and building sustainable ecosystems. We’re delighted to leverage CIIE’s momentum once again, continuing our partnership with Covestro to explore innovative breakthroughs in low-carbon materials and green coating technologies. Through this open platform, Nippon Paint will continue deepening local innovation, partnering to bring more valuable and sustainable coating solutions to the Chinese market,” said Bai Yi, Vice President of Nippon Paint China Purchasing Headquarters.

“This strategic partnership will fully unlock the synergistic potential of both companies in technology development and resource integration. We look forward to working with Nippon Paint to advance cutting-edge technology development and implementation, drive green transformation across the industry through innovative material science and circular economy principles, and contribute our technological expertise to China’s dual carbon goals and industrial upgrading,” said Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific, Covestro.

Originating from Japan, the Good Design Award is one of the world’s most respected design recognitions, honoring excellence in design across products, architecture, software and services for their contribution to quality of life and society. The award-winning project, “Transforming Sustainable Materials into Desirable Designs,” was developed in collaboration with the Colour & Imaging Institute at the Art & Science Research Center of China’s elite Tsinghua University. It demonstrates how recycled materials from end-of-life applications can be revived through material expertise and innovative design to deliver both sustainability and sensory appeal to consumers while achieving commercial success.

“This Good Design Award recognizes Covestro’s pioneering efforts in sustainable material innovation,” said Mathieu Jung, Head of Global Color and Design at Engineering Plastics Business Entity, Covestro. “We are demonstrating that sustainability and premium design are not only compatible but mutually reinforcing. We believe that recycled plastics have also a usage beyond black and non-visible parts and should be used to create products with a distinctive identity that consumers actively seek out.”

At the heart of the project are five nature-inspired CMF themes—Earth, Water, Stone, Gem, and Black & White—­developed through a rigorous process of market research, consumer surveys, expert interviews and big data analysis. Unlike traditional approaches that often downplay the unique qualities of recycled materials, Covestro’s CMF methodology enhances and celebrates them. By applying these strategies to recycled polycarbonates, the project transforms this engineering plastic into premium design elements that resonate emotionally with consumers while meeting stringent performance requirements, addressing a critical gap in scaling the circular economy.

The technical foundation of this design innovation lies in polycarbonate’s exceptional recyclability. End-of-life products such as water bottles made of polycarbonate are collected, sorted, shredded, cleaned, and reprocessed into high-performance granules. These granules are then given a second life in premium applications—showcasing how circularity and high design can co-exist.

These CMF solutions are already being applied in sectors ranging from luggage to premium furniture, demonstrating the commercial viability of sustainable design approaches. The market response confirms that recycled materials can be positioned as premium features rather than compromises.

This award-winning project is part of Covestro’s broader commitment to design for circularity. The company has developed comprehensive circular design guidelines that put its circularity expertise at designers’ fingertips, promoting mono-material and modular designs that facilitate end-of-life recycling. Through industry collaborations and innovative approaches to material development, Covestro continues to advance circular design principles, helping brands create products that contribute to a more circular future.

Latest info on Covestro’s K fair presence:

• Experience “The Material Effect” at K 2025 at Covestro | Covestro AG

Additional Press Releases:

• From Materials to Solutions: Covestro Brings "The Material Effect" to K 2025
• Digital Material Twins in Automotive Design: Imagio^® of Covestro Now Integrated into Autodesk VRED
• Covestro deepens collaboration with Ausell to advance end-of-life automotive plastics recycling
• More speed from design to series production
• From old tires to new car parts: Covestro, Neste and Borealis aim at closing loop for automotive industry 
• Covestro and Deloitte jointly develop Monetization Framework for Circular Economy
• Life Cycle Assessments digitalized: boosting transparency

Covestro at a Glance:

Are you looking for more information? Here you could find further facts about Covestro.

Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro: "The chemical industry and many of its key customer industries face profound transformations – on the path to circular economy, through AI and digitalization, or due to geopolitics and the realignment of global markets. With our expertise in high-performance materials, process and application development, we remain part of the solution and support our customers in achieving their goals."

The solutions presented at "K" are organized across the booth in the areas of Automotive, Electronics, Healthcare, Sports and Leisure, as well as Sustainable Future. They showcase "The Material Effect" in application across various industries and underline the company's long-term vision of a complete alignment with the circular economy. This vision remains the North Star for Covestro and the industry – despite short-term challenges and overlapping crises that require resilience and adaptability.

Materials with Impact: "The Material Effect" in Practice

Jochen Hardt, Booth Manager and Vice President Global Marketing Mobility in the Engineering Plastics business entity at Covestro: "At our booth, visitors can experience first-hand how 'The Material Effect' becomes reality in concrete applications. We deliberately present not only materials and products but showcase well-designed system solutions that offer real added value to our customers. My team and I at Covestro look forward to engaging with visitors throughout the fair!"

Sustainable Future

In the "Sustainable Future" area, Covestro demonstrates its comprehensive commitment to the circular economy. This includes the "CQ" portfolio, which marks products containing at least 25% alternative raw materials. Another example is the technology developed by Covestro and partners for producing plant-based aniline. Also featured are several car-to-car recycling projects that advance circularity in the automotive industry. For example, the NALYSES project, where Covestro works together with partners like HELLA and BMW on the circularity of headlights. Or a pilot program with NIO, VW, and GIZ for recycling polycarbonate parts. For the latter, visitors will find materials labeled "RE", "RP", and "R" at the booth – these are partly made from alternative raw materials.

Automotive

Highlight in the automotive area: The SUE "People Mover" – a prototype vehicle for public transportation. The autonomous e-shuttle was designed and developed by UE | STUDIOS. It features large-scale, curved 3D polycarbonate glazing as well as seamless integration of driver assistance systems and sensors, also using polycarbonate. The lightweight, highly durable monomaterial Arfinio® is used in the interior, along with a recyclable TPU monomaterial seat. The IMAGIO® tool for digital, photorealistic material twins will also be on display. It is now implemented in Autodesk VRED and makes design processes faster and more efficient.

Electronics

In the electronics area, Covestro showcases innovative NIA-PFAS (not intentionally added PFAS) polycarbonates with flame retardancy for laptop covers and IoT device housings. Additionally, a recyclable antenna housing made of Makrolon® monomaterial will be on display, combining optimal signal transmission with weight reduction.

Healthcare

In the healthcare booth area, Covestro presents material solutions that combine sustainability with performance and reliability: From medication delivery with particularly thin-walled, more easily recyclable monomaterial injectors to resistant housings for diagnostic devices that withstand disinfectants. Such devices can furthermore be made with NIA-PFAS material types for flame retardancy, and support the seamless integration of functionality such as touch operation and signaling in an attractive design.

Sports and Leisure

In the sports and leisure area, visitors will find applications such as the e-surfboard by Awake. Covestro materials can be found, for example, in the easily and quickly replaceable battery, with thermally conductive and flame-retardant polycarbonate for improved battery performance. Durable TPU-based materials on the grip of the replaceable battery additionally provide pleasant haptics and comfort.

Press Tour for Media Representatives

Media representatives are cordially invited to experience Covestro's exhibition booth at K 2025 in person. A press tour will take place on the first day of the fair, October 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at booth A75 in Hall 6.

The tour offers a comprehensive overview of all focus areas as well as the opportunity for discussions with technical experts about "The Material Effect" and the implementation of the circular economy strategy in concrete applications. There will also be opportunities for individual interviews.

For more information about Covestro at K 2025, please visit Experience “The Material Effect” at K 2025 at Covestro | Covestro AG

At the same time, according to the review process of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), conventional antimicrobial silver technologies face the challenge of meeting the requirements of the BPR due to concerns over potential harm to human, animal, and ecological health. Many are now set to be phased out in the years ahead.

To address the demand for more sustainable antimicrobial surface coatings, Heraeus Precious Metals created AGXX: a system that eliminates a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses without releasing harmful silver-ion components. AGXX works due to a catalytic reaction of two precious metals that converts oxygen into reactive oxygen species (ROS) using moisture derived from air humidity. These ROS eliminate microbes by disrupting their outer cell membranes, organelles, and DNA.

Martin Danz, Global Head of Antimicrobial Technologies at Heraeus Precious Metals said: “AGXX is skin-friendly,* BPR-compliant, and suitable for a wide range of applications. Results from our joint tests with Covestro now show that AGXX can be combined with Impranil^® PU dispersions to add long-lasting antimicrobial properties to textile coatings for synthetic materials.”

Tests also revealed that incorporating AGXX with INSQIN^® textile coatings technology from Covestro does not impact manufacturing processes. “We found that AGXX could be mixed with our Impranil^® products without dulling the performance or properties of either solution or requiring any changes to manufacturing processes for coated textiles,” said Dr. Torsten Pohl, Global Head of Textile Coatings at Covestro. “When combined with AGXX, our INSQIN^® technology maintains its cleanability, flexibility, and ability to withstand usage over long periods. For textile coating manufacturers, this tried-and-tested guide formulation offers a fast and effective way to infuse their coatings with safer and more sustainable antimicrobial properties and still gain the sustainability improvements of our low-VOC waterborne PU dispersions.”

With demand for hygienic, reliable, BPR-regulation-compliant, and safer textile coatings expected to increase, the combination of AGXX and INSQIN^® technology will enable textile manufacturers to quickly adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of the sharing economy.

To see how the combined guide formulation works in real-world applications, visit Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt from April 21 to 24, 2026. Items coated with AGXX and Impranil^® will be on display at the Covestro booth.

*Tested by bio compatibility test according to ISO 10993-5

About Heraeus Precious Metals
Heraeus Precious Metals is globally leading in the precious metals industry. The company is part of the Heraeus Group and covers the value chain from trading to precious metals products to refining and recycling. It has extensive expertise in all platinum group metals as well as gold and silver.

With more than 3,000 employees at 16 sites worldwide, Heraeus Precious Metals offers a broad portfolio of products that are essential for many industries such as the automotive, chemicals, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, hydrogen and jewelry industry. Find more information on the Heraeus Precious Metals website. www.heraeus-precious-metals.com

“With the rise of EVs and the emergence of flying cars, automotive design is moving toward larger transparent surfaces, greater intelligence and lighter structures. This partnership combines the strengths of Covestro and Anko to deliver innovative engineering plastic solutions for automakers and support the industry’s sustainable development,” said Lily Wang, Global Head of Engineering Plastics at Covestro.

Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on transparent engineering plastics applications for EVs and flying cars, with specific focus on the development of functional automotive glazing with advanced features such as color-changing, photovoltaic and display integration. Anko will contribute its expertise in cost-efficient processing, system integration, and scaling from prototypes to mass production. Covestro will provide raw material solutions, application development support, and engineering support in glazing design optimization and simulation for mechanical and thermal performance.

“Anko is the first Chinese company specializing in transparent plastic automotive glazing to receive both the European E-mark and American Department of Transportation automotive safety certifications. With our proven capabilities in polycarbonate molding, coating and system integration, we look forward to working with Covestro to further improve product performance and broaden application potential, creating more value for customers,” said Robert Kao, General Manager of Anko Optics.

Compared with conventional glass, engineering plastics are much lighter, helping extend EV driving range. They also offer superior impact resistance, design flexibility and functional integration, addressing the growing demand for safety, intelligence and personalization in future vehicles.

The partners will also drive wider adoption of sustainable engineering plastics, including renewable-attributed and chemically recycled polycarbonates made via mass balance. These low-carbon alternatives help automakers meet stricter environmental requirements and advance climate neutrality goals.

Beyond technical collaboration, Covestro and Anko plan to work together on market promotion, industry seminars, certification efforts and other initiatives to accelerate business development. By leveraging their global and local resources and networks, the partners aim to provide customers with more comprehensive and competitive solutions.

The integration of the Imagio^® material database into Autodesk's VRED, one of the world's leading design platforms for cars and other transportation vehicles such as aircraft or rail vehicles, provides designers worldwide with immediate access to photorealistic representations of color, gloss, transparency, translucency, or surface texture of the versatile polycarbonate materials of Covestro.

"The integration of our digital sample library into Autodesk VRED is a milestone for both partners," says Dr. Tobias Rausch, Business Development Manager for Digital Sampling in the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Covestro. "We are effectively lowering the entry barrier to our material world for designers of vehicles and auto parts. They can now easily find our polycarbonate materials and their many facets and try them out realistically for their application with just a few clicks. This saves a series of iterations and thus time, money, and emissions associated with transport and sample production."

Higher Efficiency and Precision in Design

The time saved is a crucial advantage in an industry like automotive, where development cycles are becoming shorter and efficiency in the design process is increasingly important. The ability to easily experiment with photorealistic effects and surface structures that can be applied to the respective application via drag-and-drop is a major advantage. Unlike physical samples, this approach also leaves less room for interpretation and thus errors, which has always existed when transferring properties from a sample to the final application.

"The integration of Imagio^® significantly expands the potential of our design portfolio and helps our users enormously," explains Marek Trawny, Director of Product Management - Automotive & Conceptual Design at Autodesk VRED. "In a time when speed and precision in the design process are crucial, photorealistic digital material twins offer our users a decisive advantage. Designers can now immediately and accurately see how polycarbonate materials will look in their designs. This aids decision-making and fuels creativity."

Up next: Mechanical Properties or Weathering Simulations

Autodesk is one of the main providers of design software for the automotive industry and is used by leading manufacturers. The exclusive presence of Covestro in this digital design tool, where design and material decisions are made, is a strategic milestone for both companies. Future functionalities are planned, such as connections to simulation tools for mechanical properties, rheology, or weathering simulations. This will allow designers to simulate how materials behave after years of exposure to sun and rain and visualize the resulting changes in appearance.

The Imagio^® integration is available with Autodesk VRED Professional 2026.1. Users need an Imagio^® account, which is available for business customers and public organizations. For users of other visualization platforms, Imagio^® remains accessible through its web interface, offering the same comprehensive material library with downloadable AxF files compatible with most leading rendering software programs.

Covestro at K 2025

This project also underlines "The Material Effect" – the guiding concept of the presence of Covestro at this year's K trade fair in Düsseldorf. At stand A75 in hall 6, Covestro will place special emphasis on progress and innovations in the areas of sustainable future, automotive, electronics, healthcare, sports and leisure.

https://www.autodesk.com/products/vred/overview
Imagio Color Finder
https://solutions.covestro.com/en/highlights/articles/cases/2025/digital-material-twins-for-automotive-design

The announcement aligns strongly with this year’s World Green Building Week¹ motto, “Business goes better when you're bold on buildings,” as partners Covestro, Recticel and Brightlands all work towards bold, more sustainable solutions that do not compromise on technical performance but enable the building industry to reduce its ecological footprint and accelerate its transition to circularity.

“The construction sector is responsible for about 37% of global CO₂ emissions, with around a quarter stemming from embodied carbon², e.g. emissions associated with the building materials before a building is even in use,” says Fernando Resende, Marketing Manager Building & Construction EMEA-LATAM at Covestro. “This urgently needs to change. Through our collaboration with Recticel, we’re able to offer a compelling alternative.”

Brightlands Circular Space: Platform for circular collaboration

The 7,500 m² Circular House will serve as a living lab for demonstrating, co-creating and piloting zero-waste plastic technologies. It integrates sustainable design at every level, using innovative materials to reduce both operational and embodied carbon. As part of its mission, Circular House aims to share best practices in circular solutions in its Experience Space and host events in which Covestro and Recticel could share knowledge about circular building materials with students and peers as well.

“In the Circular House, we chose insulation boards that incorporate more sustainable raw materials, meeting both performance and sustainability requirements,” states Lia Voermans, chair of the Steering Board at Brightlands Circular Space. “This way, we apply the same circular principles driving Brightlands Circular Space by embedding them into the design of our demonstration facility for circular plastics, showing how circular and low-carbon materials can be integrated into real-world building projects.”

The building, located on Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands, is part of the Brightlands Circular Space. The facility is the first of its kind: an open-access, circular plastics demonstration hub where R&D can be scaled and integrated with real-world industrial infrastructure.

Jointly furthering sustainability

Covestro has enabled Recticel to use Desmodur^® CQ MS into its Recticel’s “Eurothane^® Silver Impact” insulation boards, which are now used to insulate the roof of the Circular House at Brightlands. Desmodur^® CQ MS is based on climate-neutral³ methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), produced using bio-circular feedstocks, certified via the mass balance approach. As a result, the “Eurothane^® Silver Impact” boards used in the Circular House contain 43%⁴ less embodied carbon compared to standard versions, while maintaining the trusted technical and thermal performance.

“The buildings of tomorrow must be measured by more than just energy efficiency. They must address embodied carbon, material circularity and long-term environmental impact across their entire lifespan,” says Benedikt van Roosmalen, Commercial Manager at Recticel. “The collaboration with Covestro allowed us to create Eurothane^® Silver Impact insulation boards, which have a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional insulation boards.”

About Recticel:

Recticel is a Belgian insulation Group with a strong presence in Europe and the USA. It offers smart insulation solutions that advance a carbon-free economy and a better quality of life.
Recticel delivers upon a portfolio of Insulation Boards, Insulated Panels and Acoustic Solutions.
Recticel Insulation designs polyurethane thermal and thermo-acoustic boards for optimal building comfort and energy efficiency. This includes vacuum insulation panels (VIP) by Turvac.
Trimo enables the highest aesthetic standards and extends architectural capabilities with its mineral wool insulated panels and modular space solution, primarily in non-residential applications. With the recent acquisition of REX Panels & Profiles, the portfolio now includes PIR insulated panels.
Soundcoat provides acoustic solutions used in some of the world’s leading technological innovations.
At the end of 2024, Recticel employed 1,275 people and had achieved sales of EUR 610.2 million. Its operations are spread over seven countries.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved Recticel’s near-term targets for the reduction of scope 1, 2 & 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from base year 2021) and net-zero targets for 2050.
CDP added Recticel to its 2024 A list for Climate Change.
Recticel is listed on Euronext in Brussels (Euronext: RECT - Reuters: RECT.BR - Bloomberg: RECT:BB).

About Brightlands Circular Space:

Brightlands Circular Space (BCS) is in Sittard-Geleen (NL) and is a cooperation between Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Maastricht University and TNO (the Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research).
BCS is part of the Brightlands ecosystem of 30.000 innovators and 350 companies and addresses sustainability by advancing the circular reuse of plastics, transforming them into raw materials for new products and closing the loop on an industrial scale. Currently BCS is building a first of a kind open innovation R&D demonstration center, designed with sustainability and circularity as priorities and with the aim to foster the development and scaling of circular plastic solutions in fields as packaging, automotive and electronics. From here, BCS facilitates collaboration across the entire plastics value chain.

_{¹ World Green Building Week is an annual global campaign organized by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) to accelerate sustainable buildings for everyone, everywhere. The 2025 edition takes place from September 8–12, with activities coordinated by Green Building Councils and partners worldwide.}

_{² According to the Global Alliance for the Building and Construction from United Nations Environment Programme}

_{³ Climate neutrality is the result of an internal assessment based on the TÜV reviewed EcoPAss LCA method (ID No. 0000083440), 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 calculation takes into account biogenic carbon sequestration based on preliminary data from the supply chain. No compensation measures were applied.}

_{⁴ Internal LCA calculation according to EN15804+A2 standard, for modules A1 - A3 (cradle to gate), based on the mass balance method.}

In qualifying, the Covestro Æthon secured pole position with a time of 1:52.50 minutes, setting a new team record. Never before has a Team Sonnenwagen solar race car been faster on the circuit in Darwin. After five days of racing, the new Sonnenwagen Covestro Æthon finished in fourth place – a world-class performance in a strong field of 37 teams from 18 countries, made possible in part by Covestro products.

“Regardless of the outcome of the race, Team Sonnenwagen has done a great job in my opinion,” says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at Covestro. “What these students from Aachen have achieved with the design of their solar car is a demonstration of innovative strength, team spirit, and determination. They deserve nothing but congratulations. And I am always delighted that we are able to support this extraordinary team with our innovative and sustainable technologies and our expertise.”

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved,” says Leonie Brandt, Chair of Team Sonnenwagen Aachen. “Just finishing this race is an enormous achievement – and with Æthon, we made it into the ranks of the world’s best teams. Our vehicle proved itself under extreme conditions, and we are taking away many important insights.”

Covestro has been supporting Team Sonnenwagen since its founding in 2017 and has been its main sponsor and technology partner since 2018. The company is convinced that more sustainable high-performance plastics are key to climate-neutral and circular mobility. Together with customers and partners, Covestro is continuously developing new material solutions and recycling technologies for this purpose.

As with previous vehicles, the Æthon also relied on more sustainable high-performance plastics from Covestro – this time even more than ever before: over ten different materials from the company were used in the car.

One example of the application of our raw materials is chemically recycled car seat foam, which offers comfort while conserving resources. Sustainable mass-balanced Vulkollan^®, a particularly resilient elastomer that absorbs shocks between the battery and the chassis, was also used to protect the structure. For the cell holders, the team used Makrolon^® TC, a thermally conductive polycarbonate that helps to reduce the temperature during battery charging and discharging, thereby increasing the battery's service life. The coating cures at room temperature and contains a binder with a high proportion of sustainable Covestro raw materials. In addition, other Covestro raw materials were used as materials in the cockpit hood, outer shell, headlights, seat, and steering wheel, for example.

While global population growth is slowing slightly, the number of people over 65 is expected to double by 2050. Older people want to remain mobile, independent, and socially integrated. At the same time, already overburdened healthcare systems must become more efficient and accessible. High-performance plastics enable medical innovations and intelligent environments that help seniors maintain independence and participate actively in society. Materials developed by Covestro support for example self-tracking with wearables and smartwatches, as well as telemedicine and remote monitoring.

Solutions for an Aging Global Population and Growing Middle Classes

Alongside the increasing number of seniors, the global middle class is also growing steadily. Despite regional differences, this population segment is expanding fastest – especially in Asia – and is expected to grow by more than one billion people this decade. With rising prosperity, the demand for high-quality products as well as expectations around comfort and sustainability are also increasing. Plastics featuring Covestro materials enable durable, smart, and resource-efficient goods that improve quality of life while reducing environmental impact.

A common factor across much of humanity is increasing connectivity. Over the next decade, we’re likely to live in a hyperconnected world enabling up to one million 5G-enabled digital devices per square kilometer. However, the digital revolution also brings growing levels of electronic waste and sharply rising electricity demand, particularly from data centers. Powerful, highly energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly devices and networks are therefore essential. Robust, recyclable plastics with versatile functions are indispensable in this regard.

Covestro is closely observing global trends such as socio-demographic change, urbanization, and developments in mobility, nutrition, and healthcare. The company provides forward-thinking plastics and their precursors, acting as a driver of progress across key industries.

The more than 20 innovation stories that Covestro presents at its booth are closely linked to this guiding idea and the company's long-term vision of becoming fully circular. This vision is gaining additional importance under the current circumstances – short-term challenges and overlapping crises that require resilience and adaptability.

Covestro’s CEO Markus Steilemann emphasized this at the traditional K pre-press conference: "The world seems to have gone off track, and the chemical industry is feeling the full force of the current multiple crises. At the same time, the future will be ever greener and smarter. At Covestro, we are paving the way for that for many sectors with our recyclable, climate-neutral high-performance plastics – whether in e-mobility and autonomous driving, efficient buildings, or digitalization. We are excited to showcase the diverse and beneficial effects of our materials for our customers and partners at this year's K trade fair."

Covestro's Guiding Idea: "The Material Effect"

At booth A75 in Hall 6, Covestro will place special emphasis on progress and innovations in the areas of Sustainable Future, Automotive, Electronics, Healthcare, and Sports & Leisure. Among the highlights at the booth will be a new concept vehicle for public transportation: The SUE "People Mover". The self-driving urban e-shuttle has been developed by UE | STUDIOS. It features full polycarbonate glazing, polycarbonate for lidar sensors, as well as the lightweight and highly durable mono-material Arfinio^® and TPU. Also among the exhibits is the digital sampling tool IMAGIO^®, which enables realistic digital visualization of product designs, thereby replacing physical samples with digital material twins in early development phases.

With these and many other stories and exhibits at the booth, Covestro demonstrates under this year's guiding idea "The Material Effect" what role high-performance materials play in a sustainable world. "The Material Effect" combines best in class materials with process and innovation expertise, enabling the leap from laboratory to industry. "It is precisely this unique combination of material science, process- and application development that makes the decisive difference," said Jochen Hardt, K 2025 project lead and Vice President Global Marketing Mobility in the Engineering Plastics business entity at Covestro, at the press conference. “'The Material Effect' enables our customers and partners to achieve more – in terms of sustainability, circularity, and performance of their products.”

Progress Towards Corporate Vision and Strategy

Covestro pursues a clear strategic vision: to become fully circular and make the circular economy a global guiding principle. This includes the use of alternative raw materials, switching to green energy, and developing advanced recycling technologies. The company has set a goal to become climate-neutral in its own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2035 and to achieve complete climate neutrality along the entire value chain (Scope 1-3) by 2050. To this end, Covestro has already signed eleven power purchase agreements (PPAs) and now covers around 16 percent of its global electricity needs from renewable sources.

Furthermore, Covestro is consistently expanding the use of alternative raw materials – with the goal of largely avoiding the use of fossil primary raw materials in the long term. The company is to that end currently developing and testing novel recycling technologies for polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and elastomers.

The commitment to the circular economy is furthermore reflected in the product portfolio: Products with the brand suffix "CQ" – which stands for Circular Intelligence – contain at least 25 percent alternative raw materials. For polycarbonates, Covestro differentiates its offering with specific labels: "RE" stands for products based on renewable raw materials and produced with renewable electricity.^* "RP" identifies products with chemically recycled post-consumer waste.^* "R" designates products with mechanically recycled material content.

Such products aFor more information about the trade fair presence, visit:

For more information about the trade fair presence, visit:
Experience “The Material Effect” at K 2025 at Covestro | Covestro AG

_{* attributed via mass balancing}

Latest info on Covestro’s K fair presence:

• Experience “The Material Effect” at K 2025 at Covestro | Covestro AG

Additional Press Releases:

• Covestro deepens collaboration with Ausell to advance end-of
• More speed from design to series production
• From old tires to new car parts: Covestro, Neste and Boreali
• Covestro and Deloitte jointly develop Monetization Framework
• Life Cycle Assessments digitalized: boosting transparency

Covestro at a Glance:

Are you looking for more information? Here you could find further facts about Covestro.

HUDs are transparent display systems that project critical driving information—like speed, navigation and alerts—directly onto the windshield in the driver’s field of view. As digital cockpits become standard, HUDs are increasingly vital to modern vehicle design.

Tailored to industry needs

To meet growing demand from China’s carmakers—who are at the forefront of global electric vehicle innovation—Covestro has developed new grades under its Makrofol® film series, engineered specifically for HUD cover lenses. These polycarbonate films, mounted as dust covers, ensure long-term image clarity and system reliability through advanced properties including:

• Birefringence control: Maintains image fidelity by preventing color shifts as light passes through the cover lens
• Chatter mark control: Minimizes visual interference for optimal display clarity
• UV resistance: Enhances weatherability and protects against long-term sun exposure
• High durability: Ensures stable performance in high-temperature and high-humidity environments

“We have gained deep insights into the technical challenges faced by carmakers in China and globally, enabling us to develop HUD solutions that deliver both optical precision and stability under demanding conditions,” said Dr. Caroline Wolff, Head of Specialty Films Asia Pacific at Covestro. “This innovation reflects our long-term commitment to the Chinese market. As smart cockpit technologies become more widespread, we believe our high-performance films can play a key role in the transformation of vehicle designs.”

Makrofol® is available in multiple grades for HUD cover lens applications—including Makrofol® DE920, Makrofol® OF924 and Makrofol® SR934—giving OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers the flexibility to select the optimal material based on optical performance and environmental durability requirements.

Already in mass production with several Chinese carmakers, this film solution for HUD cover lens will be publicly showcased for the first time by Covestro at Booths 2-088 and 2-109 during the Enmore Automotive Conference (EAC), taking place June 4–6, 2025, at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center.

Just last week, Team Sonnenwagen unveiled their new solar car, the Aethon, which they will take to this year’s race. However, for the team to secure victory, several factors must align. In addition to the car itself, the team requires suitable apparel. To meet this need, Huafeng, a Chinese textile technology company, will supply Team Sonnenwagen with high-performance sports shoes, shorts, and trousers that offer a reduced CO₂ footprint compared to conventional sportswear.**

Reflecting on the longstanding partnership between Huafeng, Cyclone, and Covestro, Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at Covestro, said: “The new sports kit looks fantastic! By incorporating our partially bio-based Impranil^® CQ PU dispersion into its textile coatings and using recycled yarns from Cyclone, Huafeng has successfully achieved an excellent balance of high performance, aesthetic appeal, and low environmental impact. This collaboration demonstrates that manufacturers can meet the increasing demand for more sustainable sportswear without compromising durability, style, or performance.”

Huafeng created Team Sonnenwagen’s 2025 sports kit using yarns supplied by Cyclone, a yarn manufacturing partner. Cyclone produced these yarns from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) from plastic bottles collected in Fujian Province, China. Additionally, Cyclone employs a dope-dyeing technique for its yarns, which uses 57% less energy, 77% less water, and generates 51% lower CO₂ emissions than traditional dyeing techniques.* The dyed fabric is then finished with Huafeng’s HAPTIC^® ink, which contains a partially bio-based PU dispersion supplied by Covestro, Team Sonnenwagen’s core sponsor and supporter since 2017.

To help Team Sonnenwagen stand out on the racetrack, Huafeng embellished its shorts, sports shoes, and trousers with screen-printed designs created using its HAPTIC^® ink. Huafeng can create stunning three-dimensional design effects using this ink while reducing environmental impact. This is because Huafeng developed its HAPTIC^® textile coating system using the partly bio-based Impranil^® CQ DLS/1 resin from Covestro, which has a 38% lower carbon footprint than standard grade Impranil^®.** For Team Sonnenwagen, this won’t be the first time it has encountered Covestro products; partly bio-based PU dispersions from Covestro are also used in the textile material that covers the steering wheel in the team’s solar car.

Dr. Thomas Schmidt, Director of Innovation & Creation at Huafeng, commented on the recent collaboration: "By using partly bio-based Impranil^® CQ solutions from Covestro, we’re pioneering sustainable textiles with innovations such as HAPTIC^® Art ink. This ink formulation delivers a reduced CO₂ footprint**, offers extensive customizability, and can be used in high-performance textiles like sportswear.”

The collaboration between Huafeng, Cyclone, and Covestro demonstrates that combining innovative manufacturing with partly recycled fabrics and partly bio-based textile coatings helps manufacturers create more sustainable sportswear while ensuring performance, durability, comfort, and style. With the right equipment and support, Team Sonnenwagen is well prepared to take the pole position in the race this August. 

*SGS report from 2021 (Cyclone). 
**According to internal calculations.

"What the students from Team Sonnenwagen have achieved here, alongside their regular studies and exams, is really impressive," said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at Covestro, during the unveiling. "The collaboration between our experts and the students has been and continues to be a great inspiration. Together with all the other strong partners, we're demonstrating what tomorrow's mobility can look like. We’re proud that we can contribute innovative materials and know-how to help shape a more sustainable future."

"Æthon" is the result of twelve months of intensive development. Over 40 students from RWTH and FH Aachen designed, tested, and built the vehicle alongside their studies – supported by Covestro as main sponsor and technology partner. The Leverkusen-based materials manufacturer contributes more expertise than ever: More than ten different Covestro materials have been incorporated into the vehicle – a record in the project's history. The solar car thus provides the company with the additional opportunity to test materials for series vehicle production under extreme conditions.

"We are very proud of Æthon. The entire team has put their heart and soul into this project," explains Leonie Brandt, Chair of Team Sonnenwagen. “The same goes for our partners, especially Covestro, who have been involved in the project for so long. Without this expertise and support, there would be no Sonnenwagen, and we wouldn't have been as successful as we've been. This year, we want to repay everyone involved with a victory in Australia. We're looking forward to it!”

Material Solutions for Future Mobility

Like its predecessors, the new Sonnenwagen relies on sustainable and innovative materials. The highlights: chemically recycled foam in the driver's seat – proving that comfort and circular economy can go hand in hand. Chemically recycled Vulkollan®, an extremely durable elastomer, is also used. It dampens impacts between battery and body, contributing to the structure's longevity. Covestro materials are also used in the battery cell holders, aerodynamic outer shell, interior trim, headlights and turn signals, as well as in the coating.

New Rules, New Challenges – New Opportunities

Such high-tech materials are more important than ever this year, as new rules apply at the World Solar Challenge: The allowed battery capacity has been halved, and the development time shortened by two months. At the same time, cars are allowed to be longer – an opportunity Team Sonnenwagen consistently utilizes with "Æthon": At 5.80 meters, it's longer and features six square meters of solar cells – a full two square meters more than its predecessor "Covestro Adelie." Additionally, the racing calendar brings a new challenge: This year, the race takes place at the end of the Australian winter - and thus earlier than usual. For the team, this meant less time for development and testing.

The official unveiling of Æthon marks the beginning of the intensive testing phase. In July, Team Sonnenwagen will depart from Aachen to Australia to compete against over 50 teams from 24 countries – including numerous leading international universities. Covestro continues to support the project on its journey – with the shared goal of advancing sustainable mobility and bringing the world championship title to Aachen with the power of the sun.

Based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film technology, the concept supports multi-layer security features, high-precision personalization, and compatibility with various printing and finishing techniques. Its recyclability also aligns with the industry’s shift toward more sustainable solutions. Covestro will present the concept at the upcoming 19th Security Document Summit (SDS) in Beijing.

“We are excited to present our TPU-based security printing concept at SDS in China, a key market for Covestro,” said Dr. Caroline Wolff, Head of Specialty Films for the Asia-Pacific region at Covestro. “China is not only a global manufacturing hub but also one of the leaders in innovation and adoption of advanced materials. SDS gives us a valuable opportunity to engage local experts and better align our solutions with evolving needs in secure document applications.”

In addition to this new concept, Covestro will present a broad range of specialty films for secure ID documents—including its renowned Makrofol® ID polycarbonate (PC) and Platilon® TPU films. Highlights include:

• Scratch- and tear-resistant passport covers
• Thin, high opaque white PC films for sophisticated clear window designs
• Superlaser PC films enabling Level 3 security post-personalization
• PC films for brighter holograms
• Low-fluorescence PC films
• PC films with color shifting effect and more

Visitors at SDS are welcome to explore Covestro’s offerings and speak with technical experts at Booth A062, China National Convention Center, Beijing, May 28–29. Henry Leung, Asia-Pacific Segment Manager, Security and Identification, Specialty Films, will deliver a presentation on “Utilizing Specialty Films to enable all-in-one document concepts and security printing” on May 28.

Covestro’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films bond multiple layers of glass, polycarbonate or acrylic into robust, transparent laminates. Their outstanding toughness and elongation properties enhance impact resistance and help prevent the scattering of glass shards, protecting passengers and occupants. By adjusting film types, thicknesses and layer configurations, manufacturers can meet stringent safety standards and customize protection levels for various applications.

In addition to its widely used and cost-effective Platilon® A4700 films, Covestro will present new variants and complementary tape solutions at China Glass:

• Platilon® A4500: A soft, low-modulus film designed for curved or asymmetric glazing on vehicles and screens. Its softness ensures excellent lamination on complex shapes.
• Platilon® X2260: A high-hardness, high-modulus film with exceptional tear strength, engineered for demanding environments such as fast-moving vehicles and extreme climates. Ideal for special-purpose vehicles, armored transport and train windows that require glass heating for de-icing.
• Platilon® ES2592: A newly developed edge sealing tape that protects the edges of laminated glass units by preventing moisture ingress. It extends product life even in humid or coastal environments.

“In a world of rising uncertainties and growing demand for protection and safety, many customers are seeking reliable, innovative solutions. Our proven one-stop approach—combining high-performance films and edge sealing tapes—helps raise safety standards for bullet-resistant applications,” said Dr. Caroline Wolff, Head of Specialty Films Asia Pacific at Covestro. “With a comprehensive portfolio and local technical support from our Asia-Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai, we are committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet the evolving demands of end industries such as high-speed rail and high-security construction.”

Visitors to China Glass 2025 can explore Covestro’s complete film and tape solutions for safety glass at Booth 039, Hall E1, at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Hall) in Beijing, May 26–29.

Desmopan® FLY features an advanced formulation that enables superior supercritical fluid dispersion during the molding process, resulting in uniform fine-cell structured foams with outstanding mechanical properties. For footwear applications, this translates into midsoles with superior cushioning and energy return properties, and long-lasting comfort performance. The absence of chemical blowing agents and crosslinking additives ensures recyclability of the midsole; when combined with soft TPU outsole, the whole sole system supports circular economy initiatives.

“Leading sports brands are driving unprecedented demand for materials that combine elite performance with strong environmental credentials,” says Wilson Chan, Head of Business Development TPU Asia Pacific at Covestro. “Desmopan® FLY brings exceptional lightweight and resilience properties while maintaining dimensional stability and durability throughout the product lifecycle. Its optimized processing enables efficient production through automated injection molding, allowing brands to create high-performance, recyclable footwear that meets demanding consumer expectations.”

In a pioneering industry move, Covestro has installed the advanced SCF injection foaming system at its TPU Asia-Pacific R&D Center in Taiwan. This state-of-the-art facility enables Covestro to provide comprehensive R&D support and rapid application services for customers’ specific requirements, demonstrating Covestro’s ongoing commitment to advancing footwear material solutions and supporting the industry’s evolution.

“Our investment in the SCF injection foaming system marks another milestone in Covestro’s continuous innovation journey,” explains Dr. Christian Haessler, Head of Global Innovation TPU at Covestro. “This in-house capability enables us to optimize TPU material properties with precise SCF processing parameters. By being among the first in the industry to integrate this advanced technology within our R&D center, we can effectively combine TPU material and SCF injection expertise to accelerate customers’ development from concepts to commercial production.”

The combination of SCF foaming technology and Desmopan® FLY delivers an energy-efficient manufacturing process that reduces the overall carbon footprint. The automated injection process integrates multiple components in a single step, enabling substantial production efficiency while maintaining consistent, high-quality output.

Desmopan® FLY is now commercially available, supported by Covestro’s comprehensive technical expertise and advanced in-house facilities. This integrated material and technology platform empowers sports brands in their journey toward advanced footwear solutions, combining performance, sustainability and production efficiency.

"This new line of polycarbonate represents a significant step in supporting the automotive industry's transformation towards a circular future," said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Covestro. "By offering high-quality PCR materials derived from end-of-life headlamps, we're enabling our customers to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements while contributing to closed-loop recycling of automotive plastics."

Under this initiative, Covestro has been collaborating with partners, including Chinese recycler Ausell and leading automakers, to establish closed-loop pathways for high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). This program focuses on strengthening recycling processes and establishing reliable supply chains for high-quality recycled materials from automotive waste streams. Through this partnership, Covestro and its value chain allies have developed practical solutions for collecting and mechanically processing end-of-life headlamps into high-quality PCR grades suitable for a range of automotive applications.

"This partnership underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving the circular economy forward," said Martin Hansen, Regional Director of GIZ in East Asia. "By bringing together key industry players, we are not only creating viable solutions for recycling high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles but also fostering innovation that supports a sustainable, closed-loop material flow in the automotive industry."

The introduction of these new PCR grades comes at a critical time as the automotive industry, one of the most resource-intensive sectors, faces increasing environmental challenges and regulatory pressures. The EU's End-of-Life Vehicle Directive, which sets recycling targets, along with China's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program and growing sustainability requirements in key global markets, are pushing automotive manufacturers worldwide to seek innovative and sustainable material solutions that comply with evolving regulations.

Covestro’s new PCR grades meet the high-performance standards required for demanding automotive applications, offering excellent surface quality for superior aesthetics and adhering to strict Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) requirements. This combination of sustainable content and premium performance empowers automotive manufacturers to meet both regulatory demands and environmental goals without compromising on product quality.

As part of its broader commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, Covestro continues to expand its portfolio of recycled-content materials. In recent years, the company has introduced PCR polycarbonates with up to 90 percent recycled content, and opened its first dedicated mechanical recycling compounding line for polycarbonates in Shanghai. Last year, it introduced a new range of polycarbonates based on chemically recycled, attributed material from post-consumer waste via mass balance for the first time.

"The successful completion of this project shows that climate protection and competitiveness can go hand in hand," says Dr. Philip Bahke, Head of the North Rhine-Westphalia Site Network. "The modernized plant sets new standards in energy efficiency and underlines our path toward climate-neutral production. In light of persistently high energy costs, the project significantly strengthens the competitiveness of TDI production in Europe. My special thanks go to the entire project team, who professionally implemented this complex modernization during ongoing operations."

More Efficient Processes for More Sustainable Products

The modernized plant consumes 80 percent less energy than conventional processes, achieving a CO₂ reduction of 22,000 tons per year. This is made possible by a new reactor weighing over 150 tons (330,700 lbs) and almost 20 meters (65.6 feet) high, which uses the generated reaction energy for steam production. Covestro started the modernization in summer 2023. In total, the project installed over 3.5 kilometers of new pipelines, around 14 kilometers of cables, and hundreds of new equipment, valves, and monitoring instruments in the plant.

"In Dormagen, we operate Europe's largest TDI production plant. With the successful modernization, we can now offer our customers TDI with an even better carbon footprint," explains Dr. Christine Mendoza-Frohn, Head of Sales Performance Materials for the EMEA and LATAM regions. "This supports our customers in achieving their own sustainability goals and strengthens our position as a reliable partner for climate-neutral and circular solutions."

New Global Energy Efficiency Targets Presented

During the event, Covestro also presented its new, ambitious energy efficiency target for global production. The company targets a 20 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions from energy use per ton of product by 2030 compared to 2020, underlining the central importance of energy efficiency as a lever for achieving operational climate neutrality by 2035. The Dormagen TDI plant, with its annual capacity of 300,000 tons, serves as a prime example of the successful transformation of existing production facilities toward greater energy efficiency.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has supported this modernization through its federal funding program for energy and resource efficiency.

Further press release:

• Covestro publishes energy efficiency target ›

“While the decision to shut down the PO11-unit is difficult, we must ensure all assets within our portfolio are a long-term strategic fit,” said Aaron Ledet, executive vice-president I&D and Supply Chain at LYB. “We are prioritizing our core assets which play a key role in our technology differentiation and circularity strategy or provide attractive returns over the cost of capital. We take our obligations towards our employees, European employee reps, councils, and unions seriously. We have engaged with them in line with these obligations and will continue to do so. We would like to thank them for the constructive dialogue. We are also in communication with customers, suppliers and other parties across the value chain and will continue to do business as usual. There is no change to our working relationship, and we continue to focus on providing an exceptional customer and supplier experience.”

"As part of our Sustainable Future corporate strategy, we’re continuously working to optimally position Covestro to be a reliable partner for our customers and to operate competitively in a challenging market environment," said Hermann-Josef Dörholt, Head of the Performance Materials Business Entity at Covestro. "Due to global overcapacities, persistently weak demand, and high costs in Europe, we have jointly decided with LYB to close the PO11 plant. We will support LYB in implementing this change as socially responsibly as possible. At the same time, we remain committed to the European market and will continue to supply customers with our renowned polyether polyols portfolio.”

The Maasvlakte site, a joint venture between LYB and Covestro, has been operational in the Rotterdam region since 2003. Between now and the end of 2026, LYB will carry out a process to safely shutdown and prepare the demolition of the asset.

In 2024, LYB announced a strategic review of European assets of its Olefins & Polyolefins (O&P) and Intermediates & Derivatives (I&D) business units. LYB has taken the next step in evaluating the option to seek alternative ownership for the O&P sites in the strategic assessment. At this time no decisions have been made and various outcomes remain possible.

Special focus is placed on technologies that increase productivity while promoting circular economy. These include an automated laboratory for formulation development, material screening, and polymer analytics; an innovative Direct Coating process for the automotive industry, and a TÜV-certified, cloud-based solution for product-specific lifecycle analyses (LCA).

"Our customers' and partners' challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Be it accelerated development cycles, ever-higher product requirements, or circularity and recyclability. We offer innovative solutions that not only convince technologically but also make an important contribution to greater sustainability," explains Martin Merkens, Head of Sales & Market Development EMLA in Covestro's Coatings and Adhesives business entity. "At ECS 2025, we demonstrate how we make customers and partners successful and can accompany them every step of the way. We look forward to personal meetings and discussions!"

Automated Laboratory Revolutionizes Application Development

At ECS, the company will announce an automated laboratory for optimizing formulations with Covestro's binders and crosslinkers for coatings and adhesives. With this, Covestro sets new standards in the productivity of its application development. The new facility can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The goal is to conduct tens of thousands of tests annually. This sets a new benchmark in terms of quantity, variety, precision, and testing speed. Another advantage: The automated laboratory generates a large amount of structured data. The knowledge about formulation possibilities and influencing factors thus will grow rapidly. The collected data, combined with measurement data from existing trials, is evaluated using special machine learning algorithms to further improve formulations. Application development experts and specialists from segments such as automotive, printing & packaging, or construction & architecture will be present at ECS to discuss new collaborative approaches now made possible by the laboratory.

Digitalized Lifecycle Analyses for Greater Transparency

As a pioneer in the digital transformation of the chemical industry, Covestro announced in January the use of a new cloud-based solution for product-specific lifecycle analyses (LCA). The TÜV Rheinland-certified software solution not only enables significantly faster and more precise calculation of a products' environmental footprint but also identifies concrete approaches to reducing the CO₂ footprint, thus supporting Covestro's customers in their sustainable transformation.

Direct Coating: Solutions for the Automotive Industry

With the innovative Direct Coating technology, Covestro presents a pioneering solution for the automotive industry that fundamentally simplifies the coating process while making it more sustainable. This technology enables direct coating of plastic components in the injection molding machine without pretreatment or separate painting and drying. At ECS, Covestro will display products that were manufactured using this process.

Focus on Sustainability

Covestro aims to fully align itself with the circular economy. This includes using alternative raw materials, transitioning to green energy, and developing recycling technologies and recyclable products. To make sustainable products more easily identifiable, the company has introduced the "CQ" label, which stands for "Circular Intelligence." Products labeled this way contain at least 25% alternative raw materials. Several examples used in coatings and adhesives will be exhibited at ECS. For example, food packaging coated with fully recyclable, partially bio-based resins, or water-based polyurethane dispersions for textile printing.

Additional information on Covestro’s presence at the ECS can be found at: https://solutions.covestro.com/en/digital-event-space/ecs or on the LinkedIn-channel of the business entity Coatings and Adhesives.

"The new production facilities are equipped with state-of-the technology to enable an efficient production and thereby reduce our CO₂ emissions," says Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer of Covestro. “With the expanded capacity, we can meet our customers' growing demand for innovative specialty films, especially in medical technology, in the region Asia-Pacific and strengthen our Solutions & Specialties segment."

Covestro has been operating a production facility for Specialty Films in Thailand since 2007. The range comprises polycarbonate films from the Makrofol^® range and Bayfol^® products made from polycarbonate blends. These high-performance specialty films are used in many applications across multiple industries, such as healthcare, mobility and Identification Documents.

“The new production facilities are important to us because it enables faster time to market and at the same time expands our market access in Asia-Pacific.” says Aukje Doornbos, Global Head of the Specialty Films business entity. “With market-focused innovations and a stronger customer orientation we want to drive growth for Covestro.”

Since 2022, the Map Ta Phut site is ISCC PLUS certified, enabling it to manufacture and supply mass-balanced products. With the mass balance approach, bio-based or recycled raw materials are fed in at an early stage of raw material extraction and mathematically allocated to the finished products. This saves fossil raw materials and reduces CO₂ emissions, while the quality of the mass-balanced products remains identical to that of purely fossil-based products. With this drop-in solution, manufacturers can continue to use their proven formulations, equipment, and processes.

ISCC is an internationally recognized sustainability certification for biomass and bioenergy. The standard covers all stages of the value chain and is used worldwide. Customers can use these products in their established processes and apply them to meet their sustainability goals. In addition, Covestro already offers a range of films made partly with plant-based raw materials or partly from recycled plastics.

In response to the growing demand for sustainable solutions in currency printing, Covestro is introducing Autentium^®, an innovative polymeric printing substrate. Designed exclusively for currency printing applications like banknotes, Autentium^® combines cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technology with a recyclable mono-material design.

"The launch of Autentium^® represents a significant breakthrough in currency printing, offering an innovative, recyclable polymeric substrate that excels in printability, durability and is more sustainable," says Daniel Hentschel, Global Segment Manager for ID & Security Printing at Covestro.

Key Features of Autentium^® include:

• Exceptional printability: It supports secure printing techniques such as intaglio and offset, enabling embossed structures and therefore tactile security features that differ from traditional paper and existing polymer substrates.
• No coatings or primers needed: Its secondary properties as a hot-melt adhesive contribute to superior ink adhesion without requiring additional primers or coatings, streamlining the printing process and improving durability.
• Water & Stain Resistance: The polymer absorbs only minimal moisture, which contributes to a low static charge, while at the same time being resistant to contamination.
• Advanced laser engraveability: It allows precise micro-engravings, providing advanced anti-counterfeiting measures and enhancing currency security.
   

As a single-polymer solution, Autentium^® is recyclable, addressing the demand for sustainable materials in banknote production. Its high tear propagation resistance and excellent ink adhesion contribute to extend the lifespan of printed currency and can help reducing the environmental impact and conserving resources.

Furthermore, its durable composition can translate into long-term costs savings by minimizing replacements, making it an ideal choice for governments and the public sector that prioritize security and environmental responsibility.

Meet Covestro at Intergraf Currency + Identity 2025 

Covestro will showcase Autentium^® and other advanced polymeric solutions at the Intergraf Currency + Identity 2025 trade show. Join us from March 5-7, 2025, at the Allianz MiCo, Milano, Italy. Visit us at booth 16 to discover how Autentium^® can redefine your security printing requirements and drive innovation in currency production.

Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro, celebrated the anniversary at the birthplace of Vulkollan^® in the Leverkusen production site: "Vulkollan^® exemplifies Covestro's commitment to innovation in our solutions and specialty segment. As the inventor of polyurethanes, we continue to develop cutting-edge solutions that drive value for our customers. We are also guiding Vulkollan^® and its outstanding performance on a journey towards circularity, ensuring it not only meets industry demands but also becomes an integral part of a more sustainable future."

Made for the sustainable future

Generations of passionate chemists and engineers have driven this success and remain committed to taking Vulkollan^® to new heights. The dedication to innovation is matched by continuous investments in global production assets for Vulkollan^® raw materials. Recent examples include expansions in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, and Barcelona, Spain.

In 2024, Covestro took a significant step towards sustainability by announcing an investment in a pilot-plant for the chemical recycling of end-of-life Vulkollan^® parts located in Leverkusen. This initiative opens the door to a more sustainable future, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining the material's exceptional performance.

Enabler of extreme performance in logistics and production

Over the years, Covestro has continuously expanded Vulkollan^®'s applications to meet evolving customer needs. Today, this versatile material excels in a wide range of critical uses like heavy-duty wheels and rollers for material handling equipment including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), advanced technical components for industrial machinery, shock-absorbing bumper elements and automotive noise and vibration control systems.

The widespread adoption of Vulkollan^® in these demanding applications stands as a testament to its superior properties. Even under extreme stress, Vulkollan^® consistently delivers optimal performance, enabling our customers to push the boundaries of what's possible in their respective fields.

Customer Partnerships: The Foundation of Success

"At Covestro, global supply security of quality raw materials for Vulkollan^® has top priority to allow our customers to grow with the Vulkollan^® technology," says Thomas Braig, Head of the Business Entity Elastomers at Covestro. "This goes hand in hand with developing the performance further and innovating jointly with our customers worldwide."

Customer cooperation is as integral to Vulkollan^®'s history as its exceptional performance. Strong and lasting partnerships have shaped Vulkollan^® into what it is today. Many of the customers celebrate 40, 50, or even more years of collaboration with Covestro through licensed cooperation, a testament to the trust and success Covestro and them have built together. Vulkollan^® has become the industry standard not just through innovation, but also through these deep-rooted relationships.

History of performance and versatility

The story of Vulkollan^® began in February 1950, with the publication of a groundbreaking article in a German leading chemical magazine “Angewandte Chemie”. Co-authored by Otto Bayer, the inventor of polyurethanes, this publication marked the birth of a material that would redefine performance in demanding applications across various industries.

Vulkollan^® quickly established itself as the premier material for industries demanding exceptional durability and performance, thanks to its outstanding properties such as high tensile strength, excellent tear resistance, low abrasion, and exceptional dynamic load-bearing capacity.

Innovation has always been at the heart of Vulkollan^®'s success. A major breakthrough came with the introduction of Vulkollan^® prepolymers, representing a significant process advancement for the customers. This innovation simplified the molding of Vulkollan^® parts, enhancing efficiency and reducing investment requirements for the partners working with this unique material.

The jubilee of Vulkollan^® is celebrated in all productions sites around the globe and can be followed on social media.

The competition, which will be contested by university undergraduates from the UK and Ireland, is asking students to design a product, made primarily from plastics, which will promote or monitor either physical or mental health.

Chairman of DIP, Martin Sixsmith, said that with increased focus on the self-care agenda, the 2025 theme offers an exciting opportunity for creating a product which can seamlessly integrate into daily life and which can help all age groups.

“This is a subject which resonates with many people and it therefore offers a huge amount of scope for students to showcase their creative talents for the benefit of others,“ he said. “We are very much looking forward to seeing their end product!“

Students will need to submit their entries by March 14, when DIP’s panel of industry judges will whittle the submissions down to a final six. Final judging will take place in London on May 9, with the award ceremony on June 20.

Design Innovation in Plastics is the longest running plastics competition of its kind in Europe, having been established in 1985. It is supported by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, the Worshipful Company of Horners and sponsored by leading design and plastics organisations, including Covestro.

Notes to editors 

1. Established in 1985, Design Innovation in Plastics is the longest running student plastics design award in Europe. For more information visit www.designinnovationplastics.org.

2. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) is a major UK engineering institution and is the professional body for the advancement of materials, minerals and mining to governments, industry, academia, the public and the professions. For more information visit www.iom3.org.

3. The Worshipful Company of Horners is one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, formed to regulate the horn-working trade. In 1943 it adopted its modern equivalent, the plastics industry. For more information visit www.horners.org.uk.

4. Headline industry sponsor – Covestro

"This investment in our U.S. compounding plant is an important component of our 'Sustainable Growth' strategy. With this expansion, we can meet our customers' growing demand for specialized polycarbonate materials, grow together with our customers, and strengthen our position as a leading provider of polycarbonate materials in North America," says CTO Thorsten Dreier. "The move also aligns with our strategy to produce in the region for the region, to manufacture close to our customers and ensure reliable supply."

The capacity expansion is an important step to meet the growing demand for high-quality materials for the automotive, electronics, and healthcare industries in North America. "To be successful in these markets, you need the right portfolio, consistent quality, and supply reliability, as well as solution-oriented technical expertise,” says Lily Wang, head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity. "The expanded production capacity for differentiated polycarbonates enables us to better serve our customers' complex needs for high-quality, high-tech materials with individualized properties.”

Covestro already has an established R&D center in Pittsburgh and is now doubling down on its U.S.-based compounding capability. In the future, both facilities will work even more closely together to drive the technology transfer from lab to industrial production to support major transformation processes, such as the electrification and automation of mobility, sustainable developments and digitalization.

“This investment, which follows our recent announcement of an almost 40 million Euro investment in our R&D capabilities in Pittsburgh, underscores how critical our U.S. sites and the U.S. market are to Covestro’s global strategy,” says Samir Hifri, chairman and president of Covestro LLC. “The expanded capacity of our polycarbonate compounding capabilities in Ohio will both help us better supply our customers as well as represent a commitment to our employees at the site, the Hebron, Ohio community, and the U.S. market as a whole.”

Construction of the new production lines is scheduled to begin in 2025, with operations starting by the end of 2026.

Hanno Bruemmer, Head of Supply Chain and Logistics EMLA at Covestro, stated: “The entire value chain must be involved to achieve our joint goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Reliable, efficient and sustainable logistics for our ever more sustainable products are integral to this effort. We collaborate with our customers and transport companies to optimize the supply chain. This includes improving load capacity, selecting the best transport modes and routes, and introducing using sustainable and future-oriented energy sources like green electricity or HVO to replace fossil fuels.”

As part of the collaboration, DB Cargo BTT provides Covestro with an end-to-end transport solution that combines several sustainable approaches: First, the chemicals are transported in tank containers from the production sites of Covestro in Germany to a nearby railway terminal using bio-fuel (HVO 100)-driven trucks. The tank containers are then transported to a distribution center in Poland via rail, keeping trucks off the road and saving respective emissions. From there, bio-fuel (HVO 100)-driven trucks are again deployed to distribute the chemicals to end customers in Poland to ensure on-time delivery. This particular bio-fuel is one of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil diesel. Altogether, the combination of these modes of transport saves at least 70% of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional road transport methods.

Torsten Lüders, Managing Director of DB Cargo BTT GmbH, points out: “At DB Cargo BTT, we also rely on working with external partners across all modes of transport in order to arrange traction or first and last mile services as efficiently as possible for our customers. For Covestro, we have recently transported essential chemical products to Poland and we’re now happy to combine our rail expertise with bio-fuel-driven trucks for the first and last mile. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to enabling more sustainable supply chains and supporting the transformation of the chemical industry. Projects like these demonstrate how we, as part of the DB Cargo group, offer our customers a significant degree of added value and are an essential part of European supply chains.”

The collaboration is designed to be flexibly scaled in the future to accommodate growing business needs. It also sends an important signal to customers of Covestro, such as the Polish Selena Group, a global manufacturer of construction chemicals and materials, who benefit from the delivery of MDI with a lower carbon footprint, as it helps to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.

Bernd Hennig, Head of Trading Cluster MDI at Covestro remarked: “Together with Selena Group, we are committed to advancing sustainable solutions across the entire value chain, offering our valued customers not only more sustainable materials but also sustainable transportation solutions.” Michal Specjalski, Member of the Management Board of Product and Innovation at Selena Group added: “Today, sustainable business no longer means having to compromise between efficiency and quality. In Selena Group we are constantly increasing our commitment to the development of sustainable construction. We carefully follow trends and changes in the world around us. We are constantly working on minimizing our environmental impact and rational resource management. That’s why we are delighted to have Covestro and DB Cargo BTT at our side as strong partners who share our commitment to reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality targets in Europe and worldwide.”

Selena Group and Covestro are already collaborating in multiple ways to advance the circular economy. For instance, they are developing polyurethane (PU) foams for improved thermal insulation in buildings which are based on MDI of the Desmodur^® CQ product range. It is ISCC Plus-certified, using plant-based raw materials through mass balancing. As a result, these products have a lower carbon footprint compared to those derived from fossil raw materials—and now, thanks to the transport solution, they will also be delivered to Selena in a more sustainable way.

¹ _{The reduction in CO₂ emissions is based on a comparison between the use of HVO100 renewable diesel and conventional fossil diesel}

Covestro is one of eight companies, including partners from the fields of AI, information technology for low-altitude aviation and carbon fiber composite materials, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GOVY, a newly established subsidiary of GAC dedicated to the development of eVTOL aircraft. As a key partner in this ambitious project, Covestro brings its unique expertise in high-performance materials and sustainable solutions for the advancement of next-generation flying cars.

“Our collaboration with GAC represents a significant step forward in transforming urban air mobility. By leveraging Covestro’s expertise in sustainable and innovative materials, and GAC’s visionary leadership in flying car development, we are poised to create solutions that redefine the possibilities of urban transport,” said Lily Wang, President of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Covestro.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and bringing the future of mobility closer to reality,” said Su Qingpeng, General Manager of GOVY. “Partnering with Covestro and other industry leaders allows us to accelerate the development of our flying cars, creating safe, more sustainable, and groundbreaking transportation solutions for urban environments.”

China is making significant strides in the development of eVTOL aircraft, leveraging its advancements in battery technology to integrate these innovations into urban transportation systems. This strategic focus is driven by the potential of eVTOL vehicles to alleviate urban congestion, reduce pollution, and enhance connectivity, aligning with consumer desires for efficient transportation and the government’s goals for technological innovation and sustainable urban development. These vehicles are designed for short-distance urban travel, with current models offering ranges suitable for inter-city commutes.

Under the agreement, Covestro and GOVY will collaborate on several priority areas. Key initiatives will include developing innovative polycarbonate glazing solutions to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining high performance and safety standards, and exploring materials for smart and efficient lighting systems tailored to the unique requirements of eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration will also address high-performance materials that enable seamless integration of smart systems and components. A strong emphasis will be placed on low-carbon solutions, utilizing materials with attributed bio-circular content and recycled feedstocks to reduce emissions across the vehicles’ lifecycle.

At the signing ceremony, a demo flying car was unveiled, featuring an impressive range of 200 kilometers in just 40 minutes. This prototype showcases a hybrid design that integrates both fixed-wing and rotary-wing capabilities, combining the efficiency of conventional airplane-like forward flight with the vertical takeoff and landing versatility of helicopters. Pre-order of such models will begin in 2025, heralding a new era in personal and urban transportation.

These new displays overcome the performance, size and geometric limitations of traditional HUD systems, enabling the practical and scalable implementation of multiple displays in one windshield and elsewhere in side-light glazing. Proof of concepts (PoCs) developed with OEMs will be showcased at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7–10.

The MOU builds on years of collaboration, leveraging each company’s technologies to manufacture holographic-enabled transparent HUDs for the automotive market. It enables to look into the steps needed to setup and establish the required facilities and manufacturing capacity, ensuring an efficient, market-ready supply chain to meet the planned production timelines of OEMs wishing to adopt the technology for new driver and passenger experiences. The partnership aims to accelerate the commercialization of the HUD solution, with Eastman leveraging its relationships with automotive OEMs and Tier One suppliers.

A proven solution

In 2024, Ceres and Eastman demonstrated the latest holographic transparent display HUDs to OEMs in Europe, the USA, and China. These HUDs featured multiple transparent displays within a single, fully laminated windshield, each measuring up to 400mm by 300mm. Custom-designed holographic optical elements (HOEs) were incorporated into a single sheet of Bayfol HX^® film, laminated with Eastman’s new developed interlayer stack, achieving the industry's largest field of view.

This achievement was enabled by combining Covestro’s expertise in photopolymer films, Ceres’ digital mastering and HoloFlekt^® roll-to-roll replication system, which produces finished films up to 1400mm wide, and Eastman’s solutions to encapsulate functional films into automotive approved laminates.

“This agreement solidifies our collaboration and moves us closer to delivering a full-stack solution for innovative display implementations,” said Hemant Dandekar, Eastman's global commercial director of automotive for advanced materials, interlayers. “With the building blocks and relationships in place, we’re excited to define a path to viable holographic transparent displays globally.”

“Our Bayfol^® HX enables next-generation truly transparent projection displays for windshields while meeting the high automotive safety requirements.” said Günther Walze, Head of Holographic Lightguiding at Covestro. “With the necessary establishment of hologram mastering and scalable mass-production replication equipment by Ceres, combined with Eastman’s windshield lamination technology, this innovation is ready for deployment to end customers.”

“We have been working closely with global OEMs for years and are now at a tipping point for adoption and scaling of this display technology,” said Andy Travers, CEO of Ceres Holographics. “This is being driven by a combination of a desire for more safety-oriented and intuitive information display features, pressure from safety regulators to reduce driver distractions, and the accelerated pace of innovation and associated need for differentiation among a new generation of car makers.”

This agreement joins the material expertise of Covestro, Eastman’s interlayer solutions and encapsulation know-how, as well as Ceres capabilities in mastering and high-volume manufacturing technology for the successful commercialization and industrialization of holography in transparent displays for windshields.

A fully functional transparent display windshield demonstrator laminate will be showcased at CES 2025 in both the Eastman/Ceres Holographics demonstration suite at The Venetian Hotel - Murano suite, #3201A, and Covestro’s booth in the North Hall, location #8311.

For the highly competitive construction sector, the product sold by Selena offers clear advantages: It can be used with various types of blocks (ceramic, silicate, ACC) with high accuracy and allows for a higher yield compared to traditional cement mortars. The product also improves construction efficiency by curing twice as fast as traditional cement mortars. Additionally, it can be used in a wide range of operating temperatures from -5 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius, which helps reduce temperature-induced work stoppages.

“Materials play a decisive role for an ever more climate neutral and circular economy”, said Bernd Hennig, Head of Trading Cluster MDI EMEA at Covestro. “If materials providers early in the value chain join forces for climate neutrality, the impact on end products will be significant. In this spirit, we are therefore very happy to deepen our collaboration with our like-minded partner Selena to help the construction sector bring down emissions and meet its climate neutrality targets in Europe and worldwide.”

Buildings are responsible for over one third of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU alone. As about 75% of the buildings in Europe do not meet energy efficiency requirements, the building sector faces a wave of renovations over the coming years. In fact, the EU has just recently updated the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). It states that by 2050, all buildings in the EU should be net-zero emission buildings².

More sustainable adhesive instead of cement

“With existing and upcoming climate neutrality regulations for the construction sector, we expect a steeply rising demand for sustainable building materials”, said Miroslaw Truchan, Senior Category Development Manager, Selena Group. “With a great partner like Covestro, we jointly drive innovation in the construction materials industry. We both believe that innovative products can play a vital role in achieving climate neutrality targets and put us ahead of the curve.”

The Tytan Professional^® Adhesive for Bricklaying uses Desmodur^® CQ MB of Covestro, a bio-based MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), of which the plant-based feedstock is mathematically attributed to the final product via the mass balance approach certified by the ISCC Plus standard.

Tytan Professional^® Adhesive for Bricklaying is the third product launched from the collaboration between Selena and Covestro. The partnership was deepened in 2023, aimed at collaborating to craft a more sustainable range of polyurethane (PU) foams for enhancing thermal insulation of buildings. Bio-attributed methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) of the Desmodur^® CQ MB-series of Covestro is already being used in an enhanced version of Selena’s Ultra Fast 70 one-component foam, primarily applied in the installation of windows and doors. Also, this product is ISSC Plus certified to include plant-based feedstocks through mass balancing and allows for an up to 45% reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-based products.

_{¹Comparison of 1 can of Tytan Adhesive for Bricklaying (750ml) with the data for generic cement mortar for 1,5 x 25 kg bags.
²https://www.consilium.europa.eu/de/infographics/fit-for-55-making-buildings-in-the-eu-greener/#:~:text=Mit%20der%20%C3%9Cberarbeitung%20der%20Richtlinie,in%20der%20EU%20Nullemissionsgeb%C3%A4ude%20sein}

Covestro’s CERTEVO^® revolutionizes security printing with several key features: It supports excellent printability via intaglio and offset processes, enabling embossing structures—surpassing traditional paper and enhancing security elements. Its hotmelt nature eliminates the need for coatings and primers, ensuring superior ink adhesion that simplifies printing and boosts durability. Additionally, advanced laser engravability allows precise micro-engravings, making counterfeiting efforts more challenging.

As a single-polymer composition, CERTEVO^® is recyclable, meeting the demand for sustainable security printing materials. Its high tear resistance and ink adhesion extend the lifecycle of printed items while conserving resources. CERTEVO® thereby addresses environmental concerns and meets evolving sustainability requirements in document production.

Furthermore, its durable composition lowers long-term costs by minimizing replacements, making it an ideal choice for governments and the public sector that prioritize security and environmental responsibility. 

Meet Covestro at TRUSTECH 2024

Covestro’s team will be present at the TRUSTECH trade show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles - Pavilion 5.2, from December 3-5, 2024. We invite industry professionals and stakeholders to discuss with us at meeting room 8 and discover how CERTEVO^® and other advanced polymer materials can transform their security printing needs.

Desmophen^® CQ NH polyaspartics contain at least 25 percent bio-based content, contributing to a lower carbon footprint, and maintain the high performance of their fossil-based predecessors. These resins offer excellent chemical and weather resistance, ensuring long-lasting stability and protection across diverse environments. With rapid curing properties, they enhance construction efficiency for a quicker return to operations. Additionally, they are formulated to minimize VOC and odor emissions, supporting a reduced environmental impact. Key applications include wind turbine coatings, flooring coatings and grouts.

Notably, the Foshan site is entirely powered by renewable energy sourced from offshore wind farms in southern China, further reducing the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of Desmophen^® CQ NH.

“Covestro is dedicated to promoting a circular economy, which includes expanding the use of alternative raw materials and transitioning to renewable energy in production,” said Anand Khot, Senior Vice President of Coatings and Adhesives for Asia Pacific at Covestro. “Our local production of partially bio-based Desmophen^® CQ NH demonstrates our commitment to building a stable and efficient supply network in Asia Pacific that quickly adapts to market needs, supporting our customers’ and end-users’ requirements for increased circularity.”  

Desmophen^® CQ NH is part of Covestro’s Pasquick^® fast-curing coating technology and can also be paired with other partially bio-based products, such as Desmodur^® CQ aliphatic polyisocyanates, within the Pasquick^® technology portfolio.

Currently, Covestro locally produces about 75 percent of its products sold in the coatings and adhesives industry across Asia Pacific, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening manufacturing in the region.

Since 2020, Covestro has been partnering with Ausell to recycle 1 million 19-liter polycarbonate water barrels annually, converting them into high-performance post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates for various industries such as electronics, home appliances and automotive. With this strengthened collaboration, Ausell will supply recycled polycarbonates derived from discarded automotive headlamps, which Covestro will then process into high-quality PCR materials for automotive engineering applications. This partnership marks a further step to effectively closing the plastics recycling loop within the automotive sector, reducing waste and carbon emissions while enhancing resource efficiency.

Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Covestro, said: “We are excited to deepen our partnership with Ausell as we work closely with our value chain partners to accelerate the circular transformation of the automotive industry. Together, we are committed to pioneering sustainable solutions that will lead the way toward a circular and climate-neutral future.”

Xia Wenjun, CEO of Ausell, added: “Our enhanced collaboration with Covestro represents a significant step toward achieving our shared vision of a circular economy. By turning end-of-life automotive components into valuable resources, we are not only reducing waste but also contributing to the development of sustainable materials for future vehicle production.”

The automotive industry, facing increasing regulatory pressures for sustainability, as well as following their own roadmap to “close the loop” of materials, is looking for robust and adapted solutions to their challenges.

This collaboration positions Covestro and Ausell at the forefront of efforts to develop compliant, high-performance materials while addressing the challenges of plastic waste management and resource utilization in the automotive industry. The recycled polycarbonates will not only enhance the sustainability of automotive components but also demonstrate the potential for high-value recycling solutions.

“Healthcare manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable materials to reduce their carbon footprint, and it is our goal to help customers reach their sustainability ambitions,” said Sam Shodi, Head of Specialty Films North America, Covestro.

According to Shodi, the Makrofol^® polycarbonate film provides the transparency, toughness and sterilization suitability needed for many medical applications an example of which is medical implant packaging. “This advancement meets the demands of our healthcare customers, where sustainable materials are crucial for reducing environmental impact while maintaining high quality and safety standards,” he concluded.

With the mass balance approach, bio-based or recycled raw materials are fed in at an early stage of raw material extraction and mathematically allocated to the finished products. This saves fossil raw materials and reduces CO₂ emissions, while the quality of the mass-balanced products remains identical to that of purely fossil-based products. With this drop-in solution, manufacturers can continue to use their proven formulations, equipment and processes.

ISCC is an internationally recognized sustainability certification for biomass and bioenergy. The standard covers all stages of the value chain and is used worldwide. Covestro has major sites across all regions that are ISCC PLUS certified. Among them are world-scale sites like Baytown, Texas; Leverkusen, Dormagen and Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany; Shanghai, China; Map Ta Phut, Thailand; and Antwerp, Belgium.

Customers can discover more about Covestro’s mass balance films and other premium material solutions, including how they support sustainability goals and drive advancements in medical devices, at the upcoming MEDICA 2024 and COMPAMED 2024 trade fairs, November 11-14 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

“Our products touch everyday life in thousands of applications, from cars to electronics to footwear. To accelerate circularity and sustainability we need to work closely with our customers and partners along the value chain on adopting alternative raw materials, renewable energy sources and recycling technologies”, says Dr. Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at Covestro. “We are excited to show some of our latest developments and projects and are eager to engage in discussions about them at this year’s Fakuma.”

The Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a leading annual international trade fair for plastics processing. Visitors of the Covestro booth will discover a set of exhibits ranging from Polycarbonates to Specialty Films to Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, demonstrating how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand across industries.

Key exhibits include an innovative automotive frontend design that combines looks and functionality while also incorporating electronics. The materials used in the concept are Makrolon® and Makrofol®. The same materials can be used to create nearly monomaterial electronic displays, ideal for integration into smart surfaces in kitchens, vehicles and consumer electronics. One demonstrator, featuring in-mold printed elecontric circuits, will be exhibited.

Covestro's recently announced partnership with Neste and Borealis will also have a spot at the booth. It showcases the closed-loop recycling of old tires into highly transparent polycarbonates that can be used in automotive components, such as car headlamps. This innovation exemplifies circularity in the automotive industry through the Makrolon® RP product range, which uses chemically recycled raw materials, attributed via the mass balance approach.

Covestro in general aims to become increasingly circular and climate-neutral, with the goal of operational climate neutrality (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035, and full climate neutrality by 2050. To make products that are advancing toward these goals easily identifiable, Covestro, besides RE or RP, also uses the “CQ” label. CQ stands for “Circular Intelligence”. CQ ecompasses, for example, products that contain at least 25% alternative, non-fossil raw materials, either as components or through the mass balance methodology. This helps to reduce their carbon footprint while contributing to circularity. Some of the abovementioned and more products can be seen at Fakuma.

Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with the facility expected to become operational in 2025. The center will be outfitted with advanced equipment to address complex market demands and leverage local resources and networks to streamline talent and administrative management.

“Establishing this new application development center in Guangzhou is a strategically important move for us to jointly with our customers leverage on the vibrant Asia-Pacific and especially the Chinese market. The center will also contribute to developing more sustainable TPU solutions, underscoring our dedication to innovation that benefits our esteemed customers and partners,” said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, EVP and Global Head of TPU at Covestro. “Together with the ongoing investment in our largest global TPU production site in Zhuhai, we will soon run two powerful engines in two major cities. This highlights our company’s ongoing commitment to growth and its commitment to the innovative capabilities of TPU in particular.”

With the existing regional R&D center in Changhua, the ongoing construction of the largest global TPU production site in Zhuhai and the upcoming APAC application development center in Guangzhou, the collaborative and complementary strengths from the three sites are expected to drive even more powerful regional synergies.

“The new application development center in Guangzhou will play an instrumental role in engaging with major TPU industry clusters across China and APAC, particularly in consumer electronics and specialty extrusion applications,” said Kevin Ho, Head of Sales & Market Development for TPU in APAC at Covestro. “We are not only close to these industry clusters, we are also at the forefront of listening to our customers, partners and the industry value chain. By bolstering our AD capacities, we ever better can sense and meet the nuances and changes and navigate our solutions and services with velocity, agility and customer centricity.“

Covestro is committed to offering sustainable and circular solutions that align with its long-term goals. The Desmopan^® CQ TPU portfolio is a great example, utilizing alternative raw materials such as feedstocks from waste or biomass, attributed via mass balancing. The company as a whole furthermore aims to become fully circular and aims at becoming operationally climate neutrality by 2035, striving to utilize only renewable energy for its operations by then. This lowers the carbon footprint of products like TPU even further. This dedication of the company is also reflected in the investments in its new TPU properties, where such developments shall be driven further.

Beyond Leather’s approach captures the value of apple waste – of which around 4 million tons is produced every year – by upcycling it into a high-performance and more sustainable alternative to conventional leather made with animal skin. With a high content of short fibers and polymers, apple waste (including cores, seeds, and stems) can be activated to give a strength and suppleness to the final material, recreating the functional and aesthetic properties that make leather so desirable. To produce LEAP^®, the apple-waste blend is applied to a TENCEL^TM textile backing and finished with the protective coating containing INSQIN^® PU.

Inspirational leather-look products; aspirational performance

For brand customers and end consumers looking for leather alternatives, the launch of LEAP^® stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration.

“With around 25% of an apple discarded after pressing, we wanted to capture this waste’s value in premium applications. We believe that looking into waste streams and using upcycling is crucial to reduce emissions. It is our mission to show how much value there is in waste and, ultimately, make waste beautiful,” says Mikael Eydt, Co-Founder & CEO, Beyond Leather Materials.

“Covestro is delighted to have contributed to the development of this leather alternative made with apple waste, which has significant potential to improve textile sustainability in a wide range of industries,” says Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings Covestro. “Our low-VOC, low-emission, waterborne, and partly-bio-based INSQIN^® coating technology is the perfect fit for LEAP^®, enabling the premium durability, flexibility and perceptual quality needed in today’s market while offering a more sustainable solution for partners like Beyond Leather. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in applications spanning everything from small goods typically made of leather such as wallets, purses, and key cases, to automotive interiors.”