Covestro introduces innovative adhesive solutions at annual China adhesive and tape industry conference

Covestro participated in the 25th China adhesive and tape industry conference on September 8, 2022 under the theme “Shape the Sustainable Future”. The company demonstrated its sustainable and low-carbon adhesive solutions for multiple industries, with new product launches in areas such as sports and leisure and consumer electronics to empower industry upgrade with raw material innovation.

Thanks to China’s “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goal and related environmental protection policies, waterborne adhesives—as substitute for solvent-borne adhesives—have enjoyed rapid growth, effectively driving demand for waterborne polyurethane dispersion (PUD) applications. Hence, PUD-based coatings and adhesives are expected to be the preferred technologies for downstream fields of application such as automotive, construction, furniture, footwear and packaging.

To meet the ever-expanding market needs, Covestro invested in a new PUD plant and a production line of polyester resin—the raw material for PUD—at its integrated site in Shanghai in July, serving the need for high quality and sustainable development in both China and the overseas markets.

Waterborne adhesive solutions for the consumer electronics sector

Covestro’s waterborne polyurethane adhesive solution for consumer electronics can be applied in areas such as consumer electronic carrying cases, smart speaker covers, and tablet personal computer protective cases. In line with the national standard GB 33372-2020, Covestro’s waterborne solution effectively reduces VOC contents compared with traditional solvent-based adhesives. This solution satisfies environmental performance without compromising high adaptability, smooth application and good bonding strength. Covestro’s waterborne solution provides industry customers with a wider range of choices of materials and enables individualized 3D shape. In addition, high resistance to humidity and heat will ensure product reliability and address multiple scenarios of consumer electronics.

Waterborne one-component footwear adhesives solution empowers efficient production

The newly developed waterborne one-component footwear adhesives solution taps into unmet industry needs for efficient production process, while ensuring bonding strength, heat resistance and anti-hydrolysis resistance performance.

The athletic footwear industry is transforming from one featuring labor-intensive to smart manufacturing. Consequently, streamlined industrial processes and automated technologies are under spotlight. As Covestro's one-component waterborne polyurethane dispersion technology for shoe assembling, Dispercoll® U not only circumvents onsite adhesives-mixing but also reduces the risk of dead glues due to its unique properties, thus significantly improving process efficiency and reducing waste.

Shaping the future of circular product portfolios

In addition to new product launches, Covestro also showcased circular solutions for a variety of sectors, demonstrating its strategic approach of integrating business development with corporate social responsibilities and shaping the future of the industry.

• Desmodur® eco, the footwear adhesive hardener with approximately 70 percent bio-based content, enables the footwear industry to achieve lower carbon footprint and helps reduce carbon emissions. It allows for application of the material to the existing formulation without further adjustment.
• In response to sustainability calls, Covestro launched Dispercoll® U, the compostable laminating adhesive solution for flexible packaging. As per DIN EN 13432 (Europe) and ASTM D 6400-04 (USA) standards, it achieves a high (~90 percent) degradation rate under controlled aerobic conditions and is beneficial to the efficient degradation of packaging materials.
• Decovery®, the raw material of partially bio-based bottle label adhesives, is a waterborne alkali-soluble acrylic copolymer dispersion with a bio-based content of approximately 35 percent. Covestro estimates that every 1 kg of Decovery® can contribute to an overall carbon reduction of 0.3 kg. Meanwhile, the easy-to-remove label simplifies the recycling process and helps the packaging industry achieve comprehensive sustainable development.
• Desmocap®, a partially bio-based epoxy toughening agent developed from the extract of cashew nut shell oil, is mainly applied in the automotive, wind power, and rail transportation industries. This solution can effectively improve the flexibility and bonding strength of the epoxy system.

To bring new perspectives and technological breakthroughs to the industry, Covestro is committed to fostering innovation in all areas of daily life and relentlessly investing in the R&D of sustainability solutions.