Covestro partners with Anko Optics to drive innovation in automotive transparent materials
Covestro has signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Anko Optics, a Chinese manufacturer of transparent plastic automotive glazing. Together, the two companies will advance the use of transparent materials in electric vehicles (EVs) and future flying cars, promoting innovative applications of transparent engineering plastics across the mobility industry.
“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.
About Covestro:
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.