Covestro showcases new material technologies to strengthen document integrity and secure personalization

Under the theme “Trusted materials for a secure future,” Covestro will present at TRUSTECH 2025 (booth C055, Pavilion 5.2) how its polymer technologies are reshaping the security, durability, and sustainability of identity documents and banknotes.

Advancing document integrity with polymeric innovation

Following the successful launch of Certevo^® in 2024, Covestro now demonstrates how the material is being integrated into real-world security printing applications including certificates, diplomas, vehicle registration papers, and fiscal documents. Engineered for high-security substrates, Certevo^® combines reliable print performance and precise laser engravability in a fully recyclable, single-polymer design—helping document producers enhance security while supporting circularity in material use.

“Certevo^® is already proving its value beyond the lab,” says Daniel Hentschel, Global Segment Manager for ID & Security Printing Specialty Films at Covestro. “It tackles two core challenges at once: enhancing document security through excellent offset intaglio printing tactility, and laser personalization, while advancing recyclability and circular design. Its outstanding durability and print receptivity extend document lifespan and help conserve valuable resources across the entire value chain.”

Enhancing passport security with laser-personalized TPU covers

Covestro’s new laser personalization concept for passport covers, made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), enables document manufacturers and personalization hubs to customize covers using standard laser-engraving systems. This innovation transforms the cover into an active security feature, enhancing each document’s protection and uniqueness. The process can also produce tactile Braille markings, reflecting Covestro’s commitment to both authenticity and accessibility in passport design.

Decentralized color personalization for secure and flexible issuance

Addressing a key industry challenge, Covestro’s Secure Color Personalization technology enables decentralized, color portrait personalization without compromising security. The process combines digital printing and laser personalization with specialized polycarbonate overlay film to structurally integrate portraits into ID documents. This three-step "tattooing" technique creates tamper-evident documents with unique tactile patterns, while supporting faster local issuance and greater system resilience.

"This technology delivers the security benefits of centralized production with the flexibility of decentralized personalization," emphasizes by Daniel Hentschel, "The result is more secure, citizen-friendly document issuance that sets a new standard for ID systems worldwide."

Covestro will showcase its latest materials portfolio for identity and currency applications at TRUSTECH 2025 during December 2–4 at Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 5.2, stand C055. Visitors can also attend an Expert Innovation Talk by Georgios Tziovaras, our Global Application Development Manager, on “Secure Color Personalization of Polycarbonate (PC) Documents.”.