— By Plasteurope.com staff — 

Covestro (Leverkusen, Germany; www.covestro.com) and Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer BYD (Shenzhen, Guangdong; www.byd.com) have signed a memorandum of understanding covering the joint development and use of advanced polymer materials in vehicles, batteries, energy storage systems, public transport, and other technology applications.

The companies said the cooperation would include joint innovation projects, technology development, dedicated R&D resources, technical support, supply security, and possible strategic investments.

Covestro identified polycarbonate and polyurethane as key material areas, with potential applications in vehicle lighting, interiors, exteriors, electronic components, battery systems, and thermal and electrical management.

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Low-carbon and circular materials are also to be part of the cooperation. The German company said its CQ-labelled products, which contain at least 25% alternative raw materials, would be considered for future projects.

Covestro did not respond to an enquiry by Plasteurope.com on specific polymer grades, applications, investment volumes, project timelines, or the geographical scope of the partnership by press time.