In line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), sustainability is at the centre stage of Covestro’s (Leverkusen / Germany; www.covestro.com) presentation at the “K” trade fair in Düsseldorf / Germany. For example, Covestro plans to employ a strategic programme promoting a circular economy and the use of non-fossil resources in the plastics industry. As far as possible, the company attempts to use raw materials from sustainable sources such as waste, plants and CO₂ in its production. This is how Covestro intends to achieve “the greatest possible departure from fossil resources such as crude oil.”

As CEO Markus Steilemann explained at K, the most important aspect is the development of new technologies for plastics recycling. Specifically, the company is researching the feasibility of recycling soft PU foam. In another project, 5-gallon polycarbonate water bottles are at the end of their life cycle processed into post-consumer recyclate, which is then refined into a PC blend together with virgin materials. The PC blend is supplied to OEMs for E&E parts such as laptops, printers or smartphones. In addition, research is being conducted on the development of PC/PET blends from used PET bottles.

In order to stop the flow of plastics waste into our oceans, Covestro is working closely with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) and the “Circular Plastics Alliance” – see Plasteurope.com of 26.08.2019 and 23.09.2019.

Another central topic at this year’s trade show is the digitalisation of and along the value chain. For example, Covestro is currently developing a new distribution model for the Asian market that would allow customers to track raw materials delivery at any time. According to Steilemann, this is new to the chemical sector. Furthermore, the company is continuing to work on expanding sales through online platforms.

One outstanding focus of Covestro’s trade show presence are innovative interior design concepts for the future of mobility – trends like autonomous driving, electric drivetrains and car sharing render the exhibited concept vehicle a multifunctional mobile living and working space, combining functionality with comfort and design. Key features of the prototype include a 3D-moulded polycarbonate display and a PC film based on “Makrolon”, the integration of ambient lighting, infotainment systems and “Maezio”-based, PC composite seating concepts. In addition, the concept car offers tranquility to passengers in the so-called “privacy dome”, thanks to a sound-absorbing acoustic foam based on “Baynat” PU systems.