Covestro NV to consolidate polycarbonate production at Antwerp
- Polycarbonate production at Antwerp to be consolidated from four lines to one.
- Local production of the polycarbonate precursor Bisphenol‑A (BPA) to be discontinued.
- Up to 260 employees in production and support functions could be affected out of ~970 on site.
- Investment in a new aniline unit will continue; polyether lines and the Technology Centre are unaffected.
Planned reorganization
Covestro NV intends to reorganize polycarbonate production at its Antwerp site by consolidating output from four lines to one and discontinuing local Bisphenol‑A (BPA) production. The company frames the move as part of a broader transformation to strengthen global competitiveness and profitability.
Market rationale
Covestro cites severe structural challenges in Europe — including high production and energy costs, weak demand and increasing international competition — and points to significant capacity additions in Asia that have created persistent global overcapacity in standard polycarbonates. Antwerp operations have been increasingly loss-making since 2022, and the company says the current setup is economically unsustainable.
Antwerp site outlook
The majority of site activities would be retained. The remaining polycarbonate line would focus on higher‑value specialty grades such as heat‑resistant APEC®. The previously announced investment in a new aniline unit will proceed as planned, and polyether production lines and the Technology Centre in Antwerp are not affected.
Workforce and consultation
The intended measures could affect up to 260 employees in production and support functions out of around 970 at the site. Covestro NV has launched the formal information and consultation process with employee representatives under local law and says no final decision will be taken before that process is completed.
Source: Covestro