- Covestro invests €100 million in R&D over three years until 2025.
- High-performance computers in Leverkusen enhance chemical process simulations.
- Chemical recycling focuses on recovering materials from non-mechanically recyclable plastics.
- Evocycle\u00ae CQ project recovers polyol and TDI from used mattress foams.
Investment Overview
Covestro is investing €100 million in its global R&D infrastructure over three years, aiming to enhance competitiveness and drive innovation towards a circular economy. The focus is on modernizing equipment, automating systems, and introducing digital capabilities in laboratories worldwide.
Digitalization and Process Technology
A key aspect of the investment is the global digitalization strategy in R&D, which includes advancements in In-Mold-Coating technologies. This innovation supports the automotive industry by enabling high-quality surfaces and efficient production. End-to-end digitalization records all process-relevant data, facilitating further developments in process technology.
High-Performance Computing
In Leverkusen, high-performance computers (HPCII) are being utilized to simulate chemical processes, accelerating research and supporting the circular economy. These computers aid in foam processing simulations for refrigerators, enhancing energy efficiency and cool chain improvements.
Chemical Recycling Initiatives
Chemical recycling is emphasized as a promising approach for plastics that are difficult to recycle mechanically. Covestro's Evocycle® CQ mattress project exemplifies this, recovering polyol and TDI from used polyurethane foams, converting them back into renewable building blocks.
Global Infrastructure Enhancements
Covestro is modernizing its laboratories in Leverkusen, focusing on application technology for coatings and adhesives in industries like automotive and construction. In the U.S., upgrades at the Pittsburgh campus reflect a commitment to innovation. In Shanghai, investments in infrastructure and digitalization support developments in the automotive and electronics sectors.
