Covestro, a global leader in polymer production, has partnered with DB Cargo BTT, a logistics expert, to enhance the sustainable transport of chemicals to and within Poland. A key focus of this collaboration is the transport of methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI), a critical raw material used in various polyurethane applications, including thermal insulation for buildings and refrigerators.

Hanno Bruemmer, Covestro’s Head of Supply Chain and Logistics EMLA, emphasized the importance of collective efforts across the value chain to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. “Reliable, efficient, and sustainable logistics for our increasingly eco-friendly products are essential,” he said. “We work closely with customers and transport companies to optimize the supply chain by improving load capacity, selecting optimal transport modes and routes, and using sustainable energy sources like green electricity or biofuels such as HVO to replace fossil fuels.”

Under the partnership, DB Cargo BTT provides Covestro with a comprehensive and sustainable transport solution. The process begins with the transportation of chemicals in tank containers from Covestro’s German production sites to a nearby railway terminal using trucks powered by HVO 100 biofuel. The containers are then transported to a Polish distribution center via rail, significantly reducing emissions by keeping trucks off the road. Finally, biofuel-driven trucks are deployed for last-mile delivery to end customers in Poland. This multimodal approach cuts CO2 emissions by at least 70% compared to conventional road transport.

Torsten Lüders, Managing Director of DB Cargo BTT, highlighted the company’s commitment to enabling greener supply chains and supporting the chemical industry’s transformation. “By combining rail expertise with biofuel-powered trucks for first- and last-mile transport, we add significant value for our customers while contributing to sustainable supply chains,” he noted.

The collaboration’s scalability ensures it can grow with business demands, sending a strong message to Covestro’s customers, including the Polish Selena Group, a global leader in construction chemicals and materials. Selena benefits from the lower carbon footprint of MDI deliveries, which helps reduce Scope 3 emissions. Bernd Hennig, Head of Trading Cluster MDI at Covestro, stated, “We aim to advance sustainability across the value chain, offering customers eco-friendly materials and transportation solutions.” Selena’s Michal Specjalski added, “Sustainable business today means balancing efficiency and quality. We’re committed to minimizing environmental impact and are proud to work with Covestro and DB Cargo BTT to achieve shared climate neutrality goals.”

Selena and Covestro also collaborate on circular economy projects, such as developing ISCC Plus-certified polyurethane foams using plant-based raw materials via mass balancing. These products, with lower carbon footprints, are now delivered more sustainably through the innovative transport solution.