Covestro Boosts Specialty Film Capacity in Thailand to Meet Global Demand
- 04-Mar-2025 11:15 PM
- Journalist: Phoebe Cary
Covestro has significantly expanded its production capacity for high-performance polycarbonate (PC) specialty films at its Map Ta Phut Industrial Park in Thailand, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic growth within the Asia-Pacific region and globally. The project, representing a substantial investment in the higher double-digit million Euro range, was completed on schedule.
The newly installed production lines are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, designed to enhance production efficiency and minimize the company's carbon footprint. "The new production facilities are equipped with state-of-the technology to enable an efficient production and thereby reduce our CO2 emissions," stated Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer of Covestro. "With the expanded capacity, we can meet our customers' growing demand for innovative specialty films, especially in medical technology, in the region Asia-Pacific and strengthen our Solutions & Specialties segment."
This expansion will create approximately 40 new jobs, contributing to the local economy while bolstering Covestro's operational capabilities. Since establishing its specialty films production facility in Thailand in 2007, Covestro has been a key player in supplying Makrofol polycarbonate films and Bayfol polycarbonate blends to various industries. These high-performance films are integral components in applications across healthcare, mobility, and identification documents, reflecting their versatility and reliability.
Aukje Doornbos, Global Head of the Specialty Films business entity, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion for market access and customer responsiveness. "The new production facilities are important to us because it enables faster time to market and at the same time expands our market access in Asia-Pacific," Doornbos said. "With market-focused innovations and a stronger customer orientation we want to drive growth for Covestro."
Furthermore, Covestro’s Map Ta Phut site has been ISCC PLUS certified since 2022, enabling the production and supply of mass-balanced products. This certification underscores the company's commitment to sustainability by utilizing bio-based or recycled raw materials in the early stages of production. The mass balance approach allows for the mathematical allocation of these sustainable materials to finished products, effectively reducing reliance on fossil resources and lowering CO2 emissions. Importantly, this approach ensures that the quality of mass-balanced products remains identical to that of traditional fossil-based products, offering a seamless "drop-in" solution for manufacturers.
In addition to mass-balanced products, Covestro offers a range of films made partially from plant-based raw materials or recycled plastics, further diversifying its sustainable portfolio. This commitment to innovation and sustainability positions Covestro as a leader in the specialty films market, capable of addressing the evolving needs of its customers while minimizing environmental impact.