Covestro Inaugurated a New Elastomers Plant

Covestro, a global leader in sustainable materials solutions, has officially initiated production activities at its latest plant dedicated to polyurethane elastomers systems. This advanced facility is strategically situated within Covestro's integrated site in Shanghai, China. The commencement of this production phase follows the announcement of the groundbreaking for the plant in the summer of 2022. The investment for this project stands in the double-digit million Euro range, exemplifying Covestro's steadfast commitment to driving innovation and growth within the elastomers raw materials sector.

This new plant in Shanghai is an integral component of a series of strategic investments that Covestro has undertaken across its elastomers raw materials business on a global scale. Similar initiatives have been successfully implemented at the company's sites in Thailand and Spain in recent years. The establishment of this cutting-edge facility aligns perfectly with Covestro's overarching mission to cater to the escalating demand for polyurethane elastomers systems in the Asia-Pacific region. Particularly, these elastomers play a pivotal role in various renewable energy applications, including safeguarding offshore cables and serving as silicon wafer cutting rollers for photovoltaic panels.

Highlighting the significance of this endeavor, Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro, states, "We are dedicated to providing materials that contribute to the realization of a more climate-neutral and circular world. The products that will be manufactured at our new Shanghai plant exemplify this commitment by assisting our customers in meeting the growing need for renewable energy solutions. This reflects our support for an industry that holds paramount importance in the global fight against climate change. Additionally, we are furthering sustainability across diverse sectors by delivering materials infused with renewable attributes."

The spectrum of applications for the polyurethane elastomers systems produced at this site is broad and diverse. They find critical utility in safeguarding subsea cables for offshore wind power projects, a fundamental application area. Furthermore, these materials are integral to the manufacturing process of photovoltaic panels and are utilized in screening media within the mining industry. In each of these applications, the materials are engineered in close collaboration with customers to withstand the most challenging environments, owing to their exceptional wear, tear, and abrasion resistance properties.

With the commencement of production at the new plant in Shanghai, Covestro is positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable materials solutions, while simultaneously catering to the evolving demands of industries focused on renewable energy and environmentally conscious practices.