Covestro Inaugurates Recycled Polycarbonate Compounding Line in China

Covestro, a Germany-based polycarbonate manufacturer, has commenced operations of a novel compounding line in Shanghai, marking a significant step forward in their commitment to sustainable manufacturing. This new compounding line is a pioneering addition as it represents the company's first dedicated mechanical recycling compounding line for polycarbonates in China.

The primary objective of this innovative facility is to manufacture more than 25,000 tons of polycarbonates and blends that incorporate mechanically recycled materials on an annual basis. This initiative is a direct response to the escalating demand for post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastics, particularly in sectors such as electrical and electronic products, automotive, and consumer goods.

Covestro's forward-looking vision extends beyond this initial launch, with plans to supply over 60,000 tons of recycled-content polycarbonates annually to the Asia Pacific region by 2026. The driving force behind this expansion is the robust market demand for sustainable materials and the desire to catalyze a shift towards more environmentally responsible production processes. In alignment with this ambition, Covestro has also recently transformed an existing compounding line at its Map Ta Phut site in Thailand to accommodate mechanically recycled polycarbonate, marking a pivotal step in their regional growth strategy.

Lily Wang, the head of Covestro's business entity engineering plastics, emphasized the importance of those investments. She mentioned that the investments enabled them to meet the increasing demand for PCR polycarbonates, enhancing their capacity and efficiency. With the new or repurposed capacity now operational, she added that they were in a better position to assist their downstream customers in their journey towards more sustainable products, thus expediting the transformation of industries towards a circular and climate-neutral future.

The introduction of this new grade of polycarbonate is a testament to Covestro's dedication to promoting circular economy principles, reducing waste, and decreasing the reliance on virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels. While the initial availability of this sustainable solution is limited to the Asia-Pacific region, it serves as a noteworthy demonstration of Covestro's capabilities in advancing sustainable materials, an essential endeavor in the ongoing global effort to combat climate change and reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes.

Covestro's commissioning of a dedicated mechanical recycling compounding line in Shanghai represents a pivotal moment in their journey towards sustainable manufacturing and environmental responsibility. This facility, catering to the growing demand for post-consumer-recycled plastics, is part of a broader strategy to enhance capacity and efficiency in the region, thereby facilitating the transition to circular and climate-neutral production processes. Covestro's actions exemplify their dedication to responsible corporate citizenship and the advancement of eco-friendly solutions in the manufacturing sector.