Covestro’s first PC physical recycling production line started in Shanghai, with an annual production capacity of over 25,000 tons

Latest News: Covestro, a leading producer of polyurethane and polycarbonate raw materials, plans to build its first dedicated blend of recycled polycarbonate materials at its integrated site in Shanghai Production of Physical Recycling (MCR) lines. The line will meet the growing market demand for more sustainable solutions, especially post-consumer recycling (PCR)
Products, mainly covering electrical and electronic products, automotive supplies and consumer goods and other application fields.

The new production line is planned to invest more than 27 million euros and is scheduled to be put into operation in 2023. It can produce more than 25,000 tons of high-quality polycarbonate and alloys containing physically recycled components per year. Overall, the company aims to deliver more than 60,000 tonnes of polycarbonate with recycled content annually in the Asia-Pacific region by 2026.

Sucheta, COO, Covestro
Govil said: “This physical recycling line is another exciting step in our commitment to the circular economy and our goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2035. Recycling plastic waste is critical to the circular economy and can Effectively address major challenges facing society as a whole. We will continue to invest in expanding and increasing our capacity to recycle recycled plastic and lead the industry in making materials with higher recycled content.”

The line is significant in recycling plastic waste through physical recycling processes such as sorting, grinding, re-granulation and compounding, an important part of the circular economy. In addition, this pioneering production line will be able to meet the continued strong demand for polycarbonate in the region.

Wang Li, head of Covestro’s Engineering Plastics Division, said at the groundbreaking ceremony: “In order to meet the rapidly growing demand from downstream customers for more sustainable and circular solutions, we will continue to invest in expanding our production capacity. This physical recycling The production line is the latest example of our relentless efforts in this regard, demonstrating our commitment to driving the transition to more sustainable products in the Asia-Pacific region and China in particular.”

Renovation and upgrading of Thailand blending plant

Covestro will also retrofit and upgrade its blending line at its base in Mata Province, Thailand, with the ability to produce physically recycled polycarbonate. The renovation of the plant is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022 to meet the demand for polycarbonate products with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content from various industries in the ASEAN region. According to current forecasts, PCR products will account for 10% of the line’s annual output by 2030.

Nicolas, Head of Global Production Operations at Covestro Engineering Plastics
Dr. Stoeckel said: “The new developments in China and Thailand are not only about investing in additional capacity, but also increasing our ability to produce more products with higher recycled content and more consistent quality. These developments will further increase Asia’s role as the world’s leading PCR polymer The reputation of the carbonate producer.”

Covestro’s PCR polycarbonates Makrolon® R and Bayblend® R
, they contain up to 75% recycled content and can reduce carbon footprint requirements by up to 50% while meeting product performance and EU ecolabel requirements.

Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and corresponding components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps improve sustainability and quality of life in many areas. Covestro serves customers worldwide in key industries such as mobility, construction and living, as well as the electrical and electronics industry. In addition, Covestro’s polymers are used in fields such as sports and leisure, cosmetics and wellness, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company aims to be fully circular and plans to be climate neutral by 2035 (Scope 1 and
2). Covestro’s sales in 2021 will be around 15.9 billion euros. By the end of 2021, the company has 50 production sites worldwide.