Covestro inaugurated its first plant for polycarbonate copolymers that can produce the high-quality plastic on an industrial scale at its Antwerp site in Belgium.

Covestro inaugurated its first plant for polycarbonate copolymers at Antwerp site.

The new platform technology, which is developed in-house, is based on an innovative, solvent-free melt process in combination with a new reactor concept. This allows producing polycarbonates with adjustable properties.

Apart from reducing the complexity of the new production process, the connection between the new plant and the existing infrastructure at the site, with four production lines for polycarbonate, allows global scale in production with flexibility of a stand-alone unit. It also allows higher efficient production of copolymer.

"Compared to pure polycarbonates, the copolymers open up new possibilites for us to integrate further functionalities and properties into our materials," said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics business unit.

She further explained that the materials can range from improved mechanical properties, a higher resistance against chemical attack to an enhanced flame retardancy.

Covering a pilot and production plant, the investment is in the mid double-digit million euro range.

Covestro inaugurated its first plant for polycarbonate copolymers that can produce the high-quality plastic on an industrial scale at its Antwerp site in Belgium.

Covestro inaugurated its first plant for polycarbonate copolymers at Antwerp site.

The new platform technology, which is developed in-house, is based on an innovative, solvent-free melt process in combination with a new reactor concept. This allows producing polycarbonates with adjustable properties.

Apart from reducing the complexity of the new production process, the connection between the new plant and the existing infrastructure at the site, with four production lines for polycarbonate, allows global scale in production with flexibility of a stand-alone unit. It also allows higher efficient production of copolymer.

"Compared to pure polycarbonates, the copolymers open up new possibilites for us to integrate further functionalities and properties into our materials," said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics business unit.

She further explained that the materials can range from improved mechanical properties, a higher resistance against chemical attack to an enhanced flame retardancy.

Covering a pilot and production plant, the investment is in the mid double-digit million euro range.