In response to the focus of K 2022 on using plastics to protect the climate, nature and resources, Covestro is presenting new products,materials and applications that support the circular economy and climate neutrality at its booth at the trade fair. At the booth tour for the media held one day before the trade fair opening, experts from Covestro introduced these latest solutions in detail.   

With the introduction of the "CQ" label for products based on alternative raw materials, Covestro aims to create greater transparency and make it easier for customers to distinguish them from conventional, fossil-based products.

Another focus is on innovative recycling technologies. Chemolysis in particular holds great potential for the quantitative recovery of raw materials. Covestro is now introducing the name "Evocycle CQ" for all evolutionary recycling processes as an extension.

Application: Evocycle CQ Mattress
- Recovery of both polyurethane components, polyol and TDA (toluene diamine – precursor of TDI)
- Recycled polyol enables up to 100% replacement of fossil counterpart
- Recycled TDA fulfills specifications for conversion into TDI
- Preliminary life cycle analysis with significant improvement of the CO2 footprint compared to fossil route

The exhibition area of crafting smart design is dedicated to the possibilities of digitalization and open innovation approaches to work in a more connected and sustainable way along the entire value chain.

Covestro exhibits new charging stations and wall charging stations (wallboxes) for future mobility, including the first wallbox produced by partner EVBox using more sustainable polycarbonates.

These plastics from the Makrolon RE range are produced proportionately from biowaste and residual materials, in part using renewable electricity, and therefore have a very low carbon footprint.

Application: EVBox Livo Wallbox
- The housing consists of Makrolon RE for low carbon footprint
- Durable and more sustainable drop-in solution
- Polycarbonate partially from mass-balanced biowaste and residues
- Flame retardant and weather resistant
- Makrolon RE grade with 5VA rating and UL f1 listed

How can urban spaces be made more sustainable without compromising on consumer preferences? Covestro provides answers to this question in the exhibition area of crafting sustainable living.

Covestro and partner introduce Arfinio, a breakthrough manufacturing solution for furniture, bathroom fixtures, electronic parts, housings and other applications based on reaction injection molding (RIM) of aliphatic polyurethanes.

Application: Arfinio Bathroom sink
- Reaction injection molded aliphatic polyurethane based solid surface material
- Complex designs made in a single piece
- Light weight pieces possible
- Easy and fast processing
- Repairable and recyclable

In the exhibition area of crafting sustainable living, the aims of the developments presented are greater comfort and design freedom, enhanced functionality, more sustainable and circular solutions, and energy-efficient living. The Arfinio Chair displayed is another application demonstration.

Application: Arfinio Chair

- Reaction injection molded aliphatic polyurethane based solid surface material
- Complex designs made in a single piece
- Light weight pieces possible
- Easy and fast processing
- Repairable and recyclable

Covestro considers energy supply from wind and solar power another important pillar for achieving global climate targets and greenhouse gas neutrality and conserving fossil resources as well.

A major challenge, here, is decentralized electricity storage to compensate for fluctuations in the generation of wind and solar energy. Plastics will play a central role in these issues in the future, from power generation and storage to use in vehicles and at home.

For wind power, for example, the company has worked with key industrial partners to roll out innovative PU resin which enable more efficient and cost-effective production of robust rotor blades.

Application: Wind energy turbine
- Baydur resins for blade composites allow high mechanical performance, low viscosity, high manufacturing productivity, low cost of energy, and high energy production
- Coatings based on Pasquick technology ensure impact resistant blade leading edge protection, long lasting coatings for wind energy blades, higher productivity in painting operations, and corrosion protection for steel towers
- Polyurethane elastomers based on Desmodur lead to durable subsea cable protection

Covestro and partner have launched a collaboration working to realize unlimited recycling of truck tarps based on TPUs from Covestro. At the end of their useful life, the tarps are to be recycled mainly chemically and used for new tarps or other products. The tarps are similarly robust, durable and water-repellent as the previous products.

In this application, the demands on the materials are very high as they must be fully recyclable, meaning that they can not only be recycled but also used again and again in new products.

Application: TPU truck tarps for circularity
- Pilot project to transform a TPU tarp from truck cargo cover to a bag before getting recycled
- TPU has a long life span
- TPU repels water and dirt, making it suitable for a heavy duty truck or trailer
- TPU is easier to recycle than PVC