Plastics manufacturer Covestro will showcase recycling methods used in the circular economy at IFAT. At the joint booth of the German Association for Waste Management (DGAW) (Hall/Stand: A6 125/224), Covestro will outline innovative technologies for the mechanical and chemical recycling of plastics in its product range. Covestro is also a co-exhibitor at the VCI (German Chemical Industry Association, Hall/Booth: A6 231) at the joint booth, which is entirely dedicated to the topic of chemical recycling.



Covestro has plans to focus entirely on the circular economy. The company is promoting innovative and resource-efficient processes with the goal of making its products recyclable. That's why Covestro intends to offer more material solutions based on sustainability and circularity. Covestro's own technology development focuses on four recycling methods. In addition to the mechanical recycling methods already used for the high-performance plastics polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Covestro is also developing chemical recycling processes: including chemical decomposition, smart pyrolysis and enzymatic recycling. The aim of these processes is to produce recycled plastic of quality comparable to the virgin material, while significantly reducing the environmental footprint, compared to traditional production of fossil-derived polymers and polymer raw materials. Covestro applies its core competencies in chemistry to process development.

Markus Steilemann, Chairman of the Board of Covestro, explained: "We see ourselves as a driving force in the circular economy industry that is currently developing. In the long term, the chemical and waste management industries must be more closely linked and create synergies. We We are actively promoting the development of the whole industry: through various recycling methods, we can systematically recycle the different raw materials required for the production of plastics. Our goal is to fully recycle the materials in the waste products, saving fossil raw materials and reducing greenhouse gas emissions , while providing recyclable high-performance materials equivalent to virgin quality.” The company plans to invest around 1 billion euros in circular economy projects by 2030. Covestro already operates a pilot plant for chemical recycling of flexible polyurethane foams in Leverkusen.

In addition, Covestro will present circular solutions from its product portfolio at the IFAT trade fair in Munich to give customers a more intuitive understanding. With the "CQ" concept, Covestro will highlight the replacement of basic raw materials in products in the future, with a reduction of 25%. "CQ" here stands for Circular Intelligence. Desmodur;CQ was one of the first "CQ" products. For example, Desmodur;CQ-based polyurethanes are used in upholstered furniture, mattresses and insulation. These materials are also used in coatings for automobiles or appliances.

Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro, said: “In order to take meaningful climate protection measures, we need a change and a paradigm shift, including ourselves, our customers and everyone else across the value chain. At the same time, applying these solutions The benefits of the program must be clear. The chemical industry must fundamentally shift from a value chain-centric approach to alternative raw materials and renewable energy. We have set ambitious goals to make our production fully circular and ultimately independent of fossil resources. By doing so, we are supporting numerous industries in reducing the carbon footprint of their own products."



Collaborate to contribute to a full circular economy

New recycling processes, collaborations with industry and research partners are making an important contribution towards achieving full circle. For example, Covestro is working with 22 partners from 9 countries on the EU project "Circular Bubble". The purpose of this project is to develop an innovative chemical recycling process for rigid polyurethane foam. As an insulating material, rigid polyurethane foam contributes to the energy efficiency of refrigerators and buildings – but it still lacks coordinated waste management and proper recycling processes for a sustainable life cycle. From 2040, chemical recycling could save up to 1 million tonnes of waste and 2.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.