Covestro invests in more sustainable polycarbonate production capacity in Asia Pacific
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● Supply over 60,000 tonnes of polycarbonate with recycled content annually to Asia Pacific by 2026 to meet strong demand
● Started construction of the company’s first dedicated production line for physical recycling in Shanghai
● Simultaneously transform and upgrade the existing production facilities in Thailand,
Recycling and reusing plastic waste through physical processes such as sorting, grinding, re-granulation and blending is one of the important paths to realize a circular economy. Today, Covestro announced the construction of its first physical recycling (MCR) production line dedicated to the blended production of polycarbonate recycled recycled materials at its integrated base in Shanghai. There is a growing demand for sustainable solutions, mainly covering applications such as electrical and electronic, automotive and consumer goods.
The production line, with an investment of more than 27 million euros, is scheduled to be put into operation in 2023, and can produce more than 25,000 tons of high-quality polycarbonate and alloys containing physically recycled components per year. The company plans to increase the supply capacity of recycled polycarbonate in the Asia-Pacific region to more than 60,000 tons per year by 2026.
“This MCR line is another exciting step in our commitment to a circular economy and our 2035 climate neutrality goal.” Sucheta Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro
Govil said, “Recycling plastic waste is critical to the circular economy and can effectively address the major challenges faced by the whole society. We will continue to invest in expanding and improving the production capacity of recycled plastics, leading the industry to produce higher-density plastics. Recycled ingredients.”
Wang Li, Global President 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 increase investment in expanding production capacity. The MCR line is the latest example of our relentless efforts to do this, demonstrating our commitment to driving the transition to more sustainable products in Asia Pacific, especially China.”
Renovation and upgrading of blending plant in Thailand to serve the Southeast Asian market
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 plan will be completed by the end of 2022, thereby continuing to meet the demand for PCR polycarbonate products in various industries in the Southeast Asian market. According to current forecasts, by 2030, PCR products will account for 10% of the production line’s annual output.
Nicolas, Head of Global Production Operations at Covestro Engineering Plastics
Dr. Stoeckel said: “The investment projects in China and Thailand are not only about expanding production capacity, but more importantly, improving the ability to produce products with higher recycled content and more stable quality. Asia is a leading producer of PCR polycarbonate, and these projects Further proof of this.”
The two production lines in Shanghai and Mata, Thailand will significantly increase Covestro’s PCR polycarbonate specifications for Makrolon® R and Bayblend® R
These products contain up to 75% recycled content, reduce carbon footprint by up to 50%, and meet both product performance and EU ecolabel requirements.