Covestro plans to launch carbon-neutral polycarbonate plastics for the development of the automotive industry

The automotive industry is currently facing major challenges
.
It must do its part to meet the EU's tougher climate targets, protect natural resources and extend the life of cars
.
At the same time, consumers' requirements for the design, comfort and functionality of their vehicles are constantly increasing
.
Covestro is working hard to find innovative, more sustainable material solutions and recycling technologies to meet these requirements and build a circular economy
.

Jochen Hardt, Marketing Officer at Covestro, said: "Our aim is to launch the world's first climate-neutral polycarbonate plastic this year
.
This is an important step in our vision of a fully circular
.
At the same time, the products and solutions we offer Combining outstanding performance, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, it is designed to help our customers in the mobility industry successfully achieve their sustainability goals
.
"

The world's first climate-neutral polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is climate neutral "from the cradle to the factory gate", thanks to the introduction of raw materials from mass-balanced biological waste and residues, as well as the renewable energy accumulated during production
.
Covestro is already offering ISCC Plus certified polycarbonate
.
This product uses a mass balance method and is made from renewable raw materials, which significantly reduces its carbon footprint
.

By incorporating renewable energy, Covestro will likely be able to completely reduce the CO2 emissions of these selected products from cradle to factory gate
.
These products offer the same high quality and performance as fossil-based polycarbonates and can be drop-in replacements without changing existing processes or workflows
.

Covestro is also working with partners to develop polyurethane raw materials, in which up to 20% of the previously used petroleum-based raw materials have been replaced by the climate gas carbon dioxide
.
Applications for this polyol, called Cardyon®, are also currently being developed in the automotive sector
.
Some of the bio-based precursors in the Desmodur® N range for automotive clearcoats also contribute to circularity as an alternative raw material
.

Innovative recycling technology

Plastic recyclables are an important part of drastically reducing the carbon footprint of a car from raw material and component production through the use phase to recycling
.
In addition, Covestro is increasingly promoting the development of chemical recycling technologies
.
A decisive factor in the successful development of such materials is that the product meets the high quality requirements and specifications of the automotive industry
.
Covestro supports the mechanical and chemical recycling of plastics through its role as a member of the association, such as a member of the Circular Plastics project group
.
The group's goal is to establish a new standard that will allow plastics to be traced back to raw materials
.