This year for the first time, Covestro is attending the China International Import Expo (CIIE), an important national import fair for China in Shanghai. From 5 - 10 November, the company will be represented at the show with a range of solutions and technologies related to the circular economy. Next to alternative raw materials such as carbon dioxide and partially bio-based raw materials, the company will also be showcasing its novel process for chemically recycling polyurethane mattress foam.
China has embraced the goal of sustainable development, according to Markus Steilemann, CEO at Covestro. "Our vision to become fully circular is in line with China's megatrends, as we recognize that China will play a key role in the transition to a circular economy."
The key focus for Covestro at CIIE is on the use of alternative raw materials. The company is launching its ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balanced MDI and polycarbonate for the first time in the Asian market at the Expo. Both contain a significant proportion of alternative raw materials, including plant waste, residual fats and vegetable oils, which partially replace fossil resources. Both are used in a wide range of applications: polyurethanes in insulation, upholstered furniture and automotive manufacturing; polycarbonates in the electronics, automotive and healthcare industries.
In addition, the company is highlighting its newly developed technology for recycling flexible foam from polyurethane mattresses that enables the recovery of both key raw materials. This allows the carbon footprint to be reduced along the entire value chain for PU mattresses. Also on display: its Triturn CO₂ technology, which enables carbon dioxide to be reused as an alternative raw material in polyol production, replacing up to 20 percent of fossil feedstock. It can be leveraged for many different types of applications and industries, such as flexible foam for mattresses and binders for sports flooring, as an answer to address consumer demands and the rising environmental awareness.
Other exhibits include materials for applications ranging from 5G infrastructure to smart devices, including polycarbonates with high post-consumer recycled content and with mass-balanced renewable raw materials that can reduce carbon footprints by up to 80 percent; polyurethane resins that enable lighter wind rotor blades; and polyurethane solutions for pultrusion windows and insulating foams for buildings, as well as partially bio-based polyurethane coatings for wood furniture.