At the upcoming VDI Congress "Plastics in Automotive Engineering", which this year will take place online on 28 and 29 July, Covestro is focussing on future mobility with the presentation of a new, premium concept for the car interior that balances innovation with sustainability.
The car of the future will be fully networked and will integrate seamlessly into everyday life, functioning as a living and working space. Modern technologies and plastics, such as the continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite material Maezio, or the Baydur PUL polyurethane system from Covestro that protects the inside of the lithium-ion battery in the event of an impact ,will play an important role in its design.
In fact, Covestro battery expert Galen Greene will deliver a presentation on the special mechanical stability of this Baydur material combined with its low weight.
The company is also seeking partners for the further optimisation of thebattery concept."
At the same time, the interior concept developed by Covestro offers new opportunities for differentiation for the automotive industry," says Jochen Hardt, the head of Global Marketing Mobility at Covestro, and a member of the expert committee for the VDI Congress. The comprehensive approach addresses functionality, comfort and design, as well as efficiency and lightweighting. Highlights include multi-sensory infotainment systems, innovative seating concepts, smart surfaces and personalised lighting.
Jochen Hardt is also a panelist in a discussion on the subject of "Recyclates – opportunities and general conditions for the use of plastics in the vehicle of the future" on the first day of the congress. Covestro is strongly committed to the recycling of plastics and the use of alternative raw materials and will be showing developments in this area at its virtual trade fair stand.
Covestro has been using bio-based raw materials and CO2 in production for years. Recently, a strategic cooperation was also agreed with the Finnish chemical company Neste on the supply of material from renewable sources. It is intended to replace an important part of the fossil raw materials previously used for the production of polycarbonates.
Covestro is currently working with partners to develop innovative technologies for recycling plastics. The company is also a member of the Circularise Plastics project group. Its aim is to establish a new standard for the traceability of plastics back to the raw material to facilitate effective recycling.