Desmopan? FLY features an advanced formulation that enables superior supercritical fluid dispersion during the molding process, resulting in uniform fine-cell structured foams with outstanding mechanical properties. For footwear applications, this translates into midsoles with superior cushioning and energy return properties, and long-lasting comfort performance. The absence of chemical blowing agents and crosslinking additives ensures recyclability of the midsole; when combined with soft TPU outsole, the whole sole system supports circular economy initiatives.

¡°Leading sports brands are driving unprecedented demand for materials that combine elite performance with strong environmental credentials,¡± says Wilson Chan, Head of Business Development TPU Asia Pacific at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°Desmopan? FLY brings exceptional lightweight and resilience properties while maintaining dimensional stability and durability throughout the product lifecycle. Its optimized processing enables efficient production through automated injection molding, allowing brands to create high-performance, recyclable footwear that meets demanding consumer expectations.¡±

In a pioneering industry move, ÃÜÌÒAV has installed the advanced SCF injection foaming system at its TPU Asia-Pacific R&D Center in Taiwan. This state-of-the-art facility enables ÃÜÌÒAV to provide comprehensive R&D support and rapid application services for customers¡¯ specific requirements, demonstrating ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s ongoing commitment to advancing footwear material solutions and supporting the industry¡¯s evolution.

¡°Our investment in the SCF injection foaming system marks another milestone in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s continuous innovation journey,¡± explains Dr. Christian Haessler, Head of Global Innovation TPU at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°This in-house capability enables us to optimize TPU material properties with precise SCF processing parameters. By being among the first in the industry to integrate this advanced technology within our R&D center, we can effectively combine TPU material and SCF injection expertise to accelerate customers¡¯ development from concepts to commercial production.¡±

The combination of SCF foaming technology and Desmopan? FLY delivers an energy-efficient manufacturing process that reduces the overall carbon footprint. The automated injection process integrates multiple components in a single step, enabling substantial production efficiency while maintaining consistent, high-quality output.

Desmopan? FLY is now commercially available, supported by ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s comprehensive technical expertise and advanced in-house facilities. This integrated material and technology platform empowers sports brands in their journey toward advanced footwear solutions, combining performance, sustainability and production efficiency.

¡°Our products touch everyday life in thousands of applications, from cars to electronics to footwear. To accelerate circularity and sustainability we need to work closely with our customers and partners along the value chain on adopting alternative raw materials, renewable energy sources and recycling technologies¡±, says Dr. Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We are excited to show some of our latest developments and projects and are eager to engage in discussions about them at this year¡¯s Fakuma.¡±

The Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a leading annual international trade fair for plastics processing. Visitors of the ÃÜÌÒAV booth will discover a set of exhibits ranging from Polycarbonates to Specialty Films to Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, demonstrating how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand across industries.

Key exhibits include an innovative automotive frontend design that combines looks and functionality while also incorporating electronics. The materials used in the concept are Makrolon? and Makrofol?. The same materials can be used to create nearly monomaterial electronic displays, ideal for integration into smart surfaces in kitchens, vehicles and consumer electronics. One demonstrator, featuring in-mold printed elecontric circuits, will be exhibited.

ÃÜÌÒAV's recently announced partnership with Neste and Borealis will also have a spot at the booth. It showcases the closed-loop recycling of old tires into highly transparent polycarbonates that can be used in automotive components, such as car headlamps. This innovation exemplifies circularity in the automotive industry through the Makrolon? RP product range, which uses chemically recycled raw materials, attributed via the mass balance approach.

ÃÜÌÒAV in general aims to become increasingly circular and climate-neutral, with the goal of operational climate neutrality (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035, and full climate neutrality by 2050. To make products that are advancing toward these goals easily identifiable, ÃÜÌÒAV, besides RE or RP, also uses the ¡°CQ¡± label. CQ stands for ¡°Circular Intelligence¡±. CQ ecompasses, for example, products that contain at least 25% alternative, non-fossil raw materials, either as components or through the mass balance methodology. This helps to reduce their carbon footprint while contributing to circularity. Some of the abovementioned and more products can be seen at Fakuma.

Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with the facility expected to become operational in 2025. The center will be outfitted with advanced equipment to address complex market demands and leverage local resources and networks to streamline talent and administrative management.

¡°Establishing this new application development center in Guangzhou is a strategically important move for us to jointly with our customers leverage on the vibrant Asia-Pacific and especially the Chinese market. The center will also contribute to developing more sustainable TPU solutions, underscoring our dedication to innovation that benefits our esteemed customers and partners,¡± said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, EVP and Global Head of TPU at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°Together with the ongoing investment in our largest global TPU production site in Zhuhai, we will soon run two powerful engines in two major cities. This highlights our company¡¯s ongoing commitment to growth and its commitment to the innovative capabilities of TPU in particular.¡±

With the existing regional R&D center in Changhua, the ongoing construction of the largest global TPU production site in Zhuhai and the upcoming APAC application development center in Guangzhou, the collaborative and complementary strengths from the three sites are expected to drive even more powerful regional synergies.

¡°The new application development center in Guangzhou will play an instrumental role in engaging with major TPU industry clusters across China and APAC, particularly in consumer electronics and specialty extrusion applications,¡± said Kevin Ho, Head of Sales & Market Development for TPU in APAC at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We are not only close to these industry clusters, we are also at the forefront of listening to our customers, partners and the industry value chain. By bolstering our AD capacities, we ever better can sense and meet the nuances and changes and navigate our solutions and services with velocity, agility and customer centricity.¡°

ÃÜÌÒAV is committed to offering sustainable and circular solutions that align with its long-term goals. The Desmopan^? CQ TPU portfolio is a great example, utilizing alternative raw materials such as feedstocks from waste or biomass, attributed via mass balancing. The company as a whole furthermore aims to become fully circular and aims at becoming operationally climate neutrality by 2035, striving to utilize only renewable energy for its operations by then. This lowers the carbon footprint of products like TPU even further. This dedication of the company is also reflected in the investments in its new TPU properties, where such developments shall be driven further.

Desmopan^? FR is halogen-free with low-smoke characteristics, offering tailored performance levels to achieve an optimal balance of durability, safety and design flexibility. This series delivers exceptional performance, combining superior chemical resistance, high mechanical strength to withstand significant strain, and compliance with stringent regulations like VW-1, IEC 60332-1-2, RoHS and REACH.

¡°At ÃÜÌÒAV, we recognize the challenges in the cable industry in achieving the right balance of flame retardancy and physical performance,¡± said Kevin Ho, Head of TPU in Asia Pacific at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°With the launch of our Desmopan^? FR TPU series, we are expanding our TPU portfolio in wire and cable with flame-retardant solutions that address the evolving market needs, particularly in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. This enables our customers to stay ahead of the curve by meeting stringent fire safety requirements while aligning with sustainability.¡±

The Desmopan^? FR TPU series can be customized to precise specifications, optimizing performance and compatibility with specific cable designs and conditions, giving cable designers the flexibility to select the ideal jacket material.

¡°We collaborate closely with partners to co-create tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. This allows us to continuously innovate and adapt our solutions,¡± said Dr. Michael Schmidt, Global Innovation Head TPU. ¡°Recognizing the competitive cable industry¡¯s need to adapt to market trends, we offer a range of performance levels, enabling customers to achieve the optimal balance of mechanics, usability and flexibility.¡±

Additionally, ÃÜÌÒAV provides the FR series in partially bio-based grades to meet the sustainability requirements of customers, particularly in the consumer electronics and mobility sectors.

TPU is a versatile plastic material used in a variety of applications such as sports shoes, IT devices such as sweepers, smart speakers, phone cases, automotive applications like paint protection film or for the protection of wind turbine blades.

"We are excited to announce that the construction on our new TPU site commences. It shows our commitment to strengthen our production network for our Solutions & Specialties business entities overall and for the TPU business in particular,¡± said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of TPU at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°It reinforces our position as one of the leading global suppliers of TPU and puts us right where important value chains are."

Once completed, the site will span across 45,000 square meters. With its potential maximum capacity of up to 120,000 tons it will then also be ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s largest TPU site worldwide.

"We are committed to working closely with our customers and partners," said Lisa Ketelsen, Head of TPU in APAC at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°As Guangdong province is a major hub for the IT, consumer electronics, footwear and other industries, we believe that locating our production in close proximity enables us to collaborate optimally. To underline that, an innovation center will be part of the next phase of our investment, enabling our researchers to design customized material formulas and do formula adjustments to meet customer demands within very short cycles.¡±

The new TPU site will enable ÃÜÌÒAV to provide high-performance yet sustainable solutions to its customers faster and more flexibly. At the new site in Zhuhai, ÃÜÌÒAV shall to that end eventually offer products with the label ¡°CQ¡±. Products labelled as such consist of at least 25 percent alternative, non-fossil raw materials. The site will also utilize the most advanced production technologies and be run on 100 percent renewable power.

¡°Together with recent investments in new plants for Elastomers, Polyurethane Dispersions and a production line for the mechanical recycling of polycarbonates in our site on the outskirts of Shanghai, this new site for TPU in southern China shall capture the robust growth of the core industries served by our Solutions & Specialties business entities in China, the region and worldwide,¡± said Holly Lei, President of ÃÜÌÒAV in China.

Offering sustainable and ever more circular solutions are among the long-term core targets for ÃÜÌÒAV overall and for the new TPU site. The company for that purpose in general works on broadening the raw material base for its products, using ever less crude oil and its derivatives. It works on using recycled materials and can also already offer core materials with attributed alternative raw materials (such as biomass) via the . Besides using less fossil-based raw materials, the company also want to use clean energy sources to run its plants and manufacturing processes and aims at becoming operationally climate neutral by 2035. By the end of 2023, it expects to already cover 16 to 18 percent of its energy demand from renewable sources.

At the inauguration of the new line, the company also launched its new Desmopan^?UP TPU series. UP stands for ¡°Ultimate Protection¡±. The series offers high durability, adaptability and aesthetics, protecting automotive surface coatings from harsh environmental conditions. The material can also be used to protect wind blades or screens of smart devices.

¡°We are convinced that our customers and the TPU market enquire not just materials suppliers, but partners to jointly develop solutions. We at ÃÜÌÒAV have the capabilities to be such a partner,¡± says Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of TPU at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We strive to collaborate with our customers and along the value chain to unlock the potential of Desmopan^?UP and meet the growth ambitions of core industries such as automotive and wind.¡±

The global PPF market is projected to grow steadily until 2030, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for the largest share of the overall market. The expected growth in that region in turn is driven in large part by the growth of the chinese market. At the same time, North America and Europe are showing solid growth projections as well.

The high interest in the material stems mostly from increasing attention of vehicle owners to the aesthetic condition of vehicles and particularly their surfaces. TPU is a performance benchmark in PPF for quality, long-term aesthetics and surface integrity. ÃÜÌÒAV is one of the biggest international suppliers of TPU resins for PPF production.

"We are really excited to start our new production line and launch the new Desmopan^?UP series to meet the increasing demand for high-performance PPF in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world," says Lisa Ketelsen, Head of TPU in the Asia-Pacific region. "This is a perfect example of how ÃÜÌÒAV is committed to providing our customers with innovative, high-performance solutions to meet emerging challenges. In addition to this, we can also further develop our product range together with our customers thanks to our local R&D capabilities."

In PPF, the choice of materials and its formulation play a decisive role. ÃÜÌÒAV has put years of research into formulation and advanced manufacturing technologies to build the basis for the Desmopan^?UP-based TPUs for PPF. It provides superior UV durability, excellent hydrolysis and chemical resistance, as well as outstanding optical clarity. This ensures long-lasting performance, weather resistance, and impact resistance. In addition, Desmopan^?UP allows PPF to adapt to the complex designs and surfaces of different vehicles quickly and easily.

¡°We are happy to meet all stringent GMP requirements in our Changhua site. This allows us to broaden our product portfolio and offer our Desmopan^? GMP product range also to our customers in the Asia-Pacific region,¡± said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of TPU at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We have a robust track record of producing high performance TPU materials under GMP conditions in other regions, and we are committed to utilizing our expertise to meet our customer¡¯s needs here in the region, too.¡±

The Desmopan^? GMP portfolio offers durable, high-performance materials that resist erosion, abrasion and fatigue. They are water-resistant and can withstand regular wiping without degradation over time. Their dimensional stability, flexibility, and durability make them ideal for applications under forces of various kinds, such as dental aligners that withstand the forces of teeth movement without breaking or cracking. Additionally, they meet regulatory compliance for plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, such as EU10/2011 (Text with EEA relevance), and FDA regulations in 21 CFR 177.1680 (Polyurethane resins) and 21 CFR 177.2600 (Rubber articles intended for repeated use).

¡°Besides adhering to rigorous food contact and health and safety standards, our Changhua production site is already ISCC PLUS certified,¡± adds Lisa Ketelsen, Head of TPU in APAC. ¡°This means that products from our Changhua site will help our customers reach their sustainability targets, since we can offer our new grades in mass balanced versions that contain alternative feedstock. This reduces their carbon footprint while keeping the same properties or performance as fossil-based materials.¡±

allows for the allocation of alternative, non-fossil-based feedstock to individual products through a chain of custody method. This enables tracking material contents through the value chain.

¡°I¡¯m delighted to share this important news for our Business Entity. This new plant will enable us to be in close proximity to our customers and the value chains in the IT, consumer electronics, footwear and other industries¡±, said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of TPU at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°The majority of the TPU market and its growth prospects are in Asia and particularly in China. Our investment there shows our clear intention: We want to remain successful with our customers and partners in the long run.¡± 

An innovation center will also be part of the investment, enabling researchers on-site to design customized material formulas and to do formula adjustment to meet customer demands within very short cycles. Sustainable and ever more circular solutions are among the long-term core target for these efforts. This shall also support broadening the offerings under the recently introduced, sustainable ¡°CQ¡± product line. Products labelled as such consist of at least 25% alternative, non-fossil raw materials. The site will furthermore utilize the most advanced production technologies and be run on 100% green power. It will produce injection molding grades for footwear and a wide range of IT devices, as well as extrusion grades for cables, hoses and tubes or automotive applications.

Coleitec is committed to providing high-performance and lightweight composites solutions, while ÃÜÌÒAV is the inventor of polyurethane. The two companies launched the High-Pressure Resin Transfer Molding (HP-RTM) PU battery pack top cover solution and successfully realized mass production at a major power battery manufacturer. This cooperative research and development has pioneered the application of PU composites in the new energy vehicle battery pack field.

Lightweight solutions that improve production efficiency and ensure cost competitiveness

This year, this polyurethane battery pack top cover solution has passed the compliance testing of the EU¡¯s REACH and RoHS regulations, and China¡¯s GB38031-2020 testing. It scores highly on mechanical properties, high temperature and humidity aging, xenon lamp aging, acid and alkali resistance, high-temperature resistance and insulation properties. The new PU HP-RTM process is a lightweight solution which meets the requirement of ¡°replacing steel with plastic¡±. Thanks to its strong physical properties and low-density advantages, the thinnest part of the cover achieves 0.8mm, significantly reducing the overall weight. It is 60 percent lighter than strength steel, 20 percent lighter than aluminum alloy, and 50 percent lighter than SMC composites.

Compared with other processes, the HP-RTM process realizes the automation layup to greatly improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. An assessment of its life cycle shows that the HP-RTM process reduces carbon emissions compared with the traditional metal process. 

Dr. Irene Li, the head of R&D at Tailored Urethanes Business Entity in Asia Pacific of ÃÜÌÒAV, said, ¡°This is a new PU application in the field of new energy vehicles. It took us only 18 months from development to mass production, which is a gratifying achievement of ÃÜÌÒAV and Coleitec. We believe that the strategic cooperation with Coleitec will enable more innovative PU applications to be implemented in the downstream value chain.¡±

Jointly expanding the application of PU composites in the new energy industry

ÃÜÌÒAV and Coleitec will further cooperate under this strategic agreement, utilizing global research and development resources in the automotive industry and developing the new energy industry. The development mainly focuses on two aspects. One is to increase the performance of PU solutions and exploit the advantages of PU resin so they are suitable for more applications. The second aspect is to develop the applications of bio-based raw materials to reduce carbon emissions and promote the circular economy.

Markus Mingenbach, Vice President of PU Specialties at Tailored Urethanes Business Entity of ÃÜÌÒAV, said, ¡°The signing of the strategic agreement signals the beginning of a much deeper partnership between both companies. We look forward to further developing cost-efficient and tailor-made PU solutions in the domain of new energy vehicles, solar energy, and energy storage. Only through deep collaboration with foresight clients can we achieve our vision of a circular economy.¡±

Dr. Peng He, Chairman of Coleitec, said: ¡°As a fast-growing technology-based enterprise, innovative product development is the top priority of Coleitec's development. Through full cooperation with ÃÜÌÒAV, we have jointly developed and expanded new applications of polyurethane materials in the field of new energy vehicles and provided innovative, functional, economical, and lightweight product solutions for end customers, giving them a sharp competitive edge over others. I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, more high-quality and high-performance fiber composite innovative products will be presented in the future.¡±

PU in wind-blade production is transformative innovation delivered by ÃÜÌÒAV teams around the globe. With better mechanical properties, an efficient production process, and a more cost-effective production solution than conventional fiberglass-reinforced epoxy blades, PU blades are opening a new chapter in the wind blade industry.

Commercial success

ÃÜÌÒAV and TMT signed a memorandum of cooperation at the fourth CIIE in 2021, based on which significant commercialization results have been achieved. PU wind turbines are now used in commercial wind farms throughout China.

Dr. Binbin Hou, General Manager of Wind Business at TMT, said, ¡°PU wind blades cater to the growing demand for longer wind blade designs. We hope to further collaborate with ÃÜÌÒAV to improve the competitiveness of wind energy through continuous technology innovation.¡±

¡°We are very pleased to reach the important milestone of the launch of the 1000th blade with TMT,¡± said Christine Bryant, Global Head of Tailored Urethanes Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We believe that industrial collaboration is fundamental to addressing global warming and energy shortage issues, and it is also an important part of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s commitment to a circular economy.¡±

TMT produces PU wind blades ranging from 59.5 meters to 94 meters in length with different blade designs and layup structures to meet the growing demand for longer and larger wind blades. The 94-meter wind turbine blade, capable of generating

8MW of energy, is the largest ever PU application for ÃÜÌÒAV. Multiple TMT factories manufacture these blades under different temperatures, humidity, and altitude, proving the wide applicability of PU resin in the manufacturing process.

Dr. Xuebin Feng, R&D Director of Wind Business at TMT, said, ¡°We overcame many technical challenges to accelerate the production process of large polyurethane resin wind blades and achieve mass production.¡±

Further collaboration

In addition to wind turbine development, ÃÜÌÒAV and TMT have jointly developed PU railway sleepers, which are more durable and cost-effective in maintenance than traditional wood and concrete sleepers. ÃÜÌÒAV, an integrated PU solution provider, will cooperate with TMT to provide various PU resins, coatings, and PU machinery solutions.

The signing ceremony was endorsed by the China Polyurethane Industry Association (CPUIA). The association also signed the MOU together with Xtep Group, Sinomax Group, Huafon Microfiber, Silan Group and Delida. The companies are either customers or distributors of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s PU products in the sectors ranging from sportswear and sleeping goods to leather products and construction.

Jianbo Li, Deputy Secretary-General of China Polyurethane Industry Association, said, ¡°We are very glad that ÃÜÌÒAV is leading the innovative, strategic cooperation with downstream frontrunners to reduce dependency on fossil-based raw materials, to support China¡¯s efforts in achieving its carbon neutrality targets for the future.¡±

"Developing joint solutions to advance the circular economy with partners is a key focus area of ÃÜÌÒAV. We are delighted to initiate this new partnership with key players in the PU industry in China to lower carbon footprint, and we see huge market potential for low-carbon PU solutions,¡± said Holly Lei, President of ÃÜÌÒAV China. 

More sustainable polyurethanes

Polyurethane, which was invented by ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s predecessor company more than 80 years ago, has become one of the most versatile plastics today. With a vision on the circular economy, ÃÜÌÒAV has been making PU more sustainable. 

For example, the Desmodur^? CQ low-carbon-footprint TDI and Desmodur^? CQ climate-neutral MDI are offered by ÃÜÌÒAV via mass balance. Both are the key components for the production of PU foams. Under the mass balance method, bio-based or recycled raw materials are fed in at an early stage of extraction and mathematically assigned to purchasers of downstream products without the need to change their production procedures.

The latest collaboration will explore new applications of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s mass-balanced portfolio of MDI, TDI and TPU solutions, which are featured at this year¡¯s CIIE booth in applications such as building insulation, upholstered furniture, leather goods, high-performance shoes, among others. With a significant proportion of non-fossil-based raw materials ¨C including plant waste, used cooking oil, and vegetables oils ¨C these mass-balanced portfolios, certified to the internationally recognized ISCC PLUS standard, can help manufacturers reduce carbon emissions. 

ÃÜÌÒAV's collaboration with cross-industry partners will focus on three aspects: developing low-carbon solutions to accelerate industry upgrades in downstream sectors toward a circular economy; strengthening cooperation across the value chain in support of carbon neutrality; and jointly promoting solutions to the market through publicity and marketing campaigns ¨C for example by participating in the CIIE and other high-level events.

In the future, ÃÜÌÒAV hopes to expand cross-industry cooperation up and down the value chain by inviting more partners to join and work on new solutions toward a more sustainable and circular future.

"Plastics are a must to drive the shared global vision of the circular economy and achieve climate neutrality. At K 2022, we want to highlight the huge potential of these advanced materials to solve global challenges and showcase promising developments," says CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann. "The show will also play an important role in bringing together partners in the value chains and from other sectors. The task now is to move forward together with rapid, major steps toward implementation."

Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer, adds: "We have set ourselves ambitious targets and want to become carbon neutral by 2035 for CO₂ emissions from our operations and renewable energy supply, so that our customers can achieve their climate and sustainability goals. To achieve this, we are relying on close cooperations with them and many other partners," says Govil. "At the show, we will be showcasing innovative products and solutions from the fields of alternative raw materials, innovative recycling and renewable energies that pave the way to full circularity at ÃÜÌÒAV."

ÃÜÌÒAV will use K 2022 from October 19-26 for a multimedia appearance to network: At the booth, an exciting program of talks will be streamed live throughout in the "Talk Arena" with prominent guests. The Backstage area is a multifunctional space for hybrid events and interactive formats. An extensive digital platform ¨C called "" ¨C provides a lot of background information about the developments shown. Innovators and their developments for the circular economy are presented as part of the video series "".

Crafting Circular Economy

In this important area, ÃÜÌÒAV shows how it is driving the transformation to a circular economy and aims to achieve climate neutrality in its own production and in its supply of renewable energy. With the introduction of the "CQ" label for products based on alternative raw materials, ÃÜÌÒAV aims to create greater transparency and make it easier for customers to distinguish them from conventional, fossil-based products.

Another focus is on innovative recycling technologies. The "Recycling Technology Wheel" provides information on current developments. Chemolysis in particular holds great potential for the quantitative recovery of raw materials. ÃÜÌÒAV is now introducing the name "Evocycle^? CQ" for all evolutionary recycling processes as an extension.

Crafting Electrification

The shift from fossil to renewable energy sources is also linked to electrification of the important sectors of transport and buildings: The mobile and stationary future is electric. Plastics from ÃÜÌÒAV will play an important role in all of these in the future ¨C from power generation and storage to use in vehicles and at home.

Renewable energy also plays a role in a special exhibit: The "Photon," a prototype solar race car, is on display in the outdoor area of Hall 7A. This "" was designed and built by a dedicated team of students from Aachen, Germany, who have set themselves the task of developing and racing high-tech vehicles for a particularly sustainable form of mobility. ÃÜÌÒAV is the main sponsor of the project.

Crafting Smart Designs

This exhibition area is dedicated to the possibilities of digitalization and open innovation approaches to work in a more connected and sustainable way along the entire value chain.

At K 2022, ÃÜÌÒAV will present, among other things, new charging stations and wall charging stations (wallboxes) for future mobility, including the first wallbox produced by partner EVBox using more sustainable polycarbonates. These plastics from the Makrolon^? RE range are produced proportionately from biowaste and residual materials, in part using renewable electricity, and therefore have a very low carbon footprint.

Crafting Sustainable Living

How can urban spaces be made more sustainable without compromising on consumer preferences? ÃÜÌÒAV provides answers to this question in this exhibition area. The aims of the developments presented are greater comfort and design freedom, enhanced functionality, more sustainable and circular solutions, and energy-efficient living.

ÃÜÌÒAV and Arcesso Dynamics, a custom polyurethane parts manufacturer, will introduce Arfinio^? at K 2022, a breakthrough manufacturing solution for furniture, bathroom fixtures, electronic parts, housings and other applications based on reaction injection molding (RIM) of aliphatic polyurethanes.

All journalists are cordially invited to visit ÃÜÌÒAV's booth A 75 in Hall 6. There you will have the opportunity to talk about the innovations and topics on display, and you can obtain the ÃÜÌÒAV press kit for K 2022. If you wish, we will also be happy to give you a tour of the booth or arrange interviews.

In this application, the demands on the materials are very high: they must be fully recyclable, meaning that they can not only be recycled but also used again and again in new products. When used as truck tarps, the first task is to withstand the harsh conditions of European transit routes. To do this, the tarp must be water- and dirt-repellent. It will then be used in high-quality, durable FREITAG bags, and finally it will be possible to break it down again chemically into its components, which will then serve as the basis for new products.

ÃÜÌÒAV and Heytex project is well advanced

ÃÜÌÒAV, as an experienced partner fully focused on the circular economy, plays an important role in one of FREITAG's several solution approaches. Together with tarp manufacturer , ÃÜÌÒAV is developing a solution based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is applied as a coating to a robust polyester fabric. TPU is available over a wide hardness range from 60 Shore A to 80 Shore D and can be processed using many different processes. The premium plastic is the material of choice when mechanical requirements are high, but flexibility and good abrasion resistance are also desired.

TPU has been mechanically recycled for decades. In this project, the cycle is to be closed without downcycling with chemical recycling, which is another reason why the plastic was identified as a material in addition to its known advantages. In the Cradle2Cradle¹ analysis, the Desmopan^? 6783A DPS045 grade even passed the demanding requirements for plastics for calendering. The joint project with Heytex is already well advanced, and the TPU has now passed the health safety test.

The two partners are currently working on the material separation between the fabric and the coating, which is not expected to be possible for a few years. The team is therefore working in parallel on a completely new, revolutionary tarp structure that could overcome this challenge.

_{¹ Cradle2Cradle ("cradle to cradle") is the term used to describe an approach to a consistent and continuous circular economy in which products are managed completely in a circle. The analysis was carried out by EPEA GmbH, which is supporting the project and advising FREITAG on circularity.}

"Mankind is facing enormous challenges. In addition to acute crises, we need to overcome long-term challenges such as protecting the climate, nature and resources and thus safeguarding our livelihoods," said CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann. "This can be achieved if business and society consistently orient themselves towards the circular economy. Plastics are indispensable on this long journey, and ÃÜÌÒAV is pleased to contribute particularly sustainable new products and materials to this end, tailored to the customer needs of today and tomorrow. Together with our partners, this is how we intend to seize the immense opportunities for sustainable growth."

"Crafting Connections With You"

Under the motto "Crafting Connections With You", ÃÜÌÒAV intends to establish new collaborations with customers and partners and strengthen existing ties at booth A 75 in Hall 6 at K 2022 from October 19 to 26, as well as on a digital platform. "Collaboration along key value chains in particular is of great importance for the vision of a full circular economy to succeed," said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Global Head of the TPU Business Entity. "With our more sustainable developments, we support our customers and partners in facilitating their transition to the circular economy and achieving their own climate goals."

To make circular solutions in the product portfolio even more recognizable to customers in the future, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed the "CQ" concept. The brand suffix stands for "Circular Intelligence" and indicates the alternative raw material base for the company's products if it is at least 25 percent. Among the first "CQ" products is Desmodur^?CQ. Polyurethane foams based on Desmodur^?CQ are used, for example, in upholstered furniture, mattresses and thermal insulation.

Moving away from fossil resources

ÃÜÌÒAV primarily uses mass-balanced, renewable precursors and plastic waste as alternative raw materials, as well as green electricity. To realize its vision of a circular economy and achieve its ambitious climate targets, the company is also focusing on the future supply of "green" hydrogen and the development of innovative recycling technologies.

All these measures help conserve fossil resources and avoid CO₂ emissions. In the long term, ÃÜÌÒAV aims to offer all its products in a climate-neutral¹ version. By 2030, the company plans to invest around one billion euros in circular economy projects. To achieve net zero emissions, ÃÜÌÒAV also expects to invest between EUR 250 million and EUR 600 million by 2030.

The high-performance plastic polycarbonate and the important polyurethane (PU) raw material methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) are already available in larger quantities as climate-neutral products. Like the renewable PU raw material toluene diisocyanate (TDI), they are manufactured using renewable² raw materials such as new biomass and biowaste and residual materials, which are allocated to the products by calculation using the mass balance approach. According to a common calculation model¹, no net CO₂ emissions are generated during production from the cradle to the factory gate.

For its own raw material supply, ÃÜÌÒAV cooperates with a number of industrial partners who provide renewable precursors such as mass-balanced acetone, phenol and benzene. Suppliers such as Borealis, Total, Mitsui Chemicals and Mitsui & Co. produce these raw materials at sites certified to the internationally recognized ISCC PLUS standard. At the same time, ÃÜÌÒAV is gradually converting its production sites to this standard, which is already the case in Leverkusen, Dormagen, Krefeld-Uerdingen, Antwerp and Shanghai.

Most recently, ÃÜÌÒAV announced a collaboration with Neste and South Korean petrochemical company SK geo centric to supply mass-balanced benzene for its MDI production in China. MDI is an important raw material for rigid PU foam, which provides efficient insulation for buildings and the cold chain. Certified polycarbonate, in turn, plays a role in the automotive, electrical and electronics, and medical industries, among others. And TDI is a precursor for PU flexible foam, which is used to make mattresses and upholstered furniture.

ÃÜÌÒAV has also signed contracts with energy suppliers such as ?rsted, EnBW, ENGIE, Datang Wuzhong New Energy and others to supply sites in Germany, Belgium and China with electricity from renewable sources.

Innovative technologies for chemical recycling

Hermann-Josef D?rholt, Global Head of the Performance Materials segment, emphasized the great importance of recycling technologies in order to really close loops: "ÃÜÌÒAV is taking a committed approach here: using various approaches, we can specifically recover the raw materials we need for the production of our plastics. In addition to the established mechanical recycling of polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane, we are focusing primarily on chemical recycling for this purpose." The aim, he says, is to recycle materials completely in order to save fossil raw materials and CO₂ emissions, while at the same time offering recycled products in virgin material quality.

As examples, D?rholt cites innovative processes for the chemical recycling of mattress foam waste and used rigid PU foam. Together with partners, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed a process to chemically recover the two main components from PU mattress foam: the polyol and the precursor to the isocyanate TDI used. The results of the tests conducted to date are promising and are currently being tested in a pilot plant at the Leverkusen site. The project is now to be extended to the industrial processing of flexible foams.

ÃÜÌÒAV is also coordinating the EU project CIRCULAR FOAM with 22 partners from nine countries, which is dedicated to the chemical reprocessing of rigid polyurethane foam from building insulation materials and used refrigeration equipment. The products make an important contribution to saving CO₂ emissions and reduced energy consumption, but recycling processes and systematic waste management have been lacking until now. The project aims to save up to one million tons of waste and 2.9 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually in Europe by 2040.

_{¹ This climate neutrality is the result of an internal assessment of part of the product life cycle, from raw material extraction (cradle) to the factory gate of covestro. It is also referred to as "cradle-to-gate" assessment.}

_{² Renewable TDI is produced using the mass balance approach using renewable feedstocks ¨C from virgin biomass as well as biowaste and residuals ¨C which are mathematically assigned to the product.}

In 2019, several TPU film grades under the Platilon^? brand, manufactured in Europe, received OEKO-TEX^? Standard 100 certification. This offering is now being extended to several under the Dureflex^? brand, manufactured in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA.

The films received certification for product class I. This applies to articles with direct skin contact for infants and young children up to three years of age. It is therefore associated with the highest requirements for the skin compatibility of the products.

Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX^? is a globally uniform, independent testing and certification system for textile raw, intermediate and end products at all stages of processing. The test criteria and limit values often go far beyond national and international specifications. Therefore, the certification stands for highly effective product safety.

ÃÜÌÒAV intends to focus entirely on the Circular Economy. The company is driving the development of innovative and resource-saving processes to make its products recyclable to meet this goal. That is why ÃÜÌÒAV intends to offer more material solutions based on sustainability and circularity in the markets in which it is active. ÃÜÌÒAV's own technological development is focused on four recycling approaches. In addition to mechanical recycling, which is already used for the high-performance plastic polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ÃÜÌÒAV is developing chemical recycling processes: These include chemolysis, smart pyrolysis and enzymatic recycling. The aim of these processes is to produce recycled plastics in virgin material quality while significantly reducing the environmental footprint compared to the conventional fossil-based production of polymers and polymer raw materials. ÃÜÌÒAV applies its core competence in chemistry to process development.

"We see ourselves as the driving force behind the Circular Economy industry that is currently being developed, where the chemical and waste management industries will have to grow closer together in perspective and synergies will have to be created," explains Markus Steilemann, Chairman of the Board of ÃÜÌÒAV. "We are moving forward here with vigor for the entire industry: with various recycling approaches, we can systematically recover the different raw materials we need for the production of our plastics. Our goal is to fully circularize materials from end-of-life products to save fossil raw materials and greenhouse gas emissions, while offering recycled high-performance materials in virgin quality." The company plans to invest around one billion Euro in Circular Economy projects by 2030. In Leverkusen, ÃÜÌÒAV already operates a pilot plant for the chemical recycling of flexible polyurethane foams.

In addition, ÃÜÌÒAV will showcase how circular solutions in the product portfolio can be made even more visible to customers at IFAT in Munich. With the "CQ" concept, in the future ÃÜÌÒAV will highlight the alternative raw material base in products if it is at least 25 percent. "CQ" here stands for Circular Intelligence. Among the first "CQ" products is Desmodur^?CQ. Polyurethanes based on Desmodur^?CQ are deployed, for example, in upholstered furniture, mattresses and thermal insulation. They are used, for example, as coatings for cars or household appliances.

 "In order to take meaningful climate protection measures, we need a change, a paradigm shift, for us, our customers and everyone else in the entire value chain. At the same time, the benefits must be clear in the application of such solutions. The chemical industry must fundamentally change as a central part of the value chain - toward alternative raw materials and renewable energies," says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at ÃÜÌÒAV. "We have set ambitious targets to make our production fully circular and ultimately independent of fossil resources. In doing so, we are supporting a wide range of industries to reduce the carbon footprint of their own products," Govil said.

Cooperations provide contribution to full Circular Economy

New recycling processes and cooperation with partners from industry and research are making an important contribution to achieving full circularity. For example, ÃÜÌÒAV is coordinating the EU project "CIRCULAR FOAM" with 22 partners from nine countries. The aim of the project is to develop innovative chemical recycling processes for rigid polyurethane foams. As an insulating material, rigid polyurethane foams contribute to the energy efficiency of refrigerators and buildings - but coordinated waste management and suitable recycling processes are still lacking for a sustainable life cycle. Chemical recycling could save up to one million tons of waste and 2.9 million tons of CO₂ annually from 2040.

Markus Steilemann and Sucheta Govil at IFAT

To kick off IFAT on Monday, May 30, 2022, Sucheta Govil will be a guest on the show's opening session. The topic will be the role of environmental technologies for a more sustainable future. Participants will include founder Mikela Druckman, an expert on AI in recycling and a member of the WEF Global Future Council; Prof. Dr. Erich Zahn, co-author of the Club of Rome report "The Limits to Growth"; Dr. Johannes Kirchhoff, Board of Management of the Circular Economy Initiative from the Federation of German Industries; and Ren Xiaoyuan, (UNEP) Young Champions of the Earth 2020 and founder of the water information network MyH2O.

CEO Markus Steilemann will discuss the topic "Global Value Creation in the Crisis? The Circular Economy as Europe's Response" on a BDI panel on Tuesday, May 31, at 2:15 p.m. with Delara Burkhardt, environmental policy spokeswoman for the Socialists and Democrats delegation in the European Parliament, Dr. Christoph Epping, head of the Circular Economy subdivision at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, and Wolfgang Niedermark, member of the BDI's Board of Management. On Wednesday, June 1, Markus Steilemann will give an introduction at 12:15 p.m. to the panel discussion "Chemistry for circular mobility: Chemical recycling as a building block of circular value creation for automotive?" with experts from Audi, ÃÜÌÒAV and TU Dortmund University.

ÃÜÌÒAV at IFAT 2022 in Munich, Germany

• DGAW booth (Hall/Booth: A6 125/224) and VCI booth (Hall/Booth: A6 231)
• Monday, 30 May, 11:50 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Opening panel "How to create change?" - From activism and politics to environmental solutions and impacts" with Sucheta Govil (Forum Water Hall C3. 139/238)
• Tuesday, May 31, 2:15 p.m., (Hall C6, Room C62a, BDI Initiative Circular Economy), and Wednesday, June 1, 2022 (12:15 p.m., Hall A5 | 317/416 | Waste / Secondary Materials Forum): Markus Steilemann visits IFAT

Wearable patch sensors (smart patches) are rising in popularity, as they offer a wide range of options for medical diagnosis. Current trends include enhanced convenience, even more functions, and ongoing miniaturization. What's more, the public is demanding more sustainable solutions and a move away from disposable products. Together with its partner accensors, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed a smart patch consisting of two elements: The disposable patch, which contains the sensors, and the ReUse patch, which contains the electronics. This makes it possible to reuse the valuable electronic parts.

Efficient production of wound dressings

The production of wound dressings and plasters, as well as medical wearables, involves a multi-stage process. The combination of a polypropylene (PP) backing with blown films from the Platilon^? range made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in particular, is now proving to be well suited to satisfying today's high demands for process efficiency and ease of use in wound care. In comparison to the production of paper backings, the generation of dust in the production process is significantly reduced.

Breathable wound dressings to prevent bedsores

In the case of prolonged disease progression, it is important to prevent bedsores (pressure ulcers). ÃÜÌÒAV has developed a concept for a prevention dressing that addresses the three most important factors for bedsores: Pressure, friction and shear. A highly breathable prototype is made exclusively from ÃÜÌÒAV polyurethane materials.

The key features of this prototype wound care dressing made from Baymedix^? and Platilon^? materials are:

• Optimized friction, shear and pressure management
• Excellent moisture management to support a healthy microclimate
• Application- and skin-friendly polyurethane adhesive
• Efficient and sustainable manufacturing technology

Extra matte films for increased wear comfort

The PP backings can also be combined with multilayer Platilon^? TPU films, for example, to achieve individual properties such as a specific surface finish. TPU blown films offer a wide range of surface qualities from silky to extra matte. In particular, Platilon^?XM films offer an extra matte, skin-like surface and a soft feel that offers increased comfort for patients. Medical products made with the low-friction Platilon^? XM films adhere to the skin longer because friction against textiles is minimized. This, in turn, prevents premature changes of dressings and plasters. Owing to its soft surface feel, the film feels like a second skin. It is used in wound dressings, plasters and other medical products that require high breathability.

At RAPID+TCT tradefair

The renamed thermoplastic materials for the three 3D printing technologies will be featured at RAPID+TCT tradefair from 17-19 May 2022 in Detroit, Michigan (booth #2301), alongside the company¡¯s Somos? resins for stereolithography and DLP/LCD. On booth #2301, ÃÜÌÒAV will showcase a broad range of prototyping and end-use applications across many vertical markets. The company will also present at the RAPID Conference about how manufacturers who want to 3D print end-use parts need to select relevant test metrics to be sure the application will function properly in the end-use application, including throughout the complete product lifetime.

Phase out of the old thermoplastics brand names will be completed by May 30, 2022.

Arnilene?, Arnite?, Arnitel?, EcoPaXX? and Novamid? are registered trademarks of DSM.

"I am very pleased that we can now offer our customers even more certified mass-balanced products and thus help them even better to achieve their sustainability goals and drive the transition to a circular economy," says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of ÃÜÌÒAV. "In doing so, we are also supporting the use of alternative raw materials and reducing CO₂ emissions along the value chains."

Dr. Klaus Sch?fer, Chief Technology Officer at ÃÜÌÒAV, adds, "The raw materials we use for these products meet the high sustainability requirements of the ISCC Plus standard all the way back through the supply chain. That's why we want to make greater use of alternative raw materials such as these renewably attributed precursors in our production. In addition to the three German sites, also our plants in Antwerp and Shanghai are already ISCC Plus certified, with more sites to follow."

In the mass balance approach, bio-based or recycled raw materials ¨C in this case reprocessed residual materials ¨C are fed in at an early stage of raw material extraction and mathematically attributed to the finished products. This saves fossil raw materials and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while the quality of the mass-balanced products remains the same compared to purely fossil-based ones. Manufacturers can continue to use their proven formulations, equipment and processes.

ISCC ("International Sustainability and Carbon Certification") is an internationally recognized system for sustainability certification of biomass and bioenergy, among others. The standard covers all stages of the value chain and is widely used worldwide. ISCC Plus includes further certification options for technical-chemical applications, among others, including plastics from biomass.

The new products are produced using bioattributed or bio-circular attributed (e.g. used cooking oil) raw materials and have a reduced carbon footprint compared with their fossil-based counterparts. At the same time, the mass-balanced products boast the same impressive quality and properties and can be integrated directly into manufacturing processes in downstream industries without technical modifications. In this context, the products are to be certified according to the ISCC Plus standard.

"Asia Pacific is the most dynamic and fastest-growing region for our TPU products used in industries including IT, electronics, footwear, films and sheets and many others. We are looking forward to creating value for our customers here with more sustainable products including the mass-balanced TPU, directly from our production sites in the region," said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, global head of the TPU business at ÃÜÌÒAV.

"I am thrilled that we will soon be able to help our customers in Asia Pacific reduce their carbon footprint with this drop-in solution on the heels of our global footprint," said Lisa Ketelsen, head of Sales and Market Development and regional head for ÃÜÌÒAV's TPU business in Asia Pacific. "With the ISCC Plus certification, we aim to achieve more transparency from raw material purchasing to our production and distribution to customer use. This is an important step in achieving our vision of becoming fully circular."

Extensive range of more sustainable TPU plastics

ÃÜÌÒAV has already launched various TPU products based on alternative resources over the past few years, as more and more consumers prefer more sustainable products. Outdoor outfitter VAUDE, for example, uses a foam midsole made partly from bio-based TPU in its new Lavik Eco hiking boot. Other product types contain a component that is manufactured proportionately using CO? instead of fossil raw materials. ÃÜÌÒAV's range of Desmopan? brand TPU plastics also includes a range of fully recycled products. They are used, for example, in smartphone cases from the Dutch manufacturer Fairphone.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes are very versatile plastics. They come in a variety of hardness ranges, are flexible yet impact resistant, and are therefore highly suitable for a wide range of applications.

Mass balancing creates transparency

Supplying mass-balanced products is part of ÃÜÌÒAV's comprehensive global program designed to fully align itself with the circular economy. In doing so, the company is focusing on increasing the use of alternative resources such as bio-based materials, plastic waste and CO?, as well as renewable energies. The company is also collaborating with partners to develop innovative recycling technologies.

In mass balancing, fossil and alternative raw materials are mixed in production but treated separately in accounting. The chain-of-custody method enables materials to be tracked along the entire value chain and allows alternative resources, such as bioattributed components, to be allocated to selected end products. To date, three ÃÜÌÒAV production sites in Europe and Asia-Pacific have been certified in compliance with the ISCC Plus standard, with more sites to follow. That would include the Changhua site in Taiwan, ÃÜÌÒAV'a largest TPU production site in Asia, expected to be certified in the first half of 2022.

ISCC ("International Sustainability and Carbon Certification") is an internationally recognized system for the sustainability certification of biomass and bioenergy. The standard applies to all stages of the value chain and is recognized worldwide.

Products from ÃÜÌÒAV's post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonate portfolio are used in the Fairphone 4's rear device cover, middle frame and wireless charger. With a PCR content of 30 to 50 percent, this Makrolon? portfolio has physical properties comparable to virgin material and offers good impact strength, balanced flow behavior, and high stiffness and flame retardancy to ensure a long service life while reducing CO? emissions by 30 percent compared to virgin material.

ÃÜÌÒAV has also developed a new range of recycled and partially recycled TPUs of the Desmopan? brand, which are now used in the protective cover of the Fairphone 4 and are certified according to RCS (Recycled Claim Standard), an international standard for the traceability of recycled raw materials within supply chains.

This includes the product Desmopan? 3095AU RC100, which was developed after identifying several streams of post-industrial recycled plastics. The fully recycled material exhibits the typical advantages of TPU, for example, high chemical and abrasion resistance, but easier processability because it melts at lower temperatures and flows better than virgin material. The product has proven itself when used in the protective case of the Fairphone 3 and is now being used in the Fairphone 4. It is available in three color variants: gray, green and pink.

Modular design favors better repairability

Fairphone devices are known for their modular design, which favors better repairability. Such a design requires materials with robust mechanical properties to enable repeated disassembly and repair. The glass-fiber-reinforced grade of the Makrolon? PCR portfolio offers a good solution for the heavily stressed center frame of the Fairphone 4. The increased stiffness and impact resistance are in line with Fairphone's modular design approach. ÃÜÌÒAV thus also supports a mono-material approach in each case for the use of polycarbonates in the housing and TPU plastics in the protective cover to facilitate recycling of the smartphones at the end of their useful life.

"With the help of our post-consumer recycling portfolio, we support Fairphone in achieving its sustainability goals. This includes particularly robust material solutions that enable a modular design of Fairphone products and promote their repairability," says Nan Hu, VP Head of Global Industrial Marketing Electronics & Electrical in the Engineering Plastics business entity at ÃÜÌÒAV. "Such projects and collaborations are in line with our vision to become fully circular."

"With a shared mission to create a more equitable and sustainable future, Fairphone is pleased to collaborate with ÃÜÌÒAV and use its recycled and recyclable materials solutions in our Fairphone 4. We believe ÃÜÌÒAV can help us work towards a circular economy that creates a more sustainable world. This is just a first step, and we will continue to support ÃÜÌÒAV in developing more sustainable materials," says Wayne Huang, VP Product Operations at Fairphone.

Converting its energy supply to renewable energy sources is a central pillar in the strategy of ÃÜÌÒAV. The company is fully aligning itself with the circular economy and aims to make its production climate-neutral in the long term. “By sourcing solar power from EnBW’s farm, we are underlining our ambition to play a pioneering role on the road to a climate-neutral future and once again sending out a signal for the expansion of renewable energies in Germany. The climate-neutral transformation of the industry requires large quantities of renewable energies at internationally competitive prices,” said Dr. Klaus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at ÃÜÌÒAV.

EnBW’s solar farm near Berlin with its 465,000 solar panels has been fully connected to the grid since March 2021. “We have long worked on the principle that renewable energy can hold its own on the market without subsidies. PPAs are an important tool for making subsidy-free generating assets commercially viable. They are also pivotal to the energy transition, as they help industrial consumers achieve their climate targets quickly and efficiently. This makes PPAs particularly attractive for companies with energy-intensive production. We are delighted to be able to support ÃÜÌÒAV’s production with our solar energy,” explained Dr. Georg Stamatelopoulos, Chief Operating Officer Generation & Trading at EnBW.

More sustainable plastics thanks to green energy

ÃÜÌÒAV intends to primarily use the solar power from EnBW in the production of mass-balanced and ISCC Plus-certified high-performance plastics of the Makrolon^® RE and Desmopan^® product series at its sites in Dormagen and Krefeld-Uerdingen. “This enables us to further enhance the sustainability of our production processes and to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the same quality,” Dr. Klaus Schäfer added.

The Group is already able to produce selected grades of Makrolon^® RE polycarbonate that are climate-neutral* from cradle to factory gate. ÃÜÌÒAV also produces Desmopan^® thermoplastic polyurethane with an improved carbon footprint. Polycarbonates are used in electronics products and car headlights, among other things. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are used, for example, in household products, ski boots and industrial applications.

A key factor in being able to produce more sustainable plastics is the use of renewable energy. ÃÜÌÒAV was an early mover in converting its energy supplies to renewables and has built up a portfolio of various PPAs in Germany, Belgium and China since 2019. The agreement with EnBW is the first PPA for solar power in Europe.

Pioneer in power purchase agreements

EnBW is among the pioneers with regard to long-term PPAs in Germany and recently signed an 85 MW corporate PPA with Fraport, the Frankfurt Airport operating company. It plans to further step up renewable energy marketing activities in 2022 – both for the “Weesow-Willmersdorf” solar farm and for its two other large-scale subsidy-free projects, “Gottesgabe” and “Alttrebbin”. These two 150 MW photovoltaic installations are currently under construction and are scheduled to go on stream in spring 2022.

___________

_{* Climate neutral is the result of an assessment of a partial product life cycle from resource extraction (cradle) to the factory gate, also referred to as cradle to gate assessment. The methodology of our Life Cycle Assessment is based on the ISO 14040 standard, critically reviewed by TÜV Rheinland on the basis of a plausibility check. The calculation considers biogenic carbon sequestration based on preliminary supply chain data and replacing electricity grid mix with renewable electricity used for the manufacturing process. The electricity was allocated on the basis of so-called "Guarantee of Origin" certificates. No offsetting measures have been applied. In the future, the mass-balanced products are to be produced using the renewable energies from the PPA with EnBW.}

Addigy^® FPC SOL1 HT provides a soluble support material for FDM printing of overhangs and cavities in high temperature materials such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), with up to 100 percent infill of the support structures. The filament is easy to print without pre-drying. After printing, the translucent material can be removed easily and quickly by dissolving in a standard chemical solvent resulting in smooth surfaces. Both solvent and support material can be reused after a simple distillation process, making it a more sustainable solution.

Soft, elastomeric materials typically don’t 3D print easily. With Arnitel^®1 AM3001 (P) for SLS, ÃÜÌÒAV material scientists successfully combined both. A Shore hardness of A88 and D35 with an excellent elongation at break, the thermoplastic copolyester exhibits a very high energy return. It processes easily and without common side effects such as odors. The material is compliant with Directive 2009/48/EC on Toy Safety and pending biocompatibility approval. The material shall be available for customer evaluation and development early in 2022.

ÃÜÌÒAV is announcing both an SLS and an HSS version of its thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) powder Addigy^® PPU 86AW6. These materials exhibit excellent rebound, easy post-processing and high reuse rate of unsintered powder. Their easy handling during the printing process and properties make them suitable for a broad range of applications.

The four new materials complement ÃÜÌÒAV’s recently launched Somos^® resins for SLA and DLP, and the company’s relaunch of the Low Smoke glass-filled PA6-66 flame retardant filament .

ÃÜÌÒAV now offers one of the largest choices in polymers for 3D printing since its acquistion of the additive manufacturing business from DSM earlier this year.

"If we want manufacturers to increasingly adopt additive manufacturing in industrial production, they need access to many more functional materials with properties matching their applications in terms of performance, regulations, safety and quality," said Hugo da Silva, Head of Additive Manufacturing at ÃÜÌÒAV. "It takes solid material expertise to design materials that exhibit the required properties, not only when coming off the printer though also over time, in varying functional and environmental conditions."

ÃÜÌÒAV material scientists and application experts will be at the ÃÜÌÒAV booth to discuss their innovations, the current state of engineering-grade materials for additive manufacturing, various test methods developed by industry groups to replicate application conditions in vertical markets, and what to consider when selecting materials for functional applications.

Visit ÃÜÌÒAV at Formnext 2021, booth C11 in Hall 12.1.

___________________________________________

¹ Arnitel^® is a licensed trademark of DSM.

After jointly developing and qualifying a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) powder for HSS, the two companies are taking their collaboration to the next level by bringing customers a seamless material-process solution for volume manufacturing of their specific applications.

"Typically, material and processing technology work separately in the value chain, with customers having to figure out how to make them work," said Geoff Gardner, Innovation Director Additive Manufacturing at ÃÜÌÒAV. "Together with voxeljet, we want to remove what we believe is still a barrier for adopting additive manufacturing on the production floor. Thanks to its size and speed, coupled with the constant layer time, HSS offers manufacturers an economic solution for series production."

Seamless material-process solution

voxeljet will contribute its knowledge with its large format VX1000HSS printer platform, and ÃÜÌÒAV its expertise in designing functional materials, to develop a seamlessly working material-process solution that can be deployed for large scale manufacturing.

James Reeves, Global Director of Polymer Sintering (HSS) at voxeljet added: "This is a match of two companies strongly believing in really close collaboration across the additive ecosystem. The potential of HSS to process specialty powder materials is tremendous. By offering customers material choices, we accelerate their access to pioneering products."

Material possibilities that the companies are considering are TPUs, which are suited well for footwear and cushioning applications, as well as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polypropylene (PP). The collaboration with voxeljet involves scaling new materials on the large-format, industrial manufacturing machine ¨C VX1000HSS, currently accessible via voxeljet¡¯s Early Access Beta Program.

If you are interested in collaborating in this program, please reach out ¨C both companies will showcase their polymer powder materials and printers at Formnext 2021, Nov. 16th-19th in Frankfurt, Germany, in hall 12.1; ÃÜÌÒAV at booth C11 and voxeljet at booth C129.

Both Farsoon and ÃÜÌÒAV are committed to an open systems philosophy so customers are free to choose materials for their 3D-printing systems that suit their end-use applications. In this collaboration, ÃÜÌÒAV is contributing its expertise in polymer-based 3D printing materials and Farsoon its expertise from powder-based laser sintering machines. ÃÜÌÒAV has already successfully launched TPU and PBT polymer powders developed on Farsoon 252P-series machines. The development of additional powders and the upscaling to larger series applications is part of the strengthened collaboration.

Expanded opportunities in the 3D printing market

ÃÜÌÒAV, Farsoon and (SLG) in Ulm, Germany jointly developed TPU parts for footwear. Seifert Logistics fabricates TPU parts on a Farsoon SS403P at high productivity levels.

ÃÜÌÒAV, Farsoon and a partner from the automotive industry collaborated to develop end-use parts for interior car applications using legacy-DSM PBT powder Arnite? T AM1210 (P).

"We are very pleased to extend the opportunities to the additive manufacturing market by proactively supporting new applications with new polymer powders," says Dr. Dirk Simon, Managing Director of Farsoon Europe GmbH and member of Farsoon's Global Management Team. "Farsoon SLS machines are very compatible with ÃÜÌÒAV's polymer powders, which offer a very interesting property profile to form an important foundation for our customers' market success."

High productivity

Farsoon machines are all truly open systems which means operators can optimize process parameters for highest productivity at required part qualities for the material of choice. The High-Temperature- and Super-Temperature-configuration of Farsoon machines allow process chamber temperatures of up to 220 ¡ãC or 280 ¡ãC, respectively. The machines are equipped with high-speed scanners and powerful lasers. Farsoon is committed to help making fabrication of 3D-parts cheaper, for instance with its Fiber-laser Flight? Technology. The high productivity of parts production makes series applications increasingly accessible.

¡°By collaborating closely with printer manufacturers, we can test materials in the development process and provide customers verified material and printer solutions¡±, said Geoff Gardner, Innovation Director Additive Manufacturing at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°Farsoon SL printers and especially their Flight? Technology can run at standard and high temperatures so we can print PBT, PP and TPU all on the same printer. And with their higher accuracy and productivity, and lower cost per part, they are well suited for industrial production.¡±

Both companies will showcase their polymer powder materials and printers at Formnext 2021, which takes place Nov. 16-19 in Frankfurt, Germany, ÃÜÌÒAV at booth C11 and Farsoon at booth G 19, both in Hall 12.1.

The new products are produced using bioattributed raw materials and have a reduced carbon footprint in comparison to their fossil-based counterparts. At the same time, the mass-balanced products boast the same impressive quality and properties and can be integrated directly into manufacturing processes in downstream industries without technical modifications. In this context, the products are to be certified according to the ISCC Plus standard.

"I am thrilled that we will soon be able to help our customers in the electronics, footwear, automotive and other industries reduce their carbon footprint with this drop-in solution," said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, global head of the TPU business at ÃÜÌÒAV. "With the ISCC Plus certification, we aim to achieve more transparency from raw material purchasing to our production and distribution to customer use. This is an important step in achieving our vision of becoming fully circular."

Extensive range of more sustainable TPU plastics

ÃÜÌÒAV has already launched various TPU products based on alternative resources over the past few years, as more and more consumers prefer more sustainable products. ÃÜÌÒAV is offering a  on this topic on October 28 as part of its CE Days event series. Outdoor outfitter VAUDE, for example, plans to use a foam midsole made partly from bio-based TPU in its new Lavik Eco hiking boot. Other product types contain a component that has been manufactured proportionately using CO₂ instead of fossil raw materials. ÃÜÌÒAV's range of Desmopan? brand TPU plastics also includes a range of fully recycled products. They are used, for example, in smartphone cases from the Dutch manufacturer Fairphone.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes are very versatile plastics. They come in a variety of hardnesses, are flexible yet impact resistant, and are therefore highly suitable for a wide range of applications.

Mass balancing creates transparency

Supplying mass-balanced products is part of ÃÜÌÒAV's comprehensive global program designed to fully align itself with the circular economy. In doing so, the company is focusing on increasing the use of alternative resources such as bio-based materials, plastic waste and CO₂, as well as renewable energies. The company is also collaborating with partners to develop innovative recycling technologies.

In mass balancing, fossil and alternative raw materials are mixed in production but treated separately in accounting. The chain-of-custody method enables materials to be tracked along the entire value chain and allows alternative resources, such as bioattributed components, to be allocated to selected end products. To date, a total of three ÃÜÌÒAV production sites in Europe and Asia-Pacific have been certified in compliance with the ISCC Plus standard, with further sites to follow.

ISCC ("International Sustainability and Carbon Certification") is an internationally recognized system for the sustainability certification of biomass and bioenergy. The standard applies to all stages of the value chain and is recognized worldwide.

"With the new Lavik Eco, we want to introduce our first bio-based outdoor shoe in the 2022 summer collection and the first outdoor sports shoe ever in which all components are made from more than 50 percent bio-based and recycled materials," explains Cl¨¦ment Affholder, Innovation Manager at VAUDE. "When selecting materials, we paid particular attention to environmental compatibility and optimal performance under outdoor conditions." The Lavik Eco shoe is scheduled to be available in stores as a men's and women's model from spring 2022.

Hard and soft ¨C both are important

The midsole is a crucial element in a hiking boot: it must be pleasantly soft and comfortable, but also provide a firm grip and have excellent cushioning properties. "TPU has already proven itself as a durable and supportive material in midsoles for active footwear such as mountain boots. However, in this soft and hard material combination, it has not been produced with non-GMO raw materials before," says Sayma Hou, Key Account Manager Footwear at ÃÜÌÒAV.

Together with VAUDE, ÃÜÌÒAV has identified and tested start-up raw material supplier Metabolic Explorer, which can supply bio-based 1,3-propanediol, a building block in the production of polymers from palm oil. The fact that the chemical raw material is not genetically modified also played a role in the evaluation.

CO₂ footprint reduced by more than 20 percent

The Desmopan^? EC series for the midsole and beyond is characterized by high abrasion resistance and flexibility over a wide temperature range, as well as high elasticity in various degrees of hardness. The series offers waterproof qualities as well as excellent oil, grease, and solvent resistance and stands up well to weathering and high-energy radiation. Compared to fossil-based TPUs, the EC series can reduce the carbon footprint by more than 20 percent without compromising on quality or performance.

The outdoor manufacturer has already been using partially bio-based TPUs from the Desmopan^? EC series for its TRK Skarvan hiking boots since 2018. In these more sustainable shoes, the bioplastic provides protection in the toe cap against injury from stones in the front of the foot and added stability from the heel cap in the back.

Green Shape is the VAUDE label for functional and environmentally friendly products made from more sustainable materials. The manufacturer is focusing on more environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based raw materials, the increased use of recycled materials and materials derived from natural fibers such as hemp and organic cotton, and the use of bio-based plastics from non-GMO sources.

"This nomination is an important confirmation of our efforts towards making chemistry more sustainable. It shows how crucial patents are for the development process of a technology," says Christoph Gürtler, who is responsible for the development of new processes and products at ÃÜÌÒAV. "It is a tremendous honor to be part of the award ceremony on behalf of the interdisciplinary team from product research, process development, marketing and the many other minds driving our invention."

Successful cooperation between industry and science

"The plastics industry can make a significant contribution to combating climate change by switching to greenhouse gas-neutral production. To achieve this, we need to break away from petroleum and use alternative raw materials such as CO?", says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ÃÜÌÒAV. "The nomination for the European Inventor Award is an endorsement of our company as a pioneer in this field. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the many colleagues, including those at our partners, who contributed to the development of the innovative CO? technology – a genuine sustainability highlight."

The two nominees, Gürtler and Leitner, have played a significant role in the development and market launch of the platform technology, which originated in the collaboration between application-oriented science and research-oriented industry. Their involvement in a large number of patents related to the use of CO? is proof of this: together, the two hold over 100 patents on CO? technology.

Breakthrough in catalysis research yields success

ÃÜÌÒAV and RWTH Aachen University founded the CAT Catalytic Center in 2007. "The scientific community has long had the desire to be able to use carbon dioxide as a supplier of carbon for plastics. Experts have been working on this issue for nearly half a century," explains Walter Leitner.

CO? forms chemical compounds only with great difficulty. This is the problem that Christoph Gürtler and Walter Leitner's team had to solve. The team combined industrial and academic expertise. A great deal of creativity, perseverance and many experiments with catalysts finally culminated in success. The breakthrough was achieved by precisely controlling the reaction between CO? and the petroleum-based propylene oxide in the presence of a customized catalyst system. "We collaborated closely to develop the right catalyst that led us to success," says Gürtler.

The resulting so-called polyol was introduced to the market by ÃÜÌÒAV under the product name cardyon®. It is already being used to produce soft foam for mattresses, for adhesives in sports floors, padding in shoes and in car interiors. Elastic textile fibers are currently on the threshold of market maturity. Research projects have successfully demonstrated that CO? can also be deployed for insulating materials made of rigid foam and for surfactants, for example in detergents.

Contributing to resource conservation and the circular economy

The use of CO? contributes significantly to the circular economy. Replacing conventional crude oil as a carbon source in part with the climate gas CO? preserves resources. The carbon, in turn, remains in the cycle without being released into the atmosphere. Moreover, initial studies have also shown that this technology makes it possible to produce more recyclable plastics whose components can be more easily recycled. An all-round sustainable innovation.

Launched in 2006, the European Patent Office's Inventor Award distinguishes outstanding European inventors and teams and is one of the most prestigious awards of its kind. The award ceremony will take place online for the first time on June 17 and will be broadcast live on the Internet. Three teams are nominated in the Industry category.

"Our new TPU plastic and a printer developed specifically for this application make it possible to print very soft structures. The material and printer were harmonized during development to achieve a perfect result," explains Lukas Breuers, 3D printing expert at ÃÜÌÒAV. "With the help of the automated software solution, soft and hard structures can be combined in a shoe insole, achieving a level of customization that was previously virtually impossible." The TPU also meets the requirements for medical devices with regard to cytotoxicity and skin sensitization in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 10993-5 and 10993-10 standards.

In addition to functionality, the development of the material also focused on its ecological footprint, as Marcel Domenghino, Managing Director of GeBioM, points out: "It was important to us that the new solution also allows for improved sustainability. Currently, the production of insoles also generates large amounts of waste. Moreover, the insoles themselves are hazardous waste after use. With 3D printing, we now enable our customers to produce in a waste-free manner by using only the material that is needed for the insoles."

Aiming for recyclable material

ÃÜÌÒAV is currently working on a recyclable TPU for this application and is developing opportunities with GeBioM and value chain partners to recover used insoles for recycling. Already, the spools on which the filament is wound are reused. The development is part of a global strategic program to fully align the company with the Circular Economy. Components of the program include innovative recycling technologies and the increased use of alternative raw materials such as biomass, CO₂ and plastic waste, as well as renewable energy.

ÃÜÌÒAV has been committed to developing innovative material solutions for additive manufacturing products for years and offers a versatile product range under the Addigy^? brand, including for orthopedic shoe insoles. Just recently, the company also significantly strengthened its 3D-printing portfolio with the acquisition of the Resins & Functional Materials business of the Dutch DSM Group.

"ÃÜÌÒAV intends to gear its entire production and product range completely to the circular concept in the long term," says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Global Head of ÃÜÌÒAV's TPU and films business. "An important aspect of this program is the increased use of alternative raw materials, for example from biomass – which is consistent with our customers' wishes."

The partially bio-based grades feature the same good quality and performance as previous products in the Desmopan® range and offer equally superior resistance to oils, fats, solvents, weathering as well as high-energy radiation. In addition, a grade certified with the BLUESIGN seal is available for particularly responsible and sustainable textile production.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes offer high wear resistance and flexibility over a wide temperature range. In addition, the material is soft and elastic, eliminating the need for plasticizers. Desmopan® brand TPUs consist of linear polymer chains with alternating flexible and rigid segments. By modifying these phases, properties such as hardness, strength, stiffness, elasticity and low-temperature flexibility can be varied over a wide range.

¹ Organic-based carbon content determined according to the ASTM-D6866 standard

Solid rubber tires have been on the market for quite a while now, but just like earlier puncture-proof products, they have their shortcomings: they do not produce the typically light driving feel of their air-filled counterparts, are often real heavyweights and, moreover, are very expensive. Today's bicycles often have highly complex superstructures, such as sports bikes with multi-speed transmissions or e-bikes. Their assembly therefore requires time and some skill – a true nightmare for bicycle rental companies. Moreover, the plastics that have been used up to now are often not recyclable and therefore do not represent a permanent solution.

Light, elastic, maintenance-free, recyclable

Air Fom is now using a special technology combined with an innovative material. With the help of particle foam casting, expanded TPU is molded into the specified shape and exhibits precisely the desired properties on the rim. The tire insert is just as lightweight and elastic as an air-filled tire, can be fitted quickly and firmly on standard rims, is maintenance-free and, most importantly, recyclable – unlike the butyl rubber tubes that are used in conventional tires. The material solution can also benefit bicycle rental companies for whom a constant operational readiness of their vehicles is important. The independent ACT Lab LLC confirmed that the product meets the latest safety requirements for use in bicycles. For its innovative development, Air Fom was recently awarded the Gold Medal of the prestigious Edison Award in the Transportation/Personal Mobility category.

“We are happy to team-up with such a competent and complementary partner for processing TPU on a global scale,” says Dr. Thorsten Dreier, the new global head of the TPU business at ÃÜÌÒAV. “Together with Teknor Apex, we want to develop customized products to grow together with our existing and new customers.” ÃÜÌÒAV supports the marketing of the jointly developed products by Teknor Apex with its Desmoflex® brand.

Unique service

“We are excited to become ÃÜÌÒAV’s preferred global compounding partner. The combination of ÃÜÌÒAV’s expertise in TPU resin with Teknor Apex’s custom formulation and compounding capabilities provide a compelling value driver for our combined customers worldwide,” says Sachin Sakhalkar, Vice President, TPE Division, at Teknor Apex. “This new cooperation strengthens our promise to our customers and partners who depend on us to bring tailored solutions for their application needs.”

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used in the automotive industry, in sports and leisure articles, the IT and electronics industry, medical technology and other sectors and can be made with various properties, ranging from soft to hard and from elastic to stiff, depending on customer requirements. All products have in common a high abrasion and wear resistance as well as chemical and weather resistance. The plastic granulate can be processed into profiles, strips, hoses, fibers, films or foams.

Formulating and compounding steps can be used to create an additional value proposition compared to just a neat resin. For instance, specific end-use requirements such as flame retardancy, adhesion, appearance and haptics etc. can be enhanced through specific formulation and compounding techniques.

Using 3D printing, shoes could be made from only two parts – upper and sole. ÃÜÌÒAV has developed a material that enables automated production at lower cost and complete recyclability of the finished shoe. At the trade fair from 19 to 22 November 2019 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the company will be presenting these and other developments of its additive manufacturing programme at Booth E11 in Hall 12.1.

A powder and a filament, both based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), proved to be the material of choice for meeting all the above requirements. The plastic offers high rebound and abrasion resistance and is therefore ideally suited for the production of both shoe parts. In addition, the shoe can later be recycled in a single step, including the polyurethane adhesive used for production – an important milestone towards recycling. Old shoes are thus turned into filaments for new shoes.

"The car of the future is fully networked and is seamlessly integrated into everyday life, where it provides the user with new experiences and the greatest possible autonomy," said Jochen Hardt from Global Marketing Mobility at ÃÜÌÒAV. At the unveiling of the prototype, the project manager added: "Modern materials and technologies have paved the way for this. ÃÜÌÒAV is a leading player here. In cooperation with partners, we keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible."

The concept focuses equally on functionality, comfort and design, but also on efficiency and light weight. The focus is on multi-sensor infotainment systems, innovative seating concepts, smart surfaces and personalized lighting. High-tech materials from ÃÜÌÒAV open up a kaleidoscope of new possibilities for many different components. A selection of the developments is presented below.

The highlight: a large multifunctional display

Special emphasis is placed on a seamlessly integrated, three-dimensional multifunctional display ¨C a large-format visual experience for the user, made possible by the high optical quality of Makrolon^? Ai polycarbonate and Makrofol^? polycarbonate film. A sophisticated combination of In Mold Decoration (IMD) and Film Insert Molding (FIM) provides for the surface design and durability. The latest Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) support passenger communication with the car and the outside world. Such polycarbonate films may also serve as a moldable carrier for printed electronics, enabling the integration of additional functions.

In the car exhibit at K 2019, ÃÜÌÒAV will also present functional surfaces with premium look and feel. In addition to the use of polycarbonates and the INSQIN^? technology for textile coating, the particular appeal lies in the combination of unusual materials such as wood, stone and aluminum.

New seating concepts for future mobility

As the classic function of the driver's seat is no longer required, the car interior can be given a new look and design. Not only should the seats be comfortable, they should also offer enough flexibility to expand the interior space. An integrated and individually configurable lighting system ensures comfort and safety and enables car manufacturers to differentiate their brands.

Here, too, ÃÜÌÒAV materials are trailblazers for the properties and advantages mentioned, for example polycarbonate composites of the Maezio? brand. In the seats, they provide a new aesthetic appeal and robust structure, while Makrofol^? films combine design and functionality. The vegan and waterbased INSQIN^? technology for textile coating offers the same attractive appearance as leather, but at lower cost and with reduced solvent emissions. Here, the possibility of allowing light to shine through the coated surface and creating a completely new type of ambient lighting is attractive.

Flexible table construction

Together with partners, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed a lightweight table that is tailored to new usage habits in autonomous vehicles and offers a lot of flexibility. The prototype shown at K 2019 is made of Maezio? composite material and convinces due to its thin-walled construction, aesthetics and stability. The table can be designed to be foldable so that it can be stowed between the rear seats to save space.

The new movable Privacy Dome is designed to protect users' privacy. A sound-absorbing acoustic foam based on the Baynat^? polyurethane system provides each passenger with individual peace and quiet, independent of other passengers and the outside world. In addition, passengers can enjoy relaxing sounds such as the soothing sound of waves on the beach.

In addition to digitalization, the UN goals for sustainable development will especially influence the economy and society in the coming years. ÃÜÌÒAV is determined to realize these sustainability goals at many levels. Meeting them is not only a prerequisite for a better, cleaner and healthier world, but also has great long-term economic potential

Change to circular economy indispensable

¡°Megatrends such as climate protection and population growth require a fundamental rethink in lifestyle and consumer behavior, not to mention in global production,¡± CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann said to journalists. ¡°We need a complete transition from a throwaway to a circular economy in order to handle limited resources more responsibly and protect the climate.¡±

ÃÜÌÒAV is committed to establishing new material cycles throughout the entire process chain with a view to making a tangible contribution to achieving this major goal. ¡°We have set up a comprehensive and long-term program which will also open up new opportunities for value creation,¡± Steilemann explained. ¡°High-quality plastics are and will remain drivers for sustainability and for overcoming global challenges. However, it is crucial to decouple the economic growth achieved from the consumption of fossil resources such as crude oil.¡±

Turning away from crude oil

A key aspect for developing a circular economy in the plastics and chemical industry is the closure of the carbon cycle through the recycling of raw materials. ¡°In the long term, we want to do as much as possible without fossil resources and use alternative sources such as waste, plants and CO₂ instead,¡± said Steilemann. ¡°In particular, used plastics are a valuable resource. That's why we want to work with partners to intensively develop innovative recycling methods,¡± said the ÃÜÌÒAV CEO. Under no circumstances should plastic waste be allowed to enter the environment uncontrolled for longer. The industry is working intensively worldwide for better waste management ¨C for example in the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, of which ÃÜÌÒAV is a member.

Given its importance, the company is dedicating a special Theme Day to Circular Economy at its booth on Wednesday, October 23. External and in-house experts present practical examples and discuss with visitors. At the ÃÜÌÒAV booth, these will also find many examples of products and technologies that can help close material cycles in various industries.

ÃÜÌÒAV is one of the pioneers in the use of the exhaust gas CO₂ as a new raw material. A team from ÃÜÌÒAV and RWTH Aachen University is now in the final round of the German President?s Award for the development of a corresponding process. Exhibits based on this technology will be specially featured at the booth. With modern materials and technologies, the company also supports the supply of energy from renewable sources.

Digitalization as a growth driver

Another driving force for the development of the economy and society in the coming years is the ongoing digitalization. ÃÜÌÒAV wants to take advantage of the resulting opportunities and has started a comprehensive strategic program, which focuses on the customer. To this end, the company is anchoring digital technologies and processes along the value chain ¨C from the supply chain through production, research and all interfaces to customers to the development of new business models. Various developments and exhibits at K 2019 as well as a separate Theme Day on Tuesday, October 22, underscore the great importance of digitalization for ÃÜÌÒAV and its customers.

A stage for visitors

¡°We cordially invite all visitors to K 2019 to our booth in hall 6,¡± says Booth Manager Dr. Ulrich Liman. ¡°We will be providing them a stage for discussions on their themes and wishes. They will also find products and technologies for important key industries.¡±

¡°A special experience awaits visitors in our ¡®Sample Parcours¡¯,¡± explains Liman. ¡°There they can get to know materials and patterns through their senses, through seeing, feeling and hearing, but also in a playful manner. For example, join our Life Cycle Wheel and learn more about the circular economy! Or test your knowledge of plastics on our Quiz Machine.¡±

Theme Days from Automotive to Science

On each of the eight days of the fair, visitors can experience how ÃÜÌÒAV is pushing boundaries on a different main theme. Lectures and discussions with experts from industry and academia will serve to deepen the topic and promote personal exchange.

All journalists are cordially invited to visit ÃÜÌÒAV's press center at the A 75 exhibition booth gallery in Hall 6. You will have the opportunity to talk about the innovations and topics on display and receive the ÃÜÌÒAV press kit for K 2019. On request, we would also be happy to give tours of the booth or arrange interviews.

Automotive (October 16)

The highlight of ÃÜÌÒAV's trade fair appearance is a comprehensive interior concept for future mobility: trends such as autonomous driving, electric drive and car sharing make the automobile a multifunctional, mobile living and working space. It's all about functionality, comfort and design, not least also about efficiency. ÃÜÌÒAV has developed the concept together with important partners along the automotive value chain. The main features are newly designed surfaces, the integration of ambient lighting, the latest infotainment systems and forward-looking seating concepts. On Wednesday, 16 October, the company will dedicate a special Theme Day to the automotive industry.

Science Celebration (October 17)

The second day of K 2019 is dedicated to current and outstanding research findings in polymer science. The highlight will be the presentation of the ÃÜÌÒAV Science Award to a professor in the presence of invited guests from the world of science. The prize consists of a three-year doctoral fellowship to promote young scientists in materials research at universities. In addition, a researcher from ÃÜÌÒAV will be awarded the ÃÜÌÒAV Science Medal for outstanding scientific developments.

Start-up Challenge (October 20)

With the Start-up Challenge, ÃÜÌÒAV aims to promote the creativity and entrepreneurial thinking of its employees and find the best business idea of 2019. The winners of the first competition will be chosen at the trade fair: they will be able to work as founders, implement their ideas and test their marketability. In return, they will receive start-up financing of up to one million euros, be released from their jobs for up to one year and can work within the company as start-ups. The ideas of the six finalist teams are focused on the development of the circular economy.

Local talent search

At K 2019, ÃÜÌÒAV also will be presenting itself as an attractive employer to students, junior employees and experienced professionals. Curious jobseekers will find the right person to answer all their questions at the Career Bar.

“Thermoplastic polyurethane is the material of choice for this application thanks to its favorable range of properties,” says Patrick Rosso, Head of Additive Manufacturing at ÃÜÌÒAV. “In particular, our TPU products cover a wide range of hardness. The hardness can also be adjusted by changing the printing structure. This allows manufacturers to print shoe insoles that are completely custom-made – with hard or soft contact areas.”

High functionality and durability

Together with a partner, ÃÜÌÒAV is currently testing different sole designs to determine which are the easiest to print along with the most durable. Initial tests have been promising, both in terms of functionality and longevity. Orthopedic insoles are often produced by hand and take a lot of time.

Besides that, conventional insoles are e.g. made by forming or machining rigid foam blocks and are also less breathable. Using additive manufacturing offers a more sustainable approach to producers. It could help significantly more people to get access to orthopedic insoles.

Successful last production using 3D printing

Already back in May 2018, ÃÜÌÒAV presented the design of an efficient complete solution for the manufacture of orthopedic shoe lasts at the OT World orthopedics trade fair in Leipzig. Thanks to 3D printing technology, the time required for production has been reduced from several weeks to just a few days. At the same time, patient visits to the shoe manufacturer can be reduced to a minimum. After the trade fair, customers expressed the idea of also printing the insoles instead of manufacturing them by hand as before. The idea and the favorable material properties of TPU were the reason for the current project.

The shoes satisfy the wishes of athletically active people for a healthy lifestyle, improved performance and individuality. Various material solutions from ÃÜÌÒAV are worked in a seamless design, exemplifying the individual benefits of each material: INSQIN^® water-based polyurethane (PU) textile coatings and adhesives, PU foams, textile fibers and films made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and Maezio™ continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP).

“For me new materials are one of the most powerful driving forces for creative shoe design and for exploring new possibilities,” says Axis Liu. “Therefore, I appreciate the know-how of the experts at ÃÜÌÒAV and I will continue to benefit from this in the future.” The cooperation between Liu and the ÃÜÌÒAV team resulted in athletic shoe concepts that set standards in many respects: they are highly sustainable and light, yet extremely durable. They provide increased foot stability and help to compensate for the forces acting on the feet, in order to achieve improved athletic performance.

Running shoe with 3D-printed midsole

For the design of the running shoe, Axis Liu was inspired by a traditional figure from Chinese arts and craft: the “Multilayer Carved Ball” which has a dynamic structure handmade up of several layers. On the running shoe, the dynamic, extraordinary structure of the midsole was produced by a 3D printer.

Because running shoes are often worn outdoors for several hours at a time, it is particularly important for the upper material to be water resistant and breathable. This functionality is achieved on the concept running shoes by using a special INSQIN^® coating.

Conventional adhesives based on Dispercoll^® U dispersions join together the individual athletic shoe components securely, easily and efficiently. This water-based adhesive technology helps conserve energy and resources. It also contributes to making athletic shoe production more sustainable.

Basketball shoe with good shock absorption

During development of the basketball shoe, however, the designer drew inspiration from the world of toys and the modular construction often found there. Of course, his designs also took into consideration that the feet and bodies of basketball players are strained in different ways than those of runners.

In accordance with the different requirements of both sports, there are also differences in the individual components of the materials used. For example, the midsole of the basketball shoe was made using in-mold foaming and contains expanding TPU (ETPU), which provides good shock absorption and at the same time features particularly high restoring forces. This enhances performance for the jumping and quick acceleration that are common in basketball.

Both shoes use the newly developed Maezio™ carbon fiber-reinforced TPU (CFRTP), which is very light, but also extremely stiff and torsion resistant. This unique material combination offers a high degree of design freedom and a strong aesthetic appeal with unique, unidirectional carbon fiber optics; in addition, it is recyclable.

Other materials and their function

Apart from that there are many similarities between the two concept athletic shoes:

• The uppers of both shoes contain TPU fibers. These are highly resistant to abrasion and tearing, yet they feel extremely comfortable.
• The running shoe upper is applied with screen printing. This is the printing solution using INSQIN^® technology which is now used by world-leading manufacturers and brand owners. It provides a visual-haptic effect and improves the performance of design and manufacture.
• The Shoe tongue label with Chinese Character “¾Û”(jù) is applied using a TPU hot-melt film with good printability. ¾Û” means gather together, it demonstrates how well films of brand names Dureflex^® and Platilon^® adhere to textile materials with soft surface feel.
• Insoles made of viscoelastic PU foam effectively absorb mechanical loads.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

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Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

The films were awarded certification for Product Class I. This applies to articles with direct skin contact for infants and young children up to three years of age. This means that they are associated with the highest demands placed on the skin-compatibility of the products.

Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX^? is a globally uniform, independent testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of processing. The test criteria and limit values often go far beyond national and international specifications. The certification guarantees high and effective product safety.

Absence of pollutants is also the maxim for other ÃÜÌÒAV products and applications in the textile sector. For example, the company consistently focuses on aqueous, solvent-free raw materials in textile coatings and recently introduced Impranil^? DLN-SD, an aqueous polyurethane (PU) dispersion which according to initial findings facilitates production of biodegradable textile coatings.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world¡¯s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

For more information please see www.covestro.com.
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Visitors to the world¡¯s premier fair for the plastics and rubber industry will find many examples of this presented by ÃÜÌÒAV at Booth A75 in Hall 6. From October 16¨C23, 2019, products and technologies for the automotive, construction and electronics industries will be on display, but also innovative and functional applications in the health, furniture, sports and leisure sectors.

¡°In addition to the advancing digitalization, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will be a driving force in society and the economy for the coming years,¡± said CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann to journalists. ¡°Their fulfillment is not only imperative for a better, cleaner and healthier world, but also holds great economic potential in the long term,¡± explained the CEO. ¡°ÃÜÌÒAV is determined to realize the UN sustainability goals at many levels.¡±

Industry pioneer

Steilemann named the development of a functioning circular economy and improved management of limited fossil resources, primarily crude oil, as central points for increased sustainability. ¡°These are goals that will impact society as a whole and ÃÜÌÒAV wants to contribute to this. Within our company, we want to establish material cycles along the entire value chain, from suppliers, to production and logistics, to the use of our products and their reuse,¡± explained Steilemann.

When recycling used plastics, it will be important to be able to exhaust all technical possibilities. ¡°The relatively new method of chemical recycling is also an option, which requires additional support,¡± said the CEO.

A key aspect for developing a circular economy in the plastics and chemical industry is closing the carbon cycle with recycled resources. Here, plant waste and increasingly CO₂ are worth considering as alternatives to fossil resources. ÃÜÌÒAV has already achieved numerous successes in these areas. ¡°We want to become a pioneer on the path toward a future without fossil-based resources and emphasize our claim to leadership in the industry,¡± stressed Steilemann.

Digitalization creates added value

Another driving force is the advancing digitalization. ÃÜÌÒAV wants to take advantage of the resulting opportunities and has started a comprehensive program, which focuses on the customer. To accomplish this, the company is incorporating digital technologies and processes into production, the supply chain, research and development, at all customer contact points and in new business model development. Various topics and exhibits at K 2019 underline how important digitalization is for the company, which hopes to set standards in this field in the plastics and chemical industry.

The examples below give an impression of the wide range of developments that ÃÜÌÒAV will present at K 2019.

Completely networked society

One important requirement for future mobility and the digitalization of all areas of life and business is the new transmission technology 5G. To build the infrastructure for it, ÃÜÌÒAV is working together with and the Ume? Institute of Design to develop innovative material solutions for base stations, antennas and other system components. ÃÜÌÒAV is also working on a multi-layered film solution in conjunction with a new manufacturing process for the backs of smartphone bodies. Unlike conventional metal elements, these polycarbonate films are permeable to high-frequency radiation.

Auto interior of the future

The highlight of the trade show exhibit is a comprehensive interior concept for future mobility. In line with the latest trend, it intends to turn car interiors into multi-functional, mobile living and working spaces. ¡°We developed the concept together with key industrial and academic partners,¡± explained Jochen Hardt, marketing expert at ÃÜÌÒAV and head of the project. ¡°It involves functionality, comfort and design in equal measure, as well as efficiency.¡± The car of the future is fully networked and is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Key design features are surfaces with a decorative look and feel, integrated ambient lighting, the latest infotainment systems and cutting-edge seating concepts.

Textiles with CO₂

Together with partners such as and various textile manufacturers, ÃÜÌÒAV succeeded in producing elastic textile fibers from thermoplastic polyurethane with CO₂, and as a result partially replaced crude oil as the raw material. The starting point is an intermediate product called cardyon?, which is already used for the soft foam found in mattresses and the base layers of sports fields. The partners are currently working on developing production to industrial scale and want to introduce a material cycle that is based on sustainable resources to the textile and garment industry.

Renewable energies on the rise

In addition to promoting an efficient circular economy, ÃÜÌÒAV is also committed to further expanding renewable energies, such as wind power. Cooperation with partners has led to the development of a polyurethane resin as well as a process technology, which makes it possible to manufacture wind turbine rotor blades efficiently and cost-effectively. The company just recently processed its first commercial order for this from China.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world¡¯s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

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Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports. These reports are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to make them conform to future events or developments.

ÃÜÌÒAV offers material solutions for improved design compared to marketable products. The range is a response to the growing customer demand for materials with increased wearing comfort. ÃÜÌÒAV offers the right combination of materials for the perfect lightweight, flexible and hardly visible patch that provides a comfortable feel. There is no comparable offer on the market so far.

Complete solution for modern wearable patches

For this purpose, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed special breathable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films from the Platilon^? range. The materials are perfectly suited and designed for customers using a roll-to-roll manufacturing process that allows wearables to be efficiently produced. The electronics can be printed on the film and embedded in thermoformable polyurethane foam covered with a second film layer for better wearing comfort. The patch is then fixed with a special skin-compatible adhesive, which adheres firmly to the skin but allows painless removal of the patch. The adhesive system and the thermoformable foam are based on Baymedix^? polyurethane raw materials. ÃÜÌÒAV thus offers a complete solution for modern and high-quality wearable patches.

A prototype was produced in collaboration with the , which is known for its expertise in printed electronics and wearables. The materials being used are already ready for the market. In addition to the wearable patch, ÃÜÌÒAV will present a design study at to present different wearable designs depending on their medical use.

ÃÜÌÒAV is providing convincing design and material alternatives to currently available wearable raw materials. The company is considering advances in printed electronics to demonstrate that its materials can contribute to a design with a stronger patient focus that takes into account patient comfort and skin sensitivity.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world¡¯s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

Find more information at www.covestro.com.
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Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

The elastic fibers are made with a chemical component that consists in part of CO₂ instead of oil. This precursor called cardyon^? is already used for foam in mattresses and sports floorings. And now it is being applied to the textile industry.

¡°That¡¯s a further, highly promising approach to enable ever broader use of carbon dioxide as an alternative raw material in the chemical industry and expand the raw materials base,¡± says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°Our goal is to use CO₂ in more and more applications in a circular economy process and save crude oil.¡±

Sustainable production process

The fibers are made from CO₂-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) using a technique called melt spinning, in which the TPU is melted, pressed into very fine threads and finally processed into a yarn of endless fibers. Unlike dry spinning, which is used to produce conventional elastic synthetic fibers such as Elastane or Spandex, melt spinning eliminates the need for environmentally harmful solvents. A new chemical method enables carbon dioxide to be incorporated in the base material, which also has a better CO₂ footprint than traditional elastic fibers.

¡°The CO₂-based material could be a sustainable alternative to conventional elastic fibers in the near future,¡± states Professor Thomas Gries, Director of the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University. ¡°Thanks to our expertise in industrial development and processing, we can jointly drive establishment of a new raw materials base for the textile industry.¡±

Development of the method of producing fibers from CO₂-based thermoplastic polyurethane has been funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It will now be optimized as part of the ¡°CO₂Tex¡± project, which is to be funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) so as to enable industrial production in the future. ¡°CO₂Tex¡± is part of ¡°BioTex Future,¡± a project initiative of RWTH Aachen University. The initiative is devoted to developing production and processing technologies to facilitate the future market launch of textile systems from bio-based polymeric materials.

Development partners display interest

What makes the CO₂-based TPU fibers so special is their properties: They are elastic and tear-proof and so can be used in textile fabrics. Initial companies from the textile and medical engineering sectors have already tested the CO₂-based fibers and processed them into yarns, socks, compression tubes and tapes.

The aim of launching CO₂-based textiles on the market is to promote a material cycle in the textile and clothing industry based on sustainable resources.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world¡¯s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health, and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

About Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University:

The Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University is involved in the project. The ITA is part of the faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the RWTH and conducts research in the fields of materials, production processes and products for technical applications of textile structures. It has a fully equipped technology center with about 250 textile machines and test benches across all textile process stages from spinning to joining. Furthermore, various laboratories (textile testing, polymer analysis) and workshops are staffed by experts (mechanics, electronic software and hardware).

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This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts issued by the management of ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

"Our comprehensive concept includes developments, which may become reality in a few years, but it also includes visionary ideas for the future," explains Jochen Hardt, Global Marketing Mobility at ÃÜÌÒAV and project manager for the new concept. "We are particularly focused on the interior design, which can be both living and working space in an autonomous vehicle, offering customized experiences to the user. Future vehicle concepts for electromobility offer car manufacturers opportunities for completely new room concepts and additionally open up a new ground for brand differentiation.¡±

Smart materials in the future car interior

The interior is equally a matter of functionality, comfort and design, but also of efficiency. The focus is on optically and haptically designed surfaces, the integration of ambient lighting, latest infotainment systems and novel seating concepts. High-tech materials from ÃÜÌÒAV open up a kaleidoscope of new possibilities for many different components.

For example, Makrolon^? polycarbonates and their blends will play an important role in the interior of the future thanks to their outstanding properties. They are notable for their maximum design freedom, mechanical stability and low weight. In addition, they provide good thermal and electrical insulation. Makrolon^? enables a range of glass-like surfaces and up to various functional colors. This is important for the integration of future innovative displays, sensors, cameras and ambient lighting systems.

Maezio? continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites from ÃÜÌÒAV constitute a special class of composites. They are based on polycarbonate, but more robust and lightweight, due to reinforcement with carbon fibers, and are suitable e.g. for an efficient production of particularly thin-walled parts.

New dimension of infotainment

Makrofol^? polycarbonate films are used, for example, for printed, even three-dimensional large-scale cover plates for the integration of displays. The films also serve as carrier for printed electronics in touchscreens. The number of such display surfaces and touchscreens in car interiors will increase drastically due to the progressing digitalization and networking (connectivity) as well as the trend towards autonomous driving. The seamless integration of displays is also supported by a new generation of Makrolon^? AI polycarbonate materials.

ÃÜÌÒAV also offers a range of Platilon^? thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films. Among other things, they are used as hotmelt films for bonding different materials like textiles. The sustainable INSQIN^? technology is used for textile coating in the car interior; it is based on solvent-free, waterborne polyurethane dispersions. Its use for the manufacture of coated textiles is efficient and saves water and energy, compared to conventional production.

Classic jack-of-all-trades: Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a classic but extremely versatile material for car interiors. In the form of soft or molded foam, it creates the basis for comfortable and safe car seats. Polyurethane foams have also been used for a long time in instrument panels, upholstery, trim parts and roof linings and provide comfort in the interior. With TPU coatings, surfaces can be created as desired ¨C from particularly soft to hard.

Polyurethane coatings are also geared towards high-quality surfaces with adjustable properties. ÃÜÌÒAV develops raw materials for robust and abrasion-resistant coatings, which are available in various colors and surface structures that protect underlying substrates and create a pleasant feel when touched. The company is also a pioneer in the formulation of aqueous coatings with low organic solvent content. Raw materials for polyurethane adhesives for solid and durable adhesive bonds round off the range.

Trendy exterior design for electric cars

At K 2016, ÃÜÌÒAV for the first time dedicated itself to the mobility of the future on a larger scale and presented an integrated concept for the outer shell of electric cars. It was developed in close cooperation with design students from the renowned Ume? Institute of Design in Sweden and the automotive supplier HELLA. The development went beyond existing boundaries and offers new approaches for the attractive design of comfortable, functional and energy-efficient cars. The core elements are integrated sensors and antennas, holographic lighting, large-format display elements, 360-degree all-round glazing and seamless, homogeneous surfaces.

Groundbreaking achievements time and again

More than 50 years ago, still under the umbrella of Bayer, ÃÜÌÒAV presented the first car with a complete plastic body at the plastics trade fair in D¨¹sseldorf: the K 67. Since then, the company has repeatedly overcome the limits of the possible with innovative material solutions. Later milestones included the introduction of headlamps and automotive glazing, both made of the transparent polycarbonate Makrolon^?. ÃÜÌÒAV was also a pioneer in coating raw materials for waterborne automotive fillers and base coats as well as for low-solvent polyurethane clear coats.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world¡¯s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

Find more information at www.covestro.com.
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Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

One of the highlights this time is breathable yet waterproof outdoor clothing. It is intended to protect joggers or hikers from rain, but at the same time let sweat escape from their skin. With the INSQIN^® technology, textiles are coated with waterbased polyurethane (PU) dispersions without the use of solvents.

The breathable textiles impart a pleasantly comfortable feeling. This is ensured by an adhesive coating based on Impraperm^® DL 5310 dispersion and a top coat based on Impraperm^® DL 5249. Both products also give backpacks, shoes and gloves their desired functionality.

Biodegradable textile coating

When assessing the sustainability of textiles, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the entire product cycle – including the behavior at the end of its useful life. With Impranil^® DLN-SD, ÃÜÌÒAV offers a waterbased PU dispersion that is biologically degradable by microorganisms at the end of the product life cycle. The initial internal tests performed on pure polymer films without additives confirm this. The raw materials enable biodegradable coatings and composite solutions, which in turn contribute to a modern recycling economy. Under the conditions of OECD Standard 301, more than half of the dispersion is degraded within 28 days. The percentage is significantly higher than with acrylate film formers.

The aliphatic PU dispersion Impranil^® DLN-SD can be used to formulate very light-resistant coatings for adhesive, intermediate and top coats. They are also suitable for other product applications, such as latex gloves and packaging.

New TPU fiber for fabrics

At Techtextil 2019, ÃÜÌÒAV will also showcase a new fiber made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Compared to conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers, it is characterized by an improved abrasion resistance and can be heat pressed at lower temperatures. Tear resistance and a good haptic feeling are further advantages.The fiber can be used in footwear, functional textiles, sports accessories and casual wear.

Innovative film solutions for smart textiles

The use of printed electronics is becoming increasingly important in the course of increasing digitalization in the medical and health sector and also in leisure time. ÃÜÌÒAV has developed a range of skin-friendly film solutions to meet the requirements for lightweight and very comfortable smart textile design. Smart textiles are an important application, for example for biomonitoring, diagnostics and drug administration.

Platilon^® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films are used, for example, in the continuous monitoring of vital functions and exact performance measurement. A conductive ink can be safely applied to the films to achieve this. Housed inside a shoe sole, patient data can be directly recorded and evaluated in real time by electronic devices.

Sustainable textile coatings for medicine

Recently, ÃÜÌÒAV has also been developing textile coatings for medical applications. These include surgical clothing, bed pads for hospitals, coatings for medical furniture and even bandages. At Techtextil 2019, the company will present raw materials for sustainable, water-based textile coatings with good haptics and resistance to disinfectants, as well as cohesive bandages without latex for compression therapy and secondary fixation.

About ÃÜÌÒAV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ÃÜÌÒAV is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ÃÜÌÒAV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

Find more information at www.covestro.com, , and .
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Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.