19
January
2021
|
10:01
Europe/Amsterdam
Improved CO₂ footprint without compromising quality and performance
Covestro strengthens portfolio of alternative raw materials
Summary

Product line of partially bio-based TPUs now called Desmopan® EC

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Fashionable sports shoes can also be produced with the partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane Desmopan® EC. © Covestro

Covestro's family of partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) is now marketed under the name Desmopan® EC. Depending on the product hardness, up to 60 percent of the carbon content1 is derived from biomass. Compared to fossil-based TPUs, their carbon footprint is reduced by more than 20 percent. The products are made of bio-based succinic acid as well as bio-based propanediol (Bio-PDO). The plastics have a wide range of applications, for example in the footwear industry.

'Covestro 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 Covestro'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

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About Covestro:

With sales of EUR 12.4 billion in 2019, Covestro 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 industries served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, healthcare and the chemical industry itself. Covestro has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 17,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) as of the end of 2019.

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. 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 Covestro'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.

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Disclaimer

Covestro AG published this content on 19 January 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 19 January 2021 09:05:01 UTC