Shortly after doubling its polycarbonate production capacity at its Shanghai
site to 400,000 tons per year, Covestro will again significantly expand its
capacity to 600,000 metric tons per year. With this step, which is achieved
through debottlenecking of its production lines, the company reacts to the
strong customer demand for polycarbonates in the Asia-Pacific region. The
expanded capacity shall be available starting 2019.
"The expansion is essential to satisfy the growing demand", said Chief
Technology Officer Dr. Klaus Schäfer. "The successful completion of this
project will strengthen our global production network and demonstrates our
continuous commitment to the Chinese market."
Michelle Jou, Global Head of Covestro´s Polycarbonates segment, said, "There is
a rapidly growing demand for polycarbonate resins and blends, in particular in
China. Segments like electronics, healthcare and automotive are our key
customer industries in that region. Further expanding our capacity for this
high-tech plastic enables us to even better react to the changing needs of our
customers and to guarantee sustainable supply."
Global number one in polycarbonate resins
Especially lightweight, highly transparent, break-proof and easy to shape,
polycarbonate is used in many areas of modern life - from electronic and IT
appliances to automotive parts to medical devices and LED lighting. With the
capacity expansion of the largest polycarbonate production site in the world,
Covestro strengthens its global number one position in polycarbonate resins and
intends to supply the volumes it needs to continuously outgrow industry. "We
have grown our capacity share continuously in recent years and are committed to
continue this path. This investment is one of the steps we do to secure the
necessary supply", adds Michelle Jou.
At the same time, Covestro underscores its leading position in highly efficient
and environmentally compatible technology by recycling process saltwater at the
production site. This is used again to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide,
two chemicals that in turn are needed as raw materials for polycarbonates. "By
using our innovative recycling process technology we safeguard our high level
of cost efficiency", said Klaus Schäfer.
About Covestro:
With 2016 sales of EUR 11.9 billion, 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 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. Covestro, formerly Bayer
MaterialScience, has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately
15,600 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2016.
Find more information at
www.covestro.com.
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