"This new line of polycarbonate represents a significant step in supporting the automotive industry's transformation towards a circular future," said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV. "By offering high-quality PCR materials derived from end-of-life headlamps, we're enabling our customers to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements while contributing to closed-loop recycling of automotive plastics."

Under this initiative, ÃÜÌÒAV has been collaborating with partners, including Chinese recycler Ausell and leading automakers, to establish closed-loop pathways for high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). This program focuses on strengthening recycling processes and establishing reliable supply chains for high-quality recycled materials from automotive waste streams. Through this partnership, ÃÜÌÒAV and its value chain allies have developed practical solutions for collecting and mechanically processing end-of-life headlamps into high-quality PCR grades suitable for a range of automotive applications.

"This partnership underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving the circular economy forward," said Martin Hansen, Regional Director of GIZ in East Asia. "By bringing together key industry players, we are not only creating viable solutions for recycling high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles but also fostering innovation that supports a sustainable, closed-loop material flow in the automotive industry."

The introduction of these new PCR grades comes at a critical time as the automotive industry, one of the most resource-intensive sectors, faces increasing environmental challenges and regulatory pressures. The EU's End-of-Life Vehicle Directive, which sets recycling targets, along with China's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program and growing sustainability requirements in key global markets, are pushing automotive manufacturers worldwide to seek innovative and sustainable material solutions that comply with evolving regulations.

ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s new PCR grades meet the high-performance standards required for demanding automotive applications, offering excellent surface quality for superior aesthetics and adhering to strict Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) requirements. This combination of sustainable content and premium performance empowers automotive manufacturers to meet both regulatory demands and environmental goals without compromising on product quality.

As part of its broader commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, ÃÜÌÒAV continues to expand its portfolio of recycled-content materials. In recent years, the company has introduced PCR polycarbonates with up to 90 percent recycled content, and opened its first dedicated mechanical recycling compounding line for polycarbonates in Shanghai. Last year, it introduced a new range of polycarbonates based on chemically recycled, attributed material from post-consumer waste via mass balance for the first time.

"The new production facilities are equipped with state-of-the technology to enable an efficient production and thereby reduce our CO₂ emissions," says Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer of ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°With the expanded capacity, we can meet our customers' growing demand for innovative specialty films, especially in medical technology, in the region Asia-Pacific and strengthen our Solutions & Specialties segment."

ÃÜÌÒAV has been operating a production facility for Specialty Films in Thailand since 2007. The range comprises polycarbonate films from the Makrofol^? range and Bayfol^? products made from polycarbonate blends. These high-performance specialty films are used in many applications across multiple industries, such as healthcare, mobility and Identification Documents.

¡°The new production facilities are important to us because it enables faster time to market and at the same time expands our market access in Asia-Pacific.¡± says Aukje Doornbos, Global Head of the Specialty Films business entity. ¡°With market-focused innovations and a stronger customer orientation we want to drive growth for ÃÜÌÒAV.¡±

Since 2022, the Map Ta Phut site is ISCC PLUS certified, enabling it to manufacture and supply mass-balanced products. With the mass balance approach, bio-based or recycled raw materials are fed in at an early stage of raw material extraction and mathematically allocated to the finished products. This saves fossil raw materials and reduces CO₂ emissions, while the quality of the mass-balanced products remains identical to that of purely fossil-based products. With this drop-in solution, manufacturers can continue to use their proven formulations, equipment, and processes.

ISCC is an internationally recognized sustainability certification for biomass and bioenergy. The standard covers all stages of the value chain and is used worldwide. Customers can use these products in their established processes and apply them to meet their sustainability goals. In addition, ÃÜÌÒAV already offers a range of films made partly with plant-based raw materials or partly from recycled plastics.

"This investment in our U.S. compounding plant is an important component of our 'Sustainable Growth' strategy. With this expansion, we can meet our customers' growing demand for specialized polycarbonate materials, grow together with our customers, and strengthen our position as a leading provider of polycarbonate materials in North America," says CTO Thorsten Dreier. "The move also aligns with our strategy to produce in the region for the region, to manufacture close to our customers and ensure reliable supply."

The capacity expansion is an important step to meet the growing demand for high-quality materials for the automotive, electronics, and healthcare industries in North America. "To be successful in these markets, you need the right portfolio, consistent quality, and supply reliability, as well as solution-oriented technical expertise,¡± says Lily Wang, head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity. "The expanded production capacity for differentiated polycarbonates enables us to better serve our customers' complex needs for high-quality, high-tech materials with individualized properties.¡±

ÃÜÌÒAV already has an established R&D center in Pittsburgh and is now doubling down on its U.S.-based compounding capability. In the future, both facilities will work even more closely together to drive the technology transfer from lab to industrial production to support major transformation processes, such as the electrification and automation of mobility, sustainable developments and digitalization.

¡°This investment, which follows our recent announcement of an almost 40 million Euro investment in our R&D capabilities in Pittsburgh, underscores how critical our U.S. sites and the U.S. market are to ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s global strategy,¡± says Samir Hifri, chairman and president of ÃÜÌÒAV LLC. ¡°The expanded capacity of our polycarbonate compounding capabilities in Ohio will both help us better supply our customers as well as represent a commitment to our employees at the site, the Hebron, Ohio community, and the U.S. market as a whole.¡±

Construction of the new production lines is scheduled to begin in 2025, with operations starting by the end of 2026.

ÃÜÌÒAV is one of eight companies, including partners from the fields of AI, information technology for low-altitude aviation and carbon fiber composite materials, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GOVY, a newly established subsidiary of GAC dedicated to the development of eVTOL aircraft. As a key partner in this ambitious project, ÃÜÌÒAV brings its unique expertise in high-performance materials and sustainable solutions for the advancement of next-generation flying cars.

¡°Our collaboration with GAC represents a significant step forward in transforming urban air mobility. By leveraging ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s expertise in sustainable and innovative materials, and GAC¡¯s visionary leadership in flying car development, we are poised to create solutions that redefine the possibilities of urban transport,¡± said Lily Wang, President of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV.

¡°We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and bringing the future of mobility closer to reality,¡± said Su Qingpeng, General Manager of GOVY. ¡°Partnering with ÃÜÌÒAV and other industry leaders allows us to accelerate the development of our flying cars, creating safe, more sustainable, and groundbreaking transportation solutions for urban environments.¡±

China is making significant strides in the development of eVTOL aircraft, leveraging its advancements in battery technology to integrate these innovations into urban transportation systems. This strategic focus is driven by the potential of eVTOL vehicles to alleviate urban congestion, reduce pollution, and enhance connectivity, aligning with consumer desires for efficient transportation and the government¡¯s goals for technological innovation and sustainable urban development. These vehicles are designed for short-distance urban travel, with current models offering ranges suitable for inter-city commutes.

Under the agreement, ÃÜÌÒAV and GOVY will collaborate on several priority areas. Key initiatives will include developing innovative polycarbonate glazing solutions to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining high performance and safety standards, and exploring materials for smart and efficient lighting systems tailored to the unique requirements of eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration will also address high-performance materials that enable seamless integration of smart systems and components. A strong emphasis will be placed on low-carbon solutions, utilizing materials with attributed bio-circular content and recycled feedstocks to reduce emissions across the vehicles¡¯ lifecycle.

At the signing ceremony, a demo flying car was unveiled, featuring an impressive range of 200 kilometers in just 40 minutes. This prototype showcases a hybrid design that integrates both fixed-wing and rotary-wing capabilities, combining the efficiency of conventional airplane-like forward flight with the vertical takeoff and landing versatility of helicopters. Pre-order of such models will begin in 2025, heralding a new era in personal and urban transportation.

These new displays overcome the performance, size and geometric limitations of traditional HUD systems, enabling the practical and scalable implementation of multiple displays in one windshield and elsewhere in side-light glazing. Proof of concepts (PoCs) developed with OEMs will be showcased at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7¨C10.

The MOU builds on years of collaboration, leveraging each company¡¯s technologies to manufacture holographic-enabled transparent HUDs for the automotive market. It enables to look into the steps needed to setup and establish the required facilities and manufacturing capacity, ensuring an efficient, market-ready supply chain to meet the planned production timelines of OEMs wishing to adopt the technology for new driver and passenger experiences. The partnership aims to accelerate the commercialization of the HUD solution, with Eastman leveraging its relationships with automotive OEMs and Tier One suppliers.

A proven solution

In 2024, Ceres and Eastman demonstrated the latest holographic transparent display HUDs to OEMs in Europe, the USA, and China. These HUDs featured multiple transparent displays within a single, fully laminated windshield, each measuring up to 400mm by 300mm. Custom-designed holographic optical elements (HOEs) were incorporated into a single sheet of Bayfol HX^? film, laminated with Eastman¡¯s new developed interlayer stack, achieving the industry's largest field of view.

This achievement was enabled by combining ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s expertise in photopolymer films, Ceres¡¯ digital mastering and HoloFlekt^? roll-to-roll replication system, which produces finished films up to 1400mm wide, and Eastman¡¯s solutions to encapsulate functional films into automotive approved laminates.

¡°This agreement solidifies our collaboration and moves us closer to delivering a full-stack solution for innovative display implementations,¡± said Hemant Dandekar, Eastman's global commercial director of automotive for advanced materials, interlayers. ¡°With the building blocks and relationships in place, we¡¯re excited to define a path to viable holographic transparent displays globally.¡±

¡°Our Bayfol^? HX enables next-generation truly transparent projection displays for windshields while meeting the high automotive safety requirements.¡± said G¨¹nther Walze, Head of Holographic Lightguiding at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°With the necessary establishment of hologram mastering and scalable mass-production replication equipment by Ceres, combined with Eastman¡¯s windshield lamination technology, this innovation is ready for deployment to end customers.¡±

¡°We have been working closely with global OEMs for years and are now at a tipping point for adoption and scaling of this display technology,¡± said Andy Travers, CEO of Ceres Holographics. ¡°This is being driven by a combination of a desire for more safety-oriented and intuitive information display features, pressure from safety regulators to reduce driver distractions, and the accelerated pace of innovation and associated need for differentiation among a new generation of car makers.¡±

This agreement joins the material expertise of ÃÜÌÒAV, Eastman¡¯s interlayer solutions and encapsulation know-how, as well as Ceres capabilities in mastering and high-volume manufacturing technology for the successful commercialization and industrialization of holography in transparent displays for windshields.

A fully functional transparent display windshield demonstrator laminate will be showcased at CES 2025 in both the Eastman/Ceres Holographics demonstration suite at The Venetian Hotel - Murano suite, #3201A, and ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth in the North Hall, location #8311.

Since 2020, ÃÜÌÒAV has been partnering with Ausell to recycle 1 million 19-liter polycarbonate water barrels annually, converting them into high-performance post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates for various industries such as electronics, home appliances and automotive. With this strengthened collaboration, Ausell will supply recycled polycarbonates derived from discarded automotive headlamps, which ÃÜÌÒAV will then process into high-quality PCR materials for automotive engineering applications. This partnership marks a further step to effectively closing the plastics recycling loop within the automotive sector, reducing waste and carbon emissions while enhancing resource efficiency.

Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV, said: ¡°We are excited to deepen our partnership with Ausell as we work closely with our value chain partners to accelerate the circular transformation of the automotive industry. Together, we are committed to pioneering sustainable solutions that will lead the way toward a circular and climate-neutral future.¡±

Xia Wenjun, CEO of Ausell, added: ¡°Our enhanced collaboration with ÃÜÌÒAV represents a significant step toward achieving our shared vision of a circular economy. By turning end-of-life automotive components into valuable resources, we are not only reducing waste but also contributing to the development of sustainable materials for future vehicle production.¡±

The automotive industry, facing increasing regulatory pressures for sustainability, as well as following their own roadmap to ¡°close the loop¡± of materials, is looking for robust and adapted solutions to their challenges.

This collaboration positions ÃÜÌÒAV and Ausell at the forefront of efforts to develop compliant, high-performance materials while addressing the challenges of plastic waste management and resource utilization in the automotive industry. The recycled polycarbonates will not only enhance the sustainability of automotive components but also demonstrate the potential for high-value recycling solutions.

¡°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.

¡°We are excited to partner with Li Auto and support their pursuit of intelligence and electrification in automobiles,¡± said Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at ÃÜÌÒAV, during the MOU signing event at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s integrated production site in Shanghai. ¡°By leveraging our expertise in engineering plastics and circular solutions, we aim to enable innovative future-oriented mobility solutions and reshape automotive material cycles, driving the industry towards a smarter and more circular economy.¡±

Under the MOU, ÃÜÌÒAV and Li Auto will establish a ¡°Joint Innovation Platform¡± to drive the development and application of more sustainable engineering plastics with alternative feedstocks, such as bio-waste and recycled sources, across various automotive components. Key initiatives will involve integrating materials attributed with bio-circular content through mass balancing into automotive lighting, functional interior and exterior parts, and smart system components. The two sides also agreed to explore innovative processes and business models for using recycled lighting materials in new automotive parts together with value chain partners.

Under the joint platform, the two sides also seek to deepen their collaboration in developing lighting, smart systems, and thermal management solutions. This will include high-performance optical-grade materials, smart surface technologies and thermally conductive solutions.

¡°Li Auto is dedicated to implementing the ¡®Smart + Electric¡¯ strategy with innovative materials and designs, aiming to offer users a safer, more comfortable, convenient and refined travel experience,¡± said Liao Mengjun, Vice President of R&D Operations at Li Auto. ¡°Our partnership with ÃÜÌÒAV will expedite our exploration in advanced materials, supporting the ongoing enhancement of user product demands.¡±

During the event, the two parties also unveiled two jointly-developed, industry-leading materials: innovative light-diffusing and infrared-transparent Makrolon? polycarbonates. The light-diffusing polycarbonate allows for a more refined and evenly-distributed illumination effect for smart headlights. Meanwhile, the new infrared-transparent polycarbonate achieves a high transmittance of over 85 percent in the near-infrared spectrum. Compared to conventional black polycarbonate, which absorbs solar energy across the entire spectrum, this new material significantly enhances the light aging resistance of components, contributing to greater durability for the smart headlights of Li Auto.

In line with trends toward lightweight and customized designs in the athletic shoe market, ÃÜÌÒAV has launched the Dispercoll^? U high-performance waterborne polyurethane adhesive solution. It is specifically engineered for bonding-challenging special shoe materials and can enhance manufacturing efficiency while supporting energy savings and carbon reduction. With exceptional initial tack performance, the solution can bond lightweight, temperature-sensitive substrates and accommodate innovative shoe designs, resulting in smoother handling and increased productivity. Additionally, its activation temperature can be reduced from 55¡ãC to 35¡ãC, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions during the thermal activation process.

Furthermore, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed the Dispercoll^? U PLUS waterborne footwear adhesive solution in response to the footwear industry¡¯s growing interest in one-component solutions that simplify the bonding process. This solution streamlines shoe manufacturing, conserves equipment and labor, reduces material waste, and is also suitable for automated bonding processes. With proven hydrolysis resistance and bonding strength, this solution effectively reduces the risk of debonding in high-performance athletic shoes, thereby extending their lifespan.

Addressing the design trends in the automotive interior segment, ÃÜÌÒAV has launched the Dispercoll^? U bonding solution for automotive interior lamination, featuring enhanced heat resistance. By balancing good initial bonding strength with exceptional initial heat resistance, the solution effectively meets the stringent requirements for bonding complex, three-dimensional trim parts under high tensile strength, making the lamination process more efficient. This makes it particularly suitable for applications in 3D-shaped interior trim parts, such as armrests with novel designs and large curved seat back covers. Compared with the majority of marketed solutions, Dispercoll^? U demonstrates superior performance in both green and final heat resistance, better meeting production and application needs by reducing risks such as rebound and bulging.

ÃÜÌÒAV has also introduced an upgraded version of Dispercoll^? U PLUS waterborne polyurethane adhesive solution for automotive interiors. It significantly improves heat and climate resistance, addressing the challenges of aging in automotive interiors due to extreme heat and ensuring long-term stability in adhesive bonding performance. It also offers improved storage stability.

Enhancing localization to serve the coatings and adhesives industry

These innovative adhesive solutions were developed at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s Asia-Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai. Furthermore, to better serve regional customers, the company now locally produces about 75 percent of its products sold in the coatings and adhesives industry across Asia Pacific.

¡°Over time, ÃÜÌÒAV has expanded our localized R&D and production capacity in Asia Pacific, building an efficient regional innovation and supply network with consistent high quality. This has effectively supported our coatings and adhesives customers in operating and expanding in their respective markets,¡± said Li Jinqi, Vice President of Coatings and Adhesives Greater China at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We¡¯re also pushing forward with our digitalization strategy throughout product development to significantly improve the efficiency of product innovation.¡±

For example, at the Asia-Pacific Innovation Center, ÃÜÌÒAV has developed new digital testing equipment and solutions for assessing initial bonding strength in footwear, replacing traditional subjective manual methods. This digital tool ensures objective, scientific and accurate test results through micromechanical analysis of the adhesion process, helping to shorten the product development cycle and meet customers¡¯ needs for rapid development and launch of high-quality products.

Baypreg? STM employs the Spray-Transfer-Molding process, where PU resins are sprayed onto glass fibers and molded into battery covers, enabling efficient production of composite components. Developed in collaboration with , a Tier 1 supplier of automotive parts and battery packs to Chinese and international OEMs, this solution represents a significant advancement that is also cost-effective.

Solution for lighter and high-performance battery covers

This PU solution reduces battery cover weight by more than half compared to traditional steel shell materials. As a non-metallic material, the Baypreg? battery cover inherently offers superior anti-corrosion and insulation properties, effectively preventing electric arcing. When compared with non-metallic options, it outperforms in terms of surface smoothness and airtightness. It also demonstrates high strength meeting tough requirements from OEMs.

¡°As the inventor of polyurethanes, ÃÜÌÒAV brings decades of expertise in the automotive industry, with PU solutions enhancing both driving and riding experiences in automotive interiors and exteriors. We can now extend this expertise to NEVs as well,¡± said Akhil Singhania, Global Head of PU Specialties at Tailored Urethanes, ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°The Baypreg? STM solution showcases ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s ability to deeply understand evolving market needs and rapidly innovate cutting-edge material solutions. Our goal is to deliver lighter, more efficient, and sustainable solutions through continuous technological innovation.¡±

The NEV industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. According to the China Passenger Car Association, NEV sales accounted for 51 percent of total passenger car deliveries in China in July 2024, outnumbering those of internal combustion engine vehicles for the first time.

Diverse applications for ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s PU composites

At the CCE, ÃÜÌÒAV will also showcase its PU composite solutions across various sectors. For instance, PU composites are widely utilized in photovoltaic (PV) modules to enhance efficiency and quality. Specifically, PU frames combined with coatings solutions from ÃÜÌÒAV offer superior corrosion and weather resistance for PV modules, PU profiles excel in insulation and mechanical performance in energy storage batteries, and transparent front sheets based on composites enable high light transmittance while demonstrating exceptional strength for solar panels. 

Additionally, in construction, PU windows and doors are ideal for nearly zero-energy buildings due to their excellent insulation. In infrastructure projects, PU composites are widely used in power poles, railway sleepers and cable trays for their durability, weather resistance and low maintenance costs.

To learn more about ÃÜÌÒAV's PU composite applications at the China Composites Expo, visit the company¡¯s booth 7R19 in Hall 7.1 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from September 2 to 4, 2024.

The film documents the development of the innovative solar racing car ¡°ÃÜÌÒAV Adelie¡± and the participation of the team of around 50 students in the Bridgestone Solar World Challenge 2023 in the Australian outback. Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative high-performance materials from ÃÜÌÒAV, the students have designed an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly racing car. The solar racer paves the way for the development of environmentally friendly vehicle technologies.

From design to the race track

The documentary follows Team Sonnenwagen from the design of the ¡°ÃÜÌÒAV Adelie¡± through to qualifying and then the race across Australia. In addition to the technical aspects of the racing car, the documentary also focuses on the emotions, challenges and tireless team spirit behind this ambitious project. In addition to the interviews with the dedicated students, numerous experts also have their say, including the renowned science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar, the Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport in NRW, Oliver Krischer, the former Opel boss and CEO of Continental, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, and Sucheta Govil from ÃÜÌÒAV.

Available online on YouTube

¡°We are extremely proud that there is a documentary about our team and the great work of the past two years. This project is so important because it can play a small part in solving an important sustainability problem - greenhouse gas-neutral mobility,¡± says Sonnenwagen team leader Leonie Brandt.

The documentary ¡°SONNENWAGEN - Future Mobility¡± will be available online on from August 27, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. The trailer is already available .

The automotive supplier Webasto has developed the prototype of a Roof Sensor Module (RSM) in an elegant design. It is equipped with a polycarbonate panel for aesthetic and seamless integration of sensors for automated and autonomous driving. For the module¡¯s bezel, ÃÜÌÒAV supported with its injection molding expertise at the technical center at its Headquarters in Leverkusen.

The bezel is produced on ÃÜÌÒAV's 2300-ton injection molding machine. The first shot is made of the transparent polycarbonate Makrolon^? AG, which is highly permeable to various sensor signals. For the second shot, the black, mineral-reinforced PC-ABS Bayblend^? T95 MF is used. Thanks to the combination of both materials, the roof module meets high mechanical requirements while offering an attractive design with glass-like surfaces and transparent sensor windows.

Integration of components and coating

In addition, the combination of these materials provides the necessary design freedom for the integration of all relevant electronic and mechanical components. Many of such parts are furthermore attached by elements that are formed in the second shot. Suitable potential coating systems for the RSM are polysiloxane coatings, which are sprayed via a high-speed rotary bell to ensure homogeneous layer thicknesses over the entire component surface.

In use, radar and lidar sensors, as well as cameras, measure the distance and speed of objects in front of and next to the vehicle and also reliably detect traffic lights, traffic signs and road markings. In order to function optimally, the temperature of the electronics must be regulated. This is ensured by an integrated thermal management system. The high heat deflection resistance of polycarbonate ensures that the roof module remains in shape even at high outside temperatures and strong sunlight and that the functionality of the sensors is not impaired.

The Makrofol^? ST polycarbonate film, which is introduced in specific sections and is characterized by a defined transmission spectrum in the visible and infrared range, enables a seamless design with high transparency for LiDAR signals. In addition, the film serves as a carrier for Canatu's transparent heating system. This de-icing function as well as the specially developed cleaning system ensure flawless operation even under adverse weather conditions.

All in all, this development offers not only a portfolio of engineering solutions, but also concepts for developers of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) who need reliable and cost-effective bezels for their 3D imaging systems.

At the international VDI Congress PIAE on June 19 and 20, 2024 in Mannheim, Germany, ÃÜÌÒAV expert Christoph Klinkenberg and Head of Research and Development Magnus Sviberg from Webasto Roof & Components SE will give a presentation on this development on June 19 from 12:15 p.m. The co-author is Rainer Hagen from ÃÜÌÒAV. The company will also be exhibiting at the accompanying exhibition.

¡°Circularity requires cooperation, and this cooperation with our partners Neste and Borealis is testament to the possibilities at our disposal,¡± says Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We are creating options to turn old tires into new car parts again. With that, we are supporting our automotive customers and addressing an increasingly prominent question discussed across the value chain: How to match high-performance materials with recycled content? Projects like this can be the answer.¡±

As part of the collaboration, Neste turns liquefied discarded tires into a high-quality raw material for polymers and chemicals manufacturing and supplies it to Borealis. Borealis will then process the Neste-produced raw material into base chemicals phenol and acetone, which are supplied to ÃÜÌÒAV. ÃÜÌÒAV can use these materials to make polycarbonates. The share of recycled content is attributed via the mass balancing approach all the way to the final products using ISCC Plus certification.

The first products based on the collaboration are already available as each party has manufactured the first batch of their respective contribution to the project. Aside from polycarbonates, the project partners may also consider polyurethanes as a possible end product, which could also find its way into parts of the interior of a car. The companies emphasize that the potential to scale-up these types of developments should be considered when setting ambitious targets for future EU regulations, such as the End of Life Vehicles Regulation.

¡°We are demonstrating the importance of value chain cooperation to give new value to waste,¡± says Thomas Van De Velde, Senior Vice President Base Chemicals at Borealis. ¡°We are proud that Borealis, in collaboration with Neste, is able to play a role in this project, providing more sustainable solutions for polymer applications for ÃÜÌÒAV and its customers.¡±

¡°This project can serve as a blueprint when it comes to establishing circularity in the field of plastics in cars,¡± says Jeroen Verhoeven, Vice President Value Chain Development for polymers and chemicals at Neste. ¡°It shows how low-quality waste materials can be turned into very high-quality plastics. This is good news for the polymers and automotive industries as well as for the environment.¡±

The collaboration will be presented during the PIAE in Mannheim on June 19-20, 2024.

Under a joint pilot program initiated by German federal enterprise GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft f¨¹r Internationale Zusammenarbeit), ÃÜÌÒAV and partners will collaborate to establish closed-loop pathways for high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The goal is to create an efficient and sustainable automotive plastic recycling system, advancing the more sustainable ¡°transformation of the industry¡±. The pilot program was announced at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth during the CHINAPLAS 2024 international trade fair in Shanghai. Notable partners include leading automotive brand owners such as NIO of China and Volkswagen, Chinese recycling company GEM, and third-party certification bodies like T?V Rheinland.

"We are proud to partner with like-minded value chain allies to pioneer closed-loop plastic recycling in the automotive sector," said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV. "By leveraging our collective strengths and resources, we are confident in our ability to build a closed-loop for automotive plastics recycling, thereby reducing waste and carbon emissions at the source while improving resource use efficiency. Through this joint program, we aim to expedite the automotive industry¡¯s transition toward a more climate-neutral and sustainable future."

"The automotive industry stands as one of the most resource-intensive sectors globally, yet the potential of high-value plastics from ELVs remain largely untapped," said Martin Hofmann, Cluster Head in charge of Climate, Energy, Environment and Biodiversity at GIZ. "GIZ is steering an innovative endeavor to explore closed-loop pathways for high-value plastics from ELVs. I firmly believe that GIZ and our partners can forge a path towards the transition to a sustainable, circular economy."

As part of the pilot program, a team of professionals will explore methods to recycle and process waste polycarbonate components, such as end-of-life car headlights, into post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates. The recycled materials will then be reused for various interior and exterior vehicle applications, saving resources and reducing carbon emissions.

This could offer urgently needed long-term solutions for the automotive manufacturing industry, which seeks high-quality PCR materials that are compliant and high-performance amid increasingly stringent regulations. For example, in 2023, the European Commission proposed a new regulation to enhance the circularity of the automotive sector, mandating that 25 percent of the plastics used in a new vehicle must come from recycling, of which 25 percent must be recycled from end-of-life vehicles.

ÃÜÌÒAV will also be showcasing more solutions for the automotive industry at its booth at the CHINAPLAS 2024, such as an intelligent front grill and mono-material polycarbonate headlamp that are designed for a connected and circular future.

For a closer look at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s solutions at the CHINAPLAS 2024, visit the company at booth 7.2-C38, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from April 23 to 26, 2024.

Initial market engagement with automotive brand owners for a serial application of a high-purity polycarbonate is promising, it would represent having a transparent polycarbonate attributed with chemically recycled raw materials.

"We are very excited to expand our existing portfolio of more sustainable polycarbonates with this new product range, which marks another milestone in building the circular economy," explains Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV. "Together with our partners, we are already helping to conserve fossil resources and to give a second life to existing waste streams. We also support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals by providing materials that meet the highest purity standards."

Recycled raw materials in trend

More and more industries are asking for products with a specific proportion of recycled raw materials, also in the expectation of upcoming regulatory requirements or voluntary programs, such as the European End-of-Life Vehicle Directive under review (ELV) and the U.S. Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) for electronics products. The RP series offers identical quality as incumbent fossil grades and belong to ÃÜÌÒAV's CQ family. The company uses this suffix to identify products that contain at least 25 percent alternative raw materials. At certain sites, such as Krefeld-Uerdingen in Germany, the plastics in the new range are also produced exclusively using renewable electricity.

The input for Makrolon^? RP is provided by Neste and Borealis: Neste provides high-quality recycled feedstock for new polymers, which is then turned into phenol and acetone by Borealis before it finds its way to ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s site to produce Makrolon^? RP.

"Through chemical recycling, we can enable recycled content even for the most demanding applications," says Jeroen Verhoeven, Vice President Value Chain Development for Neste¡¯s polymers and chemicals business. "Therewith, we can help companies across various sectors to achieve their recycling-related targets ¨C and we are excited to see ÃÜÌÒAV put it into motion."

"Borealis is very happy to support ÃÜÌÒAV in this important initiative ¨C helping to provide credible sustainable solutions and demonstrating the importance of value chain cooperation to give new value to waste," says Thomas Van De Velde, Borealis Senior Vice President Base Chemicals.

In addition to applications in the automotive industry, ÃÜÌÒAV also wants to address other key industries such as the electrical & electronics and the healthcare industry. The aim is to manufacture high-quality and durable products with chemically recycled attributed feedstocks. At the end of a long usage phase, the plastics can still achieve a "third product life" through mechanical recycling and the further development of chemical recycling technologies.

The new series complements ÃÜÌÒAV's existing portfolio of more sustainable polycarbonates ¨C the mechanically recycled Makrolon^? R products and certified mass-balanced grades of the Makrolon^? RE series, which are produced using biowaste and bio-residues. The RE series are now also available with 25 percent renewable attributed sustainable share.

The first applications for the new grades could be in the electrical and electronics industry, as well as in healthcare. Both sectors are particularly well represented in Asia. For their use in housing parts, plastics of the new Apec^? XT line must above all offer freedom of design, dimensional stability, impact as well as chemical resistance and, in some cases, good flame retardancy.

There are also promising prospects for the copolymers in telecommunications and photovoltaics, for example in antenna housings, where weather-resistant, electrically insulating, ductile and flame-retardant materials are needed.

Further product innovations based on the new copolymer technology platform could focus on the automotive industry and infrastructure, where plastics from the new series have good prospects for use in housings for residential energy storage systems, charging stations and wall boxes, for example, thanks to their good electrical insulation properties, weather resistance and flame retardancy.

Apec^? XT grades will be designed to remain resilient even in the harshest conditions. The new copolymer technology enables the production of products that exhibit high impact strength even at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, these copolymers have improved chemical and ageing resistance, making them ideal for applications that require contact with aggressive cleaning agents and long durability in outdoor applications.

More sustainable products also available

APEC^? XT will also be part of the ÃÜÌÒAV CQ portfolio of more sustainable product solutions. In that regard, ÃÜÌÒAV will offer copolymer-based products in a version with up to 80 percent of ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balanced raw materials attributed from biowaste and bio-residues.

In addition, the company will offer products that incorporate recycled materials in order to also further reduce its environmental footprint. Moreover, due to its superior weatherability performance, the extended service life of APEC^? XT based products will improve product carbon footprint over its entire life cycle.

The advantages are obvious: customers do not need to invest in expensive prototype tools and replacement materials or in complex color matching processes. ÃÜÌÒAV expects that initial sampling loops can be carried out completely virtually to a certain extent ¨C this saves time and material resources. In future, the company will offer all services related to sampling under the Imagio^? CQ brand. The suffix "CQ" stands for Circular Intelligence and emphasizes that the technology makes its contribution to a circular economy in the form of significant material savings.

?Our strategy is to get in touch with our customers at an early stage of product design, when the first material specifications are being defined,? explains Dr. Tobias Rausch, Business Development Digital Sampling in the Engineering Plastics business unit at ÃÜÌÒAV and head of the project. ?We also want to facilitate collaboration between cross-site teams with new digital tools such as catalogs and material twins.?

Faster and more efficient

Customers' product development requirements are constantly growing: they want to be flexible in their choice of materials and increasingly value a more sustainable origin. At the same time, they want to bring their products to market faster while increasing efficiency and saving costs. In addition, they often work in several teams across regions, which need to communicate effectively with each other and also exchange sample parts.

The optimal solution for these requirements is to involve ÃÜÌÒAV and its Imagio^? CQ program at an early stage. This enables customers to make a material decision more quickly and generate and visually evaluate sample parts in the early stages of development. This saves time and costs during specification, and the suitability of more sustainable plastics can also be tested at an early stage. In the three-dimensional space of color, material and finish (CMF), the possibilities are almost unlimited.

The backbone of the digital solution is X-Rite/Pantone's Total Appearance Capture (TAC) technology, which captures optical properties such as color, gloss, transparency, translucency or texture of a specific material sample using an optical appearance measurement device. The data is stored in a special data format. This is supported by leading rendering software tools that ÃÜÌÒAV customers use for their design and marketing visualization. ÃÜÌÒAV's Color & Design Centers (CDCs) in Filago, Italy, Newark, USA, and the Caojing and Guangzhou facilities in China are already equipped with the technology to create digital twins of materials.

A new tool for sales and marketing to search for color combinations ¨C the Imagio^? Color Finder (ICF) ¨C also serves to achieve this goal. Overall, ÃÜÌÒAV expects a shift from costly color matching requests in the CDCs to existing color codes with a better search experience.

The Imagio^? CQ family has now been expanded to include a module called Imagio^? Optical Material Data. The target group here are experts from the field of development and simulation of optical components, i.e. vehicle headlights and interior lighting, as well as general lighting. The module is already being tested with customers and will be the first Imagio^? module to be available after the required registration. On the one hand, it will be possible to search specifically for optical material properties in our EP portfolio, and on the other, ÃÜÌÒAV will provide the necessary data for optical simulation programs such as Ansys Speos, Optis LightTools or customers' own simulation solutions.

"ÃÜÌÒAV understands the value chain and is not only a film producer but also an innovator and integrator," says Karine Benbelaid, Global Head of Medical Segment, Specialty Films, ÃÜÌÒAV. "The company has a long, successful track record driving industrial collaboration with converters, printers, OEMs, research labs and designers. We¡¯re highlighting a few of these collaborations at LOPEC 2024."

ÃÜÌÒAV is participating at LOPEC, the International Exhibition and Conference for Printed Electronics, in Munich, Germany from March 5-7 at Hall 0, Booth 612 (B0.612). The company will showcase a diverse range of polycarbonate (PC) films and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films for printed electronics manufacturing in healthcare and HMI (human-machine interface) applications in automotive and electronics design.

Smart patches and other healthcare applications

In the healthcare sector, smart medical skin patches help improve patient comfort and allow for enhanced remote monitoring, such as Electromyogram (EMG). While electronic patches are already used in many areas, such as patient monitoring, there is a growing need for digitization. With this in mind, ÃÜÌÒAV will display a smart patch for early detection of ostomy bag leaks, developed with Witte Technology GmbH and Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG.

People with artificial intestinal outlet (stoma) use ostomy bags, which collect the gut and bowel liquid. These bags can sometimes leak, which can be associated with discomfort for the patient. For that reason, early detection is crucial to patient comfort. Using a sensor array printed on a medical grade Platilon^? TPU film, the smart patch on display can detect any leakage between the artificial intestinal outlet and the ostomy bag. The patch is designed for retrofitting an ostomy bag and can be integrated into existing ostomy bag solutions.

"The excellent collaboration among Witte Technology, Lohmann, and ÃÜÌÒAV has yielded a groundbreaking solution: a smart patch for early ostomy bag leakage detection," says Dr. Volker Lutz, Head of New Business Development, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG. "With its innovative sensor array on medical-grade Platilon^? TPU film, this smart patch promises enhanced comfort and peace of mind for ostomy patients around the world."

The following applications are also on display:

• Smart EMG wearable patches for biosignal acquisition made with Platilon^? 5302 MR7X, courtesy of Nile AB (Linxens Healthcare)
• Platilon^? TPU films with excellent printability for silver-based inks, which ensure high conductivity

HMI for automotive and electronics applications

LOPEC attendees will also see HMI applications for automotive and electronics designs enabled by in-mold electronics (IME). The feasibility of these technologies for mass production will be demonstrated using examples of the design of intelligent surfaces and innovative lighting.

The ?smart surface? demo, jointly developed by ÃÜÌÒAV and TactoTek^?, will demonstrate the use of Makrolon^? polycarbonate resin and Makrofol^? PC film technology to bring electronics into thin, durable and seamless 3D plastic surfaces by Film Insert Molding (FIM) technology.

An innovative lighting project for surfaces called ¡®Jenny¡¯ will also be on display. Jenny was developed by TactoTek^? and Novem using ÃÜÌÒAV materials and consists of real wood laminate and areas of triangular PC overmolds and wood. This structure provides seamless, even lighting in a high-quality design.

"We are thrilled to reveal ¡®Jenny¡¯, our extraordinary lighting concept. The A-Surface can be customized for an ultra-premium feel and finish", says Paavo Niskala, SVP IMSE Technology, TactoTek^?. "By integrating Makrofol^? and Makrolon^? layers, along with different surfaces, we have achieved an unparalleled fusion of innovation and elegance."

At LOPEC 2024, ÃÜÌÒAV will display a LiDAR cover lens, engineered with Canatu, featuring Makrolon^? AG polycarbonate resin and Makrofol^? PC film with an integrated heater. This collaboration enhances Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems for modern vehicles, ensuring reliability in harsh weather by combining ÃÜÌÒAV's thermoplastics expertise with Canatu's carbon nanotube (CNT) transparent film heater.

Hear from a ÃÜÌÒAV expert

At LOPEC 2024 Congress, ÃÜÌÒAV expert Karine Benbelaid will give a lecture on March 5, room 13b at 9:05 a.m. CET, entitled, ¡°Turning Medical Devices Smart and Circular".

Building upon previous sustainable sourcing efforts, this marks the first major procurement agreement involving chemically recycled, circular-based raw materials for ÃÜÌÒAV, a major step in the company¡¯s journey towards full circularity. It also helps reduce scope 3 emissions for ÃÜÌÒAV and its customers.

"The ability to source raw materials from used plastics for the manufacture of our products makes a decisive contribution to realizing our vision of a circular economy," said Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at ÃÜÌÒAV. "This is because such raw materials not only enable the reuse of used plastics, but also have a lower carbon footprint, which leads to more sustainable end products."

Benzene and toluene are important raw materials in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s manufacturing processes used for the production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), respectively. MDI and TDI are critical raw materials used to produce rigid and flexible polyurethane foams, which are used in applications such as household appliance and building insulation as well as furniture and car seats.

Benzene can also be used for the synthesis of phenol and acetone ¨C raw materials for making polycarbonate plastics such as Makrolon^?, which are used in high-quality applications for the automotive, electronics, IT and other industries.

Encina¡¯s proven proprietary catalytic technology produces circular feedstock with a lower carbon footprint when compared to those based on fossil fuels and an exceptionally high yield.

"Encina is proud to be working with ÃÜÌÒAV, a company with a long track record of innovation and commitment to sustainability. This agreement represents the beginning of what we hope to be a long-standing partnership between our companies as we work to create a truly circular economy and realize a future in which nothing is wasted," said David Roesser, Chief Executive Officer of Encina.

ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s vision to become fully circular is predicated on four key drivers: the use of alternative raw materials, innovative recycling and renewable energy, as well as engaging in joint solutions. The agreement with Encina represents a pioneering milestone for incorporating innovative recycling technologies, in this case chemical recycling of end-of-life plastic, into ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s production.

ÃÜÌÒAV is already making an important contribution to more sustainable vehicles and infrastructure with innovative material solutions. In this context, the company is also working in close partnership with Team Sonnenwagen, a team of around 50 students from RWTH Aachen University and Aachen University of Applied Sciences. It is dedicated to developing racing cars that are powered solely by the sun. ÃÜÌÒAV shares the students' enthusiasm because the racing cars, with their high efficiency and use of new technologies and materials, are a powerful symbol of the mobility of the future. That is why ÃÜÌÒAV is supporting the team as the main sponsor with material solutions and technical exchange for another two years.

"In order to create a climate-neutral and circular mobility of the future, business, politics and society must pull together. At ÃÜÌÒAV, we are contributing to this transformation by offering the automotive industry raw materials based on biomass or recyclates and manufacturing our products as energy-efficiently and with as few emissions as possible," said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer, during the discussion. "At ÃÜÌÒAV, we want our production to be climate-neutral by 2035 and are relying on energy from renewable sources and innovative process technologies to achieve this."

ÃÜÌÒAV's material developments focus on solutions for the major trends of electromobility, autonomous driving and the need for individualization. These include material solutions for compact, powerful and safe batteries for electric cars and robust charging systems, plastics for connected mobility and the Internet of Things, as well as various products for aesthetic and functional automotive interiors and exteriors.

ÃÜÌÒAV has been supporting Team Sonnenwagen in the development of ever more efficient solar racing cars since 2017. The students are working together in a wide range of disciplines to improve the aerodynamics, optimize the chassis and install a particularly efficient photovoltaic system and battery. Participants at the NRW Mobility Day were able to take a look at the ÃÜÌÒAV Photon, the predecessor model to the current Adelie racing car, and talk to team members. With the Photon, Team Sonnenwagen became European champion at the European solar race in Zolder, Belgium, in September 2022.

Since the new dispersion has the same outstanding properties as the established one, as well as a high solids content of 55 percent, customers can now replace Impranil^? DLU one-to-one with Impranil^? CQ DLU in their processing operations ¨C and thereby easily achieve an additional increase in textile coating sustainability. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key purchasing criterion not only for the industry, but also for brand owners and consumers. CQ stands for "Circular Intelligence". The core idea of the CQ concept is to label ÃÜÌÒAV products if the alternative raw material base exceeds a content of 25 percent, as in this case.

As the raw material for INSQIN^? technology, the established Impranil^? DLU already enables aqueous textile coating without the use of solvents. The ecological footprint of such a coating is significantly lower than that of solvent-based systems. "With the innovation Impranil^? CQ DLU as part of our Impranil^? CQ portfolio, we are now enabling the textile coatings industry to take the next step towards more sustainability through the increased use of renewable resources," says Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at ÃÜÌÒAV.

Impranil^? CQ DLU is suitable, among other things, for producing synthetic materials for sports articles, technical textiles, car interiors, and bags. Properties of coatings based on the new high-performance dispersion include excellent hydrolysis resistance, very good lightfastness, as well as high tensile strength and scratch resistance. In addition, the coatings have a pleasant feel and good alkali resistance. Impranil^? CQ DLU can be used for both the intermediate coat and the top coat. The dispersion can be applied in various ways: The spectrum ranges from direct or transfer coating to printing processes and microfiber dipping.

Visit us at the Automotive Interiors Expo

From December 5 to 7, 2023, visitors to the Automotive Interiors Expo in Stuttgart can explore the new PU dispersion for themselves: A car interior door panel coated with Impranil^? CQ DLU will be demonstrated at the ÃÜÌÒAV exhibition stand no. 3424 in Hall 3.

Joining forces for global automotive advancement

ÃÜÌÒAV excels in offering a diverse array of solutions for the automotive industry. Polyurethane, invented by Otto Bayer at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s predecessor company Bayer, is the vital material for automotive interiors. Polyurethane-based automotive interior applications, such as instrument panels, door panels, and center armrests, offer a soft, tactile feel, enhancing the comfort of both drivers and passengers. Polyurethane materials are known for their lightweight properties, minimal odor, and low levels of volatile organic compounds. These attributes create a comfortable and environmentally compatible interior environment, answering key demands of the automotive industry.

Having cultivated a successful cooperation with Xinquan for ten years, ÃÜÌÒAV possesses a deep understanding of the evolving requirements of Chinese enterprises striving to expand their global presence. Xinquan¡¯s global expansion strategy involves localizing research, production, and sales, in the respective regions. Its plant in Mexico has already started production last year, and there are plans for a North American technical center along with new facilities in Europe and ASEAN.

ÃÜÌÒAV is well-equipped to effectively support Xinquan¡¯s global aspirations. With its focus on innovation and research, ÃÜÌÒAV has established ten innovation hubs across America, Asia and Europe. Furthermore, ÃÜÌÒAV operates production facilities in Mexico and the U.S., where they have delivered polyurethanes to Xinquan¡¯s new plant in Mexico. The partnership exemplifies the effectiveness of globalization in driving innovation and highlights ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s commitment to globalization and expanding its presence in key markets.

"ÃÜÌÒAV thrives on dynamic global partnerships, fueling innovation and tailoring solutions for the automotive industry. Together, we power our customers¡¯ global expansion and zero-carbon journey. At ÃÜÌÒAV, customer centricity isn¡¯t just a phrase ¨C it¡¯s our energizing force, creating unmatched value through vibrant collaborations," said Christine Bryant, Head of the Tailored Urethanes Business Entity at ÃÜÌÒAV.

Low-carbon polyurethane solutions for auto interiors and new energy vehicles

Expanding their technical collaboration, ÃÜÌÒAV and Xinquan will harness ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s global R&D capabilities to develop low-carbon polyurethane solutions for vehicle interiors by using partially bio-based raw materials. Besides, the cooperation extends to the development of polyurethane applications for electric vehicle battery packs. This partnership is intended to assist the automotive industry in attaining its carbon reduction objectives and embracing circular economic practices.

"During Xinquan¡¯s global expansion, we have worked with ÃÜÌÒAV closely to share resources and complementary advantages. By improving production efficiency and quality, reducing costs and risks, Xinquan has strengthened its core competitiveness," said Zhihua Tang, Chairman of Xinquan. "With this new global partnership, we will jointly promote technological innovation and low-carbon applications of polyurethane materials to advance the sustainable development in the automobile industry."

For a closer look at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s solutions for a fully circular future at the CIIE, visit us at booth 3B6-05, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from November 5 to 10, 2023.

As automobile technology continues to progress in areas like integration, intelligence, electrification and data connectivity, the importance of displays as an interface for human-vehicle interaction is growing. Manufacturers not only need to ensure the reliability of these displays but offer flexibility in design to accommodate the rapid changes in new energy vehicles. In response, ÃÜÌÒAV has teamed up with CTOT, a leading manufacturer of backlight modules, to explore tangible solutions.

Since this year, the partnership has led to the release of Makrofol^? LM807, a high-quality PC light guide plate material designed for vehicle displays. Made with optically graded materials and processed with precision, Makrofol^? PC films demonstrate excellent optical and physical properties along with consistent quality. These features enable light guide plates to accommodate larger and thinner screens. This aligns with the growing trend for expansive displays in electric vehicles, thereby enriching user experiences in both intelligence and entertainment. An initial order of 20 tons of Makrofol^? LM807 has been placed by CTOT.

Enhanced partnership

The latest strategic agreement will further consolidate the partnership between the two companies and expand their joint efforts into high-end industrial control displays. The goal is to provide display module manufacturers with high-performance, flexible, and efficient solutions.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Caroline Wolff, head of Specialty Films in the Asia-Pacific region at ÃÜÌÒAV, said, ¡°ÃÜÌÒAV is committed to providing high-quality products and continually looks for the best application scenarios. Improving user experience remains a key focus of our efforts at Specialty Films. This partnership marks a comprehensive strategic collaboration in the field of vehicle displays, and we look forward to collaborating with like-minded companies such as CTOT to further industry development.¡±

Yao Bin, general manager of CTOT said, ¡°CTOT is dedicated to offering clients enhanced experiences and diverse choices. Our partnership with ÃÜÌÒAV stands as a model, encouraging the industry towards the adoption of innovative technologies. In collaboration with ÃÜÌÒAV, we aim to shape the future of vehicle displays.¡±

For a closer look at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s solutions for a fully circular future at the CIIE, visit us at booth 3B6-05, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from November 5 to 10, 2023.

The joint lab will mainly focus on the commercialization of low-carbon material solutions in future EV models and the establishment of relevant standards, as well as the development of next-generation smart surface technologies and battery solutions. This initiative builds upon a cooperation agreement signed between the two companies at the CIIE last year.

"We¡¯re delighted to deepen our collaboration with HiPhi," said Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ÃÜÌÒAV, during the unveiling ceremony at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth at the CIIE. "We set out to address the key challenges of future mobility with the launch of the joint lab. With our common commitment to pioneering low-carbon smart mobility and by combining our strengths and resources, we believe the lab will accelerate the automotive industry¡¯s transformation towards a smarter and climate-neutral future."

"HiPhi aims to redefine the luxury brand in the new era. We are accelerating the adoption of intelligent and low-carbon technology in smart EVs to provide global users with a safe, efficient and sustainable travel experience, thereby changing the future of mobility and contributing to society," said David Ding, Founder and CEO of HiPhi. ¡°ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s advanced material expertise is key to helping us achieve this vision. The establishment of our joint laboratory stems from ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s recognition of the innovative strength represented by HiPhi and other Chinese companies. We also aspire to empower our global partners and foster mutually beneficial relations through the CIIE.¡±

On display at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth at the CIIE is the HiPhi Y, the latest luxury SUV that incorporates advanced polycarbonate solutions from ÃÜÌÒAV, most notably in the headlamp and LiDAR lenses. As EV becomes increasingly smarter, the headlamp presents new opportunities in digital communication beyond lighting. On the HiPhi Y, the headlamp lenses are turned into a projector to display signs and patterns in front of the vehicle, creating an interactive interface with pedestrians and other vehicles. ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s high optical performance Makrolon^? AL solutions offer the needed dimensional stability, UV resistance and high transparency required for this application. In the LiDAR lenses, the Makrolon^? AX portfolio demonstrates superior performance compared to glass, including excellent infrared transmittance, shaping curved surfaces and impact resistance against stone chips. They can also endure the working environment of LiDAR at temperatures from 110 to 115 degrees Celsius for extended periods.

"As the mobility industry embarks on a journey towards carbon neutrality, the demand for circular, low-carbon footprint materials is growing rapidly and will only accelerate in the near future," said Lily Wang, President of the Engineering Plastics segment at ÃÜÌÒAV. "We hope to collaborate with more like-minded companies, like HiPhi, to accelerate the decarbonization trend and pioneer smart technology development at the same time."

HiPhi has been a long-term partner of ÃÜÌÒAV since 2018. ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s material solutions have been applied to HiPhi¡¯s flagship models, such as the polycarbonate solutions that enable a "smart" B-pillar equipped with complex functions in the all-electric SUV HiPhi X. HiPhi Z, a smart sports sedan, employs polycarbonate grades for the touchpad switch on its steering wheel ¨C enabling a futuristic interactive design ¨C as well as high performance waterborne polyurethane adhesives for auto interiors.

For a closer look at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s solutions for a fully circular future at the CIIE, visit us at booth 3B6-05, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from November 5 to 10, 2023.

¡°In the face of global challenges such as climate change, innovative materials like plastics are needed more than ever to drive progress towards a truly sustainable future ,¡± says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°China, with its ambitious climate targets, is a leader in dynamic markets like electric vehicles and renewable energy. We are eager to contribute our material expertise to aid the nation¡¯s transition, while driving fresh business momentum.¡±

Under the banner of ¡°Becoming Fully Circular and Climate Neutral,¡± ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s CIIE booth features dedicated areas, including ¡°Beyond Mobility¡±, ¡°Green Home¡±, ¡°Renewable Energy¡± and ¡°Fully Circular¡±. Several showcases will highlight the pivotal role of sustainable materials in these sectors. Additionally, a dedicated ¡°ÃÜÌÒAV Story¡± area shall engage visitors, particularly those outside the chemical industry.

Chemical recycling of polyurethane foams

The ¡°Fully Circular¡± zone will for example demonstrate advancements in recycling technologies and in the use of alternative raw materials. Notably, it will showcase a recycled foam created through ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s proprietary chemical recycling process. This groundbreaking process is capable of transforming end-of-life mattress foam directly into its core building blocks, breathing new life into old foam.

At the center of ¡°Beyond Mobility¡± stands Chinese EV maker HiPhi¡¯s latest luxury SUV ¨C the HiPhi Y. It extensively incorporates ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s advanced and sustainable material solutions in interior and exterior components. This includes the use of high optical performance polycarbonate in LiDAR lenses, taking advantage of the material¡¯s temperature resistance up to 115 degrees Celsius along with its excellent infrared transmittance, ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the entire system. The strengthened partnership builds upon a cooperation agreement signed between the two sides at last year¡¯s CIIE.

ÃÜÌÒAV also aims to foster collaborations for ultra-low energy buildings (ULEB). The company¡¯s materials can support making buildings more energy efficient and causing less emissions ¨C key to the sector, which is one of the major contributors of global emissions. ÃÜÌÒAV will for example show polyurethane pultrusion composites for window frames, and highly efficient building insulation solutions at the ¡°Green Home¡± zone. At this year¡¯s CIIE, the German materials manufacturer will sign agreements with Chinese real estate developers and value chain partners, forming multi-party business collaborations in this vital domain to expedite the adoption of sustainable solutions.

¡°The CIIE has consistently proven to be a highly rewarding endeavor for ÃÜÌÒAV. It offers a unique platform to strengthen partnerships and promote our approach to becoming circular and how we can support downstream industries to do the same,¡± says Holly Lei, president of ÃÜÌÒAV China. ¡°We are committed to delivering versatile solutions and exploring innovative business models in collaboration with value chain partners both within and beyond the CIIE venue, in support of China¡¯s sustainable development.¡±

The CIIE stands as the world¡¯s first national-level import-themed exhibition, an annual event since 2018. This year, it draws over 3,400 international exhibitors and is expected to host hundreds of thousands of visitors. The CIIE serves as a platform that fosters international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and open cooperation. China¡¯s ambitious climate goals, including reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060, carry global significance to meet the Paris¡¯ agreement and remain a consistent focal point in the exhibits and activities at the CIIE.

For a closer look at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s solutions for a fully circular future at the CIIE, visit us at booth 3B6-05, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from November 5 to 10, 2023.

"For me, Team Sonnenwagen had already won even before the race! Team Sonnenwagen had captured the hearts and minds and the collective enthusiasm of all ÃÜÌÒAV employees around the globe," says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of ÃÜÌÒAV. "The team grabbed its rightful first place in qualifying and set its sights on victory from the start from pole position. The ÃÜÌÒAV team was integral in its support. Yes, support to the students via innovative material developments but also fully involved throughout the race. And the Aachen-based team did its part: With their efficient car design and sophisticated driving performance, they led from the very front in performance, in design and in resilience, guts and stamina. I'm very proud of the team!"

"Of course, risk always rides along, especially if you want to achieve a top position," says Simon Zaers from Team Sonnenwagen. ¡°Nevertheless, our intensive development work of around two years really paid off, especially because we also attached importance to a safe design. It played its part in ensuring that no one was injured in the accident. We were also able to gain a lot of valuable experience for the construction of our next solar runabout, with which we would like to participate in the World Solar Challenge 2025. Together with the other teams, we continue to pursue our goal of enabling more sustainable mobility with innovative designs ¨C powered only by the power of the sun.¡±

ÃÜÌÒAV shares the enthusiasm of the Aachen team and has been supporting it as a main sponsor for around five years. The company is convinced that high-performance plastics are the key to climate-neutral and circular mobility in the future, and is working with customers and partners to develop material innovations and new recycling technologies to achieve this.

ÃÜÌÒAV also believes that the 50-strong Sonnenwagen team is on the right track in terms of cooperation: from development and design to the race itself, nine departments worked closely together to optimize aerodynamics and electrical engineering, the chassis, the powertrain and, not least, the driving strategy. The result after more than 200,000 hours of calculations for the outer shape and around 10,000 workshop hours for the body is impressive ¨C and weighs a lot: the structure of the Adelie weighs in at 16 percent less than its predecessor, and the chassis even weighs a fifth less. These improvements are also due to materials from ÃÜÌÒAV.

"After the race is before the race," sums up Lina Schwering, 1st Chairwoman of Team Sonnenwagen. "We will also learn from this competition and continue to optimize our design with a partially new team, just as the other teams are doing. There are very many parameters on whose interaction the race will be decided, and consistency and the will to consistently learn from experience will ultimately lead to the goal. However, this race has also shown us that in the end it also depends on a certain quantum of luck."

"The launch of our MCR production line marks another significant stride in our journey towards achieving a circular economy and operational climate neutrality by 2035," said Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of ÃÜÌÒAV. "Plastic waste recycling is pivotal in realizing this vision, and through the expansion of our recycled plastics production capacity, we aim to lead the way in driving sustainability across diverse industries."

ÃÜÌÒAV is committed to supplying over 60,000 tons of recycled-content polycarbonates annually in the Asia Pacific region by 2026, in response to robust market demand. Recently, the company also transformed an existing compounding line at its Map Ta Phut site in Thailand for mechanically recycled polycarbonate.

"These investments enable us to meet the rising demand for PCR polycarbonates, enhancing our capacity and efficiency. With new or repurposed capacity now operational, we are better positioned to assist our downstream customers in their journey towards more sustainable products, expediting the transformation of industries towards a circular and climate-neutral future," said Lily Wang, Head of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s Business Entity Engineering Plastics.

A broad range of PCR portfolio

The demand for such materials is surging on a global scale, driven by regulatory initiatives like the European Union¡¯s proposed Directive on end-of-life vehicles (ELV Directive), which sets strict benchmarks for the utilization of recycled plastics. Furthermore, industries like consumer electronics are poised for increased demand for recycled materials, especially those with a substantial recycled content.

These market dynamics underscore the significance of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s recent developments in providing PCR polycarbonates. Earlier this year, the company unveiled a polycarbonate boasting 90 percent recycled content. This grade not only attains outstanding whiteness and highly saturated colors but also touts a sustainable feature ¨C a 70 percent reduction in carbon footprint compared to its fossil-based virgin plastic counterpart. Achieving this remarkable accomplishment requires a meticulous selection of high-quality recycled materials and precise optimization of material composition during the compounding process.

Furthermore, ÃÜÌÒAV is actively engaged in pioneering the chemical recycling of polycarbonates. Having successfully developed an innovative process within the laboratory, the company is now embarking on the technical implementation of this breakthrough at a pilot scale.

Expansion of polycarbonate production capacity in Asia Pacific

After debottlenecking multiple production lines at the Map Ta Phut site in Thailand, ÃÜÌÒAV is nearing the final stages of a program to enhance polycarbonate production capacity and capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. This program also includes the addition of new production lines at sites in Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, as well as Greater Noida, India, in recent times. The combined additional capacity now exceeds 100,000 metric tons annually. These strategic projects, aimed at optimizing the regional production network, have been supported by using digital tools, which also reduced investment costs.

"In this way, we aim not only to meet the growing demand for polycarbonate in Asia, but also to offer our customers there an improved product quality," says Dr. Nicolas Stoeckel, Head of Operations in the Business Entity Engineering Plastics. "Depending on demand, the upgrades can be used for compounding recycled or conventionally produced polycarbonate." Therefore, both projects are also about improving ÃÜÌÒAV?s ability to produce more plastics with higher recycled content.
 

This site of Epurex Films, a wholly owned subsidiary of ÃÜÌÒAV, houses research & development, application development and production for the semi-finished products. The company has invested a low double-digit million Euro amount in the expansion of the center of excellence for TPU-Films.

The new capacity is intended to meet the growing global demand for multilayer TPU films. They are used in automotive interiors and construction, among other applications. Breathable, water-impermeable specialty films have also proven their worth in wound care and outdoor clothing.

"With this capacity expansion, we are strengthening our Bomlitz site and our position as a leading supplier of technical specialty films," said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, ÃÜÌÒAV's Chief Technology Officer, at the inauguration. "At the same time, we are investing in promising technologies and applications and creating new jobs."

For Aleta Richards, global head of the Specialty Films business entity, the expansion offers opportunities to respond even better to individual customer needs and offer more sustainable products. "For some time now, we have also been developing customer-specific solutions with films made from alternative raw materials, as we are also seeing increasing demand in this area. The development and production of partially biobased products is therefore to become a new focus at the Bomlitz site."

ÃÜÌÒAV is fully geared toward the circular economy and aims to become climate-neutral by 2035. In 2022 the Bomlitz site has switched its power supply completely to green electricity. Epurex Films is one of ÃÜÌÒAV's three competence centers for specialty films in Germany, along with Leverkusen and Dormagen.

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.

Dr. Christopher Stillings, Vice President and Global Head of Color & Design in the Engineering Plastics segment, offers support to designers: "ÃÜÌÒAV is not only a pioneer in the research and development of material technologies, but also has strong color and design teams worldwide. Our collaboration with RAL highlights the precision that our polycarbonate materials offer for color matching and the leading expertise of our color and CMF experts. Together, we are setting standards." The project is another example of the company's commitment to developing solutions and services in the CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design field.

"RAL offers professional color charts for the industrial design sector, which requires the highest level of color accuracy," says Markus Frentrop, Global Head of RAL Colours. "With the color matrix and RAL Trendbox, we offer designers a comprehensive color and material approach as part of our continued collaboration." The 15 trend colors in the RAL Trendbox are each available as D6 single sheets, plastic color samples, powder-coated metal sheets and designed textile surfaces. They can also be combined with each other. "The color effects between the different material types are precisely coordinated by RAL and the cooperation partners," says Markus Frentrop.

To ensure accurate and fast color matching, ÃÜÌÒAV's Color and Design Centers in Italy, Thailand, India and China worked together with RAL on solutions and were able to complete the precise matching of the 15 trend colors in a short time. ÃÜÌÒAV also uses the RAL color codes in its CMF trend reports for the automotive, electronics and appliance industries.

Live presentation on September 28, 2023

On September 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. RAL plans to inform the public about the RAL COLOUR FEELING 2025+ Trend Report and the RAL Trendbox. The presentation will be broadcast live from the ÃÜÌÒAV Campus building in Leverkusen via its channels at the following link: https://go.covestro.net/ralstreamenglish

It is not without reason that the 14 sensors and cameras are located in the roof module: At the highest point of the car, they are ideally positioned to provide a complete overview of the surroundings. The lightweight plastics also ensure a low center of gravity for the vehicle and thus better road holding. However, while technology developments for autonomous driving are making progress, previous solutions for positioning the sensors are often not yet visually satisfactory. Webasto has now presented a new concept that also meets demands for aesthetic vehicle architecture.

"We are proud to work with Webasto and other partners to develop innovative solutions for autonomous driving," says Dr. Fabian Grote, Head of Global Technical Marketing Mobility in ÃÜÌÒAV's Engineering Plastics segment. "The complete sensor technology is hidden under a seamless roof module made of Makrolon^? AG. Our plastic is lightweight, durable, robust and transparent, and offers an ideal solution for integrating sensors into vehicles. We are pleased to be contributing to more sustainable mobility."

The sensors and cameras measure the distance and speed of objects in front of and alongside the vehicle and also reliably detect traffic lights, traffic signs and road markings. To function optimally, they must not get too warm. This is ensured by a thermal management system from Webasto. Here, the high heat resistance of polycarbonate ensures that the roof module retains its shape even at high outside temperatures and in strong sunlight and does not impair the function of the sensors. Cleaning and de-icing systems, on the other hand, ensure flawless operation in winter.

Cooperations with leading automakers

ÃÜÌÒAV is also a leading supplier of material solutions for autonomous driving and is working with various partners on the use of special polycarbonate grades for the cover panels of LiDAR sensors. At the International Symposium for Automotive Lighting (ISAL) in Darmstadt, Germany, Sept. 25-27, 2023, the company will showcase a roof module equipped with LiDAR sensors from Chinese automaker Human Horizons.

Human Horizons is equipping its new HiPhi Z model with LiDAR sensors protected by a housing made of PC-PET Makroblend^? UT235 M. The optical signals from these sensors pass through a cover glass made of the special polycarbonate Makrolon^? AX ST, which ensures maximum efficiency.

A total of a dozen cameras and several LiDAR and RADAR sensors are installed in the Chinese luxury model. As a result, it achieves driving assistance level 3 of autonomous driving.

"I am amazed by the increased efficiency and energy savings you achieve with each new car model," said Chief Technology Officer Dr. Thorsten Dreier in welcoming the guests. ¡°The ÃÜÌÒAV Adelie shows on a small scale what high-performance plastics can do for a sustainable future on a large scale. We are convinced that they are the key to sustainable mobility. That's why we are consistently driving forward material innovations and recycling solutions together with our partners in industry and science.¡±

Optimization through teamwork

Even during the two-year development period of the ÃÜÌÒAV Adelie, the teamwork of around 50 students led to success: aerodynamics, electrical engineering, driving strategy, chassis, powertrain and structure interlock perfectly. More than 200,000 hours of calculations were required to optimize the exterior shape, plus 10,000 workshop hours for the body, and many more days for electrical and mechanical components and the development of the driving strategy.

"A lot of work, heart and soul and the concentrated experience from our three predecessor models have gone into the ÃÜÌÒAV Adelie," confesses Clemens Odendahl, head of marketing at Team Sonnenwagen. "Now we hope to win the Challenger class, in which we are the only German team competing. There, it's all about performance and maximum energy efficiency."

Thanks to the optimizations, the structure of the new model weighs 16 percent less than that of its predecessor, the Photon, and the chassis even has 20 percent less weight. This improvement is also due to some ÃÜÌÒAV materials, such as a battery cover made of the high-performance plastic polycarbonate and the construction of the seat shell with thermoplastic polyurethane. The Photon is also currently on campus and will remain there for some time.

More sustainable outfit

But the Aachen-based tinkerers are not only committed to more sustainability on the road ¨C their official outfit was also produced using alternative raw materials with fewer petrochemical components. Both the shoes and the shorts were provided by ÃÜÌÒAV's Chinese partner Huafeng. The two companies jointly developed a design for them using Huafeng's HAPTIC^? textile coating system, which is made with ÃÜÌÒAV's partially bio-based Impranil^? CQ DLS/1 polyurethane dispersion.

ÃÜÌÒAV wishes Team Sonnenwagen every success and victory in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. This time, 42 teams from 23 countries are taking part in what is probably the toughest solar car race in the world. Under harsh climatic conditions, they have to master the more than 3,000-kilometer route from Darwin to Adelaide as quickly as possible, right across the Australian outback.

"For me, the Sonnenwagen is a powerful symbol of future mobility, because it shows us that we need to ask crucial questions about materials science and design on the way there," said Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at ÃÜÌÒAV, in her welcoming speech. "For me, the Sonnenwagen team are exemplary for creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The students proved an impressive motivation and know-how to develop and optimize new ideas for solar-powered, light-weight electric vehicles."

Multidisciplinary team

As many as nine disciplines of the Aachen-based team were involved in the design: the chassis, aerodynamics, structure, electrical engineering, driving strategy, production, sponsorship, marketing and logistics departments. "Close and efficient cooperation between these areas is very important, because we want to compete in the Challenger class at the race, where the main focus is on performance and maximum energy efficiency," explains Lina Schwering, 1st Chairwoman of Team Sonnenwagen. "A lot of working time has gone into the Adelie, which we have invested alongside our studies and during our free time, and a lot of commitment and heart and soul."

In total, more than 50 teams from 24 countries are setting out on the more than 3,000-kilometer route from Darwin to Adelaide ¨C right across the Australian outback. There, people and models are exposed to very harsh climatic conditions with high temperatures and strong UV exposure from the sun during the race, but also during the preceding test drives. In addition, the vehicle is subjected to strong mechanical stresses that can affect the efficiency and performance of the battery.

Innovative materials

"The Sonnenwagen team therefore needed a lot of support in selecting the materials," says Andreas Brandt, Head of Group Marketing and project sponsor at ÃÜÌÒAV. "The new Sonnenwagen incorporates innovative products with different functionalities from various business segments, which are tested under track conditions."

For example, the aerodynamic outer shell was made from milled SikaBlock? polyurethane foam blocks from Sika, a long-standing partner of ÃÜÌÒAV and another sponsor of Team Sonnenwagen. The Leverkusen-based company provided raw materials for this and advised the team on the implementation. The Sikaflex? sealants for the solar cells are also based on components from ÃÜÌÒAV. Other examples include a plastic sheet made of polycarbonate for the battery enclosure and thermoplastic cushioning materials for the driver's seat trim.

"Pushing boundaries is what we at ÃÜÌÒAV have in common with the young talents of Team Sonnenwagen," says Sucheta Govil, summarizing her message. "We push the boundaries of innovation in materials, driven by our commitment to sustainable mobility of the future. With our products and solutions, we materialize the circular economy."

Aerodynamics, a low weight and minimal energy losses were high on the agenda when designing the hyper-efficient city vehicle. ÃÜÌÒAV supported the developments with its transparent and lightweight Makrolon^? AG RE polycarbonate. With its use in the front and side windows, the plastic helps the electric car weigh just 65 kilograms in total, making it lighter than its driver.

"I am very pleased with the ambition and courage of this young team, which is pursuing the same goal as our company: to commit to the most efficient and sustainable mobility possible," says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at ÃÜÌÒAV. "Similar to the 'Sonnenwagen' solar car project, we also support these students in exploring what is possible. In addition, we want to attract young people at leading universities to work with us on solutions for future mobility."

Makrolon^? AG ¨C the abbreviation stands for "automotive glazing" ¨C was developed for glazing vehicles and is characterized by transparency and light weight. "With the RE variant, we can further increase sustainability by making greater use of alternative mass-balanced raw materials from biowaste and residual materials, as well as renewable electricity for the production of the plastic," says Dr. Fabian Grote, Head of Global Technical Marketing Mobility in the Engineering Plastics segment. "In this way, we want to help make the circular economy a reality." The company's plastics have long been used in the automotive industry, enabling functional and more sustainable solutions with plenty of design freedom.

Less weight, improved aerodynamics

The results of the vehicle development are impressive: While muc023 traveled 242 kilometers on one kilowatt hour, today's electric vehicles can only cover a distance of 5 to 10 kilometers with this amount of energy. "In the new prototype, we have once again significantly reduced the weight of the chassis and suspension," explains Gleb Lialine, head of the TUfast team. "We also improved the aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.13, and finally installed a more powerful motor and optimized the electrical control system."

To challenge itself, the team takes part in international motorsport competitions, most recently the Shell Eco-marathon in Nogaro in southwestern France. At the Paul Armagnac race track, the Munich team competed against university teams from all over the world and came in 2nd place. In addition to the car's very good efficiency, a newly developed system for autonomous driving was also put to the test, which is operated with cameras and LiDARs as well as various sensors. For LiDAR system requirements, ÃÜÌÒAV offers polycarbonate plastics from the Makrolon^? ST (Sensor Transparent) product range that are transparent to the corresponding infrared wavelengths and allow sensors to be installed.

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.

With this installation, MM Design, in cooperation with ÃÜÌÒAV, offers an informative and experiential space to all visitors who want to interact with innovative materials, surfaces and colors. MM Design will present the new digital library mathub, which aims to consider product design not only as a formal approach, but also as a way to imagine innovative scenarios starting from carefully selected materials. Mathub provides the opportunity to offer the most suitable, safe and sustainable materials, as well as an extensive network of suppliers who can carry out customized processes for new combinations of materials. Visitors can also take part in guided tours at certain times.

Living, lifestyle, mobility

With Design Sprouts Material, ÃÜÌÒAV unfolds the range of its high-tech polymers and tells the story of their relationship with finished products, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the different areas where these products can be found: Home, Lifestyle and Mobility. For each product, the journey from idea to material to finished object is vividly explained in a story to capture the essence of the design process.

In the Lifestyle section is the CMF (Color, Material, Finish) section, which describes how the combined consideration of colors, materials and finishes determines the experience everyone has with the design objects they choose and use every day. This new design approach, which focuses on the sensory perception of material and object, is a reference point for the activities of the Color & Design Center, an international research center for color located in the heart of ÃÜÌÒAV's Italian plant in Filago.

To explain what the CMF approach means for design, ÃÜÌÒAV will present its Aesthetic Configurator, a digital tool that allows experimentation with infinite combinations of colors, materials and surfaces, as part of Design Sprouts Material. Featured objects include the Fairphone 4 smartphone, shoes and fashion accessories, truck tarps that can be recycled into other objects, and an innovative model of a wearable smartwatch, all based on ÃÜÌÒAV's Desmopan^? thermoplastic polyurethane.

The Mobility area is dedicated to materials and projects for vehicle interiors, an area that is developing extraordinarily in view of the transition to autonomous driving: In the future, the passenger compartment will become a living room on wheels, where comfort and the appearance of details and colors will become increasingly important. The polycarbonates of the Makrolon^? range and the polycarbonate films of the Makrofol^? range from ÃÜÌÒAV are playing a leading role in this context, thanks to their exceptional versatility and ability to transmit radiation, both in terms of illumination and the flow of information from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. ÃÜÌÒAV's thermoplastics are also protagonists in applications related to the electric car of the present and future, especially wallboxes, charging stations and examples of improved surfaces for data exchange in the residential and automotive sectors.

The Interior Furnishings area, on the other hand, will showcase examples of products made with innovative solutions from ÃÜÌÒAV, such as the recyclable monomaterial carpet made from Niaga^?. It will be complemented in the Interior Garden area by a design chair and sink made from Arfinio^?. This is a revolutionary material and innovative technology that for the first time allows the use of aliphatic polyurethanes in injection molding (RIM). It allows the production of objects of any shape in a single production step, with clear advantages in terms of lightness, resistance and maintenance compared to other solid surfaces.

"Thanks to this new milestone, ÃÜÌÒAV will soon be able to serve even more customers around the world with an easily accessible, more sustainable product portfolio," says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of ÃÜÌÒAV. "Customers in North America can now reduce their carbon footprint and Scope 3 emissions with drop-in, mass-balanced materials derived from recycled and bio-attributed products."

Learn more about ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s ISCC PLUS certification in the US: /en/company/covestro-worldwide/united-states/covestro-in-the-united-states/sustainability-and-innovation/iscc-plus-certification

ÃÜÌÒAV is the first manufacturer of polyurethane and polycarbonate raw materials to receive this certification in the United States. The certification is an important milestone for both ÃÜÌÒAV and the industries it serves, including the automotive, construction, comfort, electronics and appliance industries, which will now have access to ISCC PLUS-certified products made from more sustainable raw materials in North America.

To underscore how the products support both the company¡¯s vision to become fully circular and its customers' journey to greater sustainability, ÃÜÌÒAV has introduced a specially branded product line with the suffix "CQ". CQ, which stands for ?Circular Intelligence?, is a portfolio of products with attribution of at least 25 percent alternative raw materials derived from biomass or recycled plastics. 

ÃÜÌÒAV is also introducing the name Evocycle^? CQ for all evolutionary recycling processes. The first project of this kind is called Evocycle^? CQ Mattress and denotes an innovative chemical recycling technology for polyurethane mattress foam. ÃÜÌÒAV currently has more than hundreds of CQ products and is continuously expanding this portfolio.

The ISCC PLUS certified products produced at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s Baytown facilities will include: 
? Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) ¨C used primarily in the production of rigid polyurethane foam for efficient insulation of refrigeration equipment and buildings
? Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) ¨C used in the production of flexible foam for the automotive and furniture industries
? Makrolon^? RE ¨C polycarbonate, a high-grade plastic used in the automotive, electronics and medical industries, among others
? Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), Desmodur^? W and Desmodur^? Z ¨C used in various coatings and adhesive applications

ÃÜÌÒAV expects to begin supplying select ISCC PLUS-certified products from its Baytown facility in the second half of 2023.

The products will be produced using a mass-balance approach. Sustainable raw materials will be accounted for throughout both the value chain and production process, allowing for an accurate attribution in the end products. The existing production infrastructure will be utilized while reducing the carbon footprint of the final products.

ISCC is an internationally recognized sustainability certification for biomass and bioenergy. The standard applies to all stages of the value chain and is recognized worldwide.

"With this investment, we are strengthening our Solutions & Specialties segment and are committed to further expanding our growth businesses," says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of ÃÜÌÒAV. "At the same time, we are responding to an increasing demand and supporting the expansion of future technologies and industries."

"We want to drive growth in the polycarbonate films business with innovation and a strong customer focus," says Aleta Richards, Global Head of the Specialty Films segment. ¡°In doing so, we aim to intensify our collaboration with customers in the Asia-Pacific region and expand our product portfolio for the circular economy.¡±

Expanded range of films made from alternative raw materials

ÃÜÌÒAV already offers a whole range of , for example mass-balanced grades certified to the internationally recognized ISCC PLUS standard. Raw materials for these films are produced using biowaste and residual materials, which are taken into account in the value chain and in production and attributed to the products.

Since 2022, the Map Ta Phut site has also been ISCC PLUS certified, enabling it to manufacture and supply mass-balanced products. Customers can use these products in their established processes and apply them to meet their sustainability goals. In addition, ÃÜÌÒAV already offers a range of films made partly with plant-based raw materials or recycled plastics.

"In our studio, we offer solutions for current challenges, but also want to inspire our customers with visions for ambitious future goals. True to our motto 'Status Next,' we are our customers' partner in driving the circular economy in the coatings and adhesives industry to make our lives more sustainable," says Dickon Purvis, Head of Marketing in the Coatings and Adhesives segment at ÃÜÌÒAV. "Only in close exchange with external stakeholders can we identify trends early on and offer products and technologies tailored to future requirements."

In focus: circular economy, productivity and regulations

For the coatings and adhesives sector, as well as downstream industries, the transformation to a circular economy is key to combating climate change and conserving resources. As a leading raw material manufacturer, ÃÜÌÒAV is aware of the great responsibility it bears for optimizing these products so that they make an important contribution to the transformation as fundamental building blocks for coatings and adhesives formulations.

At the same time, it is important to maintain or even increase productivity at a high level to ensure growth and profitability in these industries. And last but not least, ÃÜÌÒAV wants to support customers in complying with stricter regulations and standards, with the aim of improving occupational safety and industrial hygiene. For all these goals, the company has set up the Status Next Studio platform to ensure lasting and strong customer relationships in an increasingly digitalized world.

The spectrum of applications and industries for ÃÜÌÒAV solutions is wide, ranging from future mobility, smart living and infrastructure development to sports and leisure, health and beauty, architecture and construction, printing and packaging. The offers highlight topics and best practice examples on the aforementioned focus areas and industries.

Webinars on key trends

ÃÜÌÒAV invites customers, partners and anyone interested to dive into the key trends impacting the world of coatings and adhesives. To this end, the company is offering three webinars in English on the following key topics:

Circular Economy 
Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 14:00 CET. 
Register at

Regulations 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 14:00 CET 
Register at

Productivity 
Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 14:00 CET 
Register at

In its , ÃÜÌÒAV invites participants to further webinars on overarching and strategic coatings and adhesives topics for various industries, where participants can directly exchange ideas with experts from the company.

The research project, called NALYSES, started in October 2022, is designed to last three years and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)¹. Miele is also involved in the project as an associated partner in order to evaluate the transferability of the results to the production of household appliances.

Modern materials such as the plastic polycarbonate fulfill important requirements in the development and design of today's headlights, including the transparent cover of such lighting systems. However, they also play an important role when it comes to their reuse, remanufacturing or end-of-life material recycling. Current developments are also aimed at a more sustainable raw material base.

"The focus of our involvement in this pioneering project is the design of a materials and recycling strategy. We have extensive expertise in this area," explains Jan Helmig, Global Technical Marketing Manager Lighting and Project Manager for NALYSES at ÃÜÌÒAV. "As part of the new project, we want to work with partners to develop a near-series solution that incorporates the entire product cycle."

Simplified recycling by focusing on one plastic

A few years ago, ÃÜÌÒAV already presented a visionary for the vehicle lighting of the future. The modular approach is based on different types of polycarbonate and reduces assembly steps, space requirements, costs ¨C and CO₂ emissions, as the weight of the prototype can be reduced by up to 1.5 kilograms compared to conventional solutions. The key, however, is focusing on one plastic, as this can reduce the labor required to separate, sort and store it in recycling streams without sacrificing performance.

ÃÜÌÒAV also offers more sustainable polycarbonate grades. These Makrolon^? RE products are climate neutral² from cradle to ÃÜÌÒAV?s factory gate, thanks to the use of renewable electricity for its own production processes and the introduction of raw materials derived from mass-balanced biowaste and residues.

In the future, lighting systems are to be designed in such a way that they can be recycled at the highest possible value-added level. This also includes the reuse of entire assemblies. As part of the NALYSES project, ÃÜÌÒAV is supporting these developments, including the evaluation of technologies for materials recycling. The company is also responsible for characterizing and optimizing material properties and is working to extend the service life of headlights with the help of suitable materials.

Digital twin

The new project looks at the entire value chain from raw materials to design and overall system requirements, as defined by car manufacturers such as BMW. The development and analysis of a digital twin ensures the assessment of recyclability and carbon footprint at any stage of the development process. In this way, less sustainable developments can be avoided even before design and production.

_{¹ Funding measure on "Towards sustainable mobility through circular value creation (MobilKreis)", funding code: 02J21E105. The abbreviation NALYSES stands for the German translation of "Sustainability-Optimized Life Cycle Assessment of Technologically Highly Complex Products Using the Example of Automotive Lighting".}

_{² The "climate neutral" rating is the result of an assessment of a subsection of the entire product life cycle. The section from resource extraction (cradle) to ÃÜÌÒAV's factory gate, including biogenic carbon uptake, was considered. The assessment is based on ISO standard 14040 and was critically reviewed for plausibility by T?V Rheinland.}

ÃÜÌÒAV will showcase a comprehensive range of specialty films for printed electronics at LOPEC 2023 in Munich, Germany, from February 28 to March 2. Attendees can find ÃÜÌÒAV in Hall B0 Booth 418 (B0.418).

"We¡¯re excited to participate for the first time in LOPEC, which is considered one of the world¡¯s leading gathering places for exchanging ideas and introducing technologies related to printed electronics," said Karine Benbelaid, Global Segment Lead, Medical, Specialty Films business, ÃÜÌÒAV. "We look forward to demonstrating our technical expertise and ability to drive industrial collaboration as we highlight our PC, TPU and specialty elastomer films that are tailored specifically for automotive, electronics, healthcare and consumer applications."

New TPU films and applications for smart skin patches

ÃÜÌÒAV will debut its new Platilon^? TPU grades for smart skin patch applications at LOPEC 2023. Not only can the new ranges of TPU films be printed with standard inks, but they also show good printability with silver-based inks. Printability with silver-based inks is important as it ensures good conductivity and allows sensor technology to be integrated more reliably. Additionally, the new TPU film grades can be equipped with a stiffer polypropylene carrier, which provides stability throughout the conversion process, especially during curing.

One of the new Platilon^? TPU grades is specifically suited for humid environments, often required for 24/7 worn medical patches. This range of substrates in medical quality is also available in a partially bio-based version. Another new Platilon^? TPU range features high mechanical strengths, opening up applications in a variety of devices. Nile AB (powered by Healthcare) selected this new material to produce wearable sensor patches.

"The future of printed wearables belongs to pioneering patches aimed at better patient comfort and enhanced accuracy," said Peter Nilson, CEO at Nile AB. "We chose to work with the new TPU substrate from ÃÜÌÒAV because it has been perfectly adapted for our unique converting process and printing of silver-based flexible circuits."

Booth visitors can also check out smart skin patches made jointly with , featuring two products: a Disposable patch, which houses sensors and is designed to be used once; and a ReUse patch, which houses the electronics and can be used repeatedly.

Smart material solutions for automotive and electronics

ÃÜÌÒAV will also highlight key Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications for automotive and electrics designs enabled by in-mold electronics (IME), including:

• A future-forward integrated automotive frontend concept for creating premium- and base-model designs
• Smart 3D plastic surfaces featuring injection molded structural electronics (IMSE^?) technology from combined with Makrofol^? PC film and Makrolon^? PC resin
  • A fully functioning, sleek automotive overhead control panel demonstrator
  • A smart surface controller device that meets tomorrow¡¯s design, sustainability and technology requirements

Hear from ÃÜÌÒAV experts

ÃÜÌÒAV will share its technical expertise through presentations given by ÃÜÌÒAV subject matter experts:

• Mikko Silvennoinen, global account representative, Specialty Films business, will give an oral presentation on TPU films for use in smart medical skin patches on Tuesday, February 28, in ICM Room 13b at 12:50 CET.
• Dirk Pophusen, global segment manager, Specialty Films business, will give an oral presentation on in-mold electronics film technology enabling future HMI solutions in automotive and electronics design on Thursday, March 2, in ICM Room 13a at 14:00 CET.

Circularise¡¯s blockchain-based digital system was tested with the ISCC PLUS certification to make auditing of certified parties more efficient, and to strengthen the integrity of certified data. Participants used a public blockchain enabling authentication, accessibility, decentralization, and encryption of data verifying material flows and related sustainability attributes. "We are excited to bring our knowledge in supply chain traceability and data management to project partners to test a public decentralised blockchain with the ISCC PLUS certification," said Mesbah Sabur, Founder of Circularise.

Material traceability and verification of data at individual sites and across the value chain are guaranteed by ISCC PLUS certification of each site of the operators, requiring site-specific audits, certification, and company-specific mass balance calculations to provide reassurance about the sustainable content. The data was uploaded to the Circularise software system to improve mass balance bookkeeping and reporting along the value chain through several companies.

"Certification will become more digital in the future. It will allow certification schemes to simplify the auditing process of supply chain actors and reduce the risk of mistakes. Companies will have an easier way to show compliance and adhere to auditing rules," says Jan Henke from ISCC. "We are excited to have tested Circularise¡¯s traceability software on ISCC procedures."

Digitized ISCC certification for ÃÜÌÒAV downstream customers

ÃÜÌÒAV joined the ISCC pilot to understand how they can more efficiently communicate their sustainability information to their downstream partners.

"With other Circularise pilot projects, for example with Porsche, we were able to communicate raw sustainability data without a problem, but we had not yet addressed sustainability certifications. In the ISCC pilot we have shown now how we can easily attach certifications that can be digitally carried all the way through the value chain from ÃÜÌÒAV to our downstream partners and finally to OEMs and beyond," explains John Fox from the Digital R&D area at ÃÜÌÒAV. The company is seeing increasing demand from customers and partners for a digital certification system that can validate material sustainability claims via a system like ISCC.

Mass balancing is an emerging concept, not yet fully understood on the consumer side. So, in order to help ISCC and the entire mass balancing approach to reach out further down the value chain, the delivery of digital certified information through a simple and compatible system can give downstream partners an easier and more recognized tool to communicate and share sustainability attributes externally, all the way down to the consumer.

In light of this, materials manufacturer ÃÜÌÒAV has formed a partnership with China¡¯s leading auto lighting supplier to build a closed-loop recycling business model that would guarantee the plastics recycled from the manufacturing of automotive lamps are both of high quality and traceable.

A long-standing partner of HASCO Vision, ÃÜÌÒAV has for many years been supplying the Chinese company with high-performance plastic material polycarbonates to manufacture automotive lamps. According to the new agreement signed at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth at the China International Import Expo, ÃÜÌÒAV will also join hands with other partners in the recycling industry to retrieve used plastics from HASCO¡¯s manufacturing sites before turning them into high-quality post-industrial recycled (PIR) polycarbonates and polycarbonate blends that HASCO can use to produce new automotive components.

¡°In line with the fully circular vision of ÃÜÌÒAV, we¡¯re thrilled to work with HASCO Vision to pioneer this innovative business model for the closed-loop recycling of post-industrial plastics,¡± said Lily Wang, Head of the Engineering Plastics segment at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°This collaboration, which allows full transparency and traceability along the value chain, will ensure the supply of consistently high-quality PIR plastics to meet the growing demands for more sustainable materials and lower emissions in the automotive industry. We look forward to working with more customers on similar initiatives that close the carbon loop.¡±

The closed-loop recycling of post-industrial plastics is an effective sustainability solution as such recycled materials have ¡°virgin-like¡± quality, are easily traceable and help reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles compared with conventional fossil-based materials.

"This innovative cooperation between HASCO and ÃÜÌÒAV breaks with convention in terms of raw materials supply as it focuses on using post-industrial recycled materials to create a circular economy," said Jinlong Ao, Deputy General Manager and Chief Technology Officer of HASCO Vision. "Together we are developing a closed-loop, win-win business model that could become the benchmark for low-carbon cooperation in the automotive industry."

ÃÜÌÒAV has for many years been focused on developing new innovative business models to promote the recycling of plastics. In 2020, the company struck up a partnership with China¡¯s leading beverage maker Nongfu Spring to recycle 19-liter polycarbonate water barrels into materials that can be used in the electrical and electronics, home appliances and automotive industries.

Human Horizons, the Shanghai-based parent company of HiPhi, is an innovative technology enterprise targeting the global market. As a long-term partner of Human Horizons, ÃÜÌÒAV has since 2018 been engaged in HiPhi¡¯s R&D process in the model design stage ¨C a breakthrough from tradtional way of collaboration along this value chain. ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s material solutions have been applied to HiPhi¡¯s flagship models, such as the polycarbonate solutions that enable a ¡°smart¡± B-pillar equipped with complex functions in the all-electric SUV HiPhi X. Advanced features such as facial recognition and display are embedded in the HiPhi X¡¯s exterior B-pillar. These posts, connecting the vehicle¡¯s roof to its body at the rear of the front door, are made possible by polycarbonates from ÃÜÌÒAV, which enable a high-gloss appearance, dimensional stability and high-impact structure, and infrared transparency.

ÃÜÌÒAV and HiPhi are now deepening their partnership to create next-generation solutions. HiPhi will employ an array of ÃÜÌÒAV products, including CO₂-reduced polycarbonates, bio-based clearcoat hardeners, and mass-balanced, bio-attributed adhesive solutions, following an agreement signed today at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth at the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

¡°We¡¯re delighted to join HiPhi, a partner bringing forth more innovations. Together we will create more sustainable and circular solutions for the automotive industry, which is making intensive efforts in its decarbonization journey while going smart,¡± said Lily Wang, President of Business Entity Engineering Plastics at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°We at ÃÜÌÒAV hope to collaborate with more like-minded companies, like HiPhi, to join us on this journey to the circular economy. Together, we can accelerate the decarbonization trend and smart technology development at the same time.¡±

For example, ÃÜÌÒAV polycarbonate solutions have already contributed to a sustainable world by enabling lightweight cars. Today, ÃÜÌÒAV also offers CO₂???????-reduced polycarbonates, such as those with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and grades of mass-balanced, renewable attributed products.

Ding Lei, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Human Horizons, said, ¡°Human Horizons is committed to redifining future mobility. ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s high-quality polymer materials and products are key boosters to achieving a sustainable future in the automotive industry. We hope to promote this innovative collaboration with ÃÜÌÒAV as a benchmark to encourage the whole industry to introduce innovative technologies more efficiently. In the future, Human Horizons will work with ÃÜÌÒAV to develop innovative technologies to provide consumers with luxury high-tech mobility experience.¡±

On display at ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth at the CIIE is the HiPhi Z, the latest smart sports sedan that features ÃÜÌÒAV materials, including polycarbonate grades for the touchpad switch on its steering wheel ¨C enabling a futuristic interactive design ¨C as well as super lightweight carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites that are also recyclable in decoration trims, and high performance waterborne polyurethane adhesives for auto interiors.

¡°Under the surface of futuristic design, ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s low carbon material solution plays an indispensable role. We are dedicated to bringing more sustainability and higher performance into the vehicle, and deliver products of choice with automotive manufacturers,¡± said Zhong Xiaobin, Senior Vice President of the Coatings and Adhesives segment of ÃÜÌÒAV in the Asia Pacific region. ¡°We will continue to enhance the local development and production of sustainable automotive coatings and adhesives solutions to meet diverse client needs and tap the growing trend of sustainability.¡±

The largest import themed expo in the world, the CIIE gathers a myriad of companies from across industries every year. This is ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s second appearance following its debut in 2021.

"The world is increasingly facing enormous challenges. It is in our hands to meet them and set the course for a green, smart and safe future. Many ideas, concepts and technologies are there, they now need to be realized with determination," says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ÃÜÌÒAV. "At CIIE, we want to raise awareness for building a circular economy and for climate neutrality by presenting particularly innovative and sustainable material solutions. At the same time, we want to strengthen relationships with our partners in China and around the world."

A leading example of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s successful partnerships comes from Hong Kong-based , a manufacturer of polyurethane-based comfort products, which will make the global debut of its first low-carbon mattress at the ÃÜÌÒAV booth.

"We are honored to stage the world debut of our new low-carbon sleep system products together with ÃÜÌÒAV at the CIIE," says Sinomax President Eric Cheung. "This marks a major step towards sustainable development at Sinomax Group, amid growing market demand for low-carbon products in China and around the globe. We look forward to further cooperating with ÃÜÌÒAV on a global scale for more sustainable products."

The mattress uses bio-attributed mass-balanced TDI (toluylene diisocyanate), a key component for the production of flexible foams, purchased from ÃÜÌÒAV. This can reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by about 10 kilograms for a single mattress.

Materials with lower carbon footprint

ÃÜÌÒAV offers renewable TDI, among other materials, using the mass-balanced method, under which alternative raw materials are allocated to the products as certified by ISCC PLUS. They uphold the same high quality as their fossil-based counterparts without customers having to change their processing operations, while enabling them to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Other solutions featuring the mass-balanced method at CIIE include low-carbon coatings applied to the wood structure on ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s booth. The coatings, made by Chinese company Baichuan, are based on the Desmodur^? CQ hardener from ÃÜÌÒAV. The hardener contains more than 30 percent of biomass according to ISCC PLUS and reduces CO₂ emissions by more than 20 percent from cradle to ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s factory gate.

"We believe mass-balanced solutions, among other low-carbon materials, are crucial to support the sustainable development and climate-neutral future of various industries and society. But to broaden this impact, we rely on the strength of more partnerships, and that¡¯s why we are here at the CIIE," says ÃÜÌÒAV China President Holly Lei.

In another example, ÃÜÌÒAV and Chinese premium smart EV brand are deepening their partnership to create next-generation solutions to make mobility smarter and greener. Under a new agreement to be inked during the CIIE, an array of ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s CO₂-reduced polycarbonates, coating and adhesive solutions are expected to be applied in HiPhi¡¯s future models, enabling new functions while reducing their carbon footprint.

Broad portfolio to promote circular economy

ÃÜÌÒAV will showcase its cutting-edge materials, solutions, technologies and collaborative ties at several exhibition areas: Future Mobility, Clean Energy, Green Building and Sustainable Living, on top of a Branding & Culture corner designed to improve visitor engagement.

"We look forward to further advancing our sustainable development agenda in China through advocacy and collaboration with our customers, partners and other key stakeholders here," Lei adds.

To learn more about ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s solutions for a climate-neutral future at the CIIE, visit its booth, 3C3-01, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from November 5 to 10, 2022.

¹ 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.

ÃÜÌÒAV is presenting the advanced solutions for automotive interiors unveiled at the plastics trade show to the advanced solutions for automotive interiors now at this year's Automotive Interiors Expo in Stuttgart, Germany, November 8-10, 2022. At booth 3312 in Hall 3, the company will showcase a range of smart and sustainable material solutions that keep pace with the latest trends in automotive interior design.

Shaping the driving experience with new technologies

Makrolon^? Ai polycarbonate offers a special edge-lit composite color that can range from transparent to translucent, providing various options for ambient and dynamic automotive interior lighting. The combination of this material with the lightweight composite Maezio^?, which offers tremendous design freedom and is made partly from post-industrial recycled materials, allows occupants to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Functional integration through back-injection of polycarbonate

ÃÜÌÒAV has developed the first material that is shrinkage-free and highly dimensionally stable, transparent and heat-resistant: Makroblend^? OM 845G, a polycarbonate blend with 20 percent glass fibers. This material can be back-injected and back-lit to create textured and 3D shapes.

Soft-touch coatings create surprising textures

ÃÜÌÒAV offers a versatile range of hard to flexible aqueous 2-component (2K) polyurethane dispersions that allow a high degree of design freedom (from soft to hard). By combining this 2K polyurethane technology with edge-lit and high-tech Makrolon? Ai materials, it is possible to create a wide range of innovative textures.

Innovative coatings and adhesives for instrument panels and door 
trims

Together with designer Miika Heikkinen, ÃÜÌÒAV's Coatings & Adhesives and Engineering Plastics segments have developed a door panel concept with new material solutions. The prototype contains a waterborne coating with innovative INSQIN^? technology in combination with an adhesive based on a Dispercoll^? U dispersion ¨C two waterborne polyurethane (PU) solutions with low levels of volatile organic components (VOCs). Specially developed to provide cost-effective and sustainable applications for future automotive interior requirements, they provide translucent appearance, coating adhesion and deep color effects in door panels. As a vegan solution, the lower CO₂ emissions and reduced energy consumption of INSQIN^? can reduce the overall CO₂ footprint of plastics by up to 45 percent while providing virtually odor-free indoor air quality. The carbon footprint can be further improved by using an Impranil^? CQ DLU PU dispersion, which consists of approximately 35 percent renewable carbon by weight. In addition, the application also includes a partially biobased water-based soft-touch coating with up to 33 percent renewable carbon in the final formulation.

Lighting and heating integrated into the sunroof

Panoramic sunroofs and moonroofs are very popular in modern vehicles. ÃÜÌÒAV, in collaboration with Loomia, has developed a roll-up sunroof shade concept that combines the sun-reflecting properties of Platilon^? TPU film during daylight hours with integrated fabric circuits for lighting and heating at night and in cold weather. To help passengers get the most out of the interior, we bonded the textile surface and electronics layer using our thin and flexible Platilon^? polyurethane film. It is tough enough to withstand repeated rolling without compromising performance.

Makrolon^? and Makrofol^? films for smart surfaces

ÃÜÌÒAV and TactoTek^? have teamed up again to showcase the endless, more sustainable design possibilities of IMSE^? technology: Together, they developed demonstrators that showcase functional electronics while integrating control surfaces, computers and displays. The final design consists of a Raspberry Pi computer, an OLED display, all necessary circuitry and electronic components, and inks for coloring and decorating ¨C all embedded in a Makrolon^? resin between two layers of Makrofol^? film. With this, we are showcasing powerful new material solutions for consumer electronics with a mono-material design where the plastic can be recovered at will and converted into new raw materials.

"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.

Ultrathin PC films are used, among other things, in the electronics industry: for the electrical insulation of capacitors or for the manufacture of flexible printed circuit boards. Until now, they could only be produced using the rather complex solvent cast film technology. With Makrofol^? TF, now there is an alternative with an ultrathin thermoplastic extrusion film.

But that's not all: The industry can also use the new film to produce very thin membranes, for example as sound transducers for loudspeakers. In particular, so-called track-etched membranes can be produced, which have pores with an application-specific, precisely defined size and density. To do this, the manufacturers of such membranes first irradiate films with heavy ions to create tracks. In a second step, chemical etching creates the pores. Track-etched membranes have multiple applications in biology and diagnostics. They serve, for example, as filters in laboratory analysis or as cell culture substrates. The electrical and automotive industries also use track-etched membranes, for example, in systems for venting headlights, car batteries, or electronics housings.

Makrofol^? TF is a suitable material for the production of track-etched membranes: the transparent films are very homogeneous, inert with a uniform surface and isotropic mechanical properties. Other advantages of the PC material include its excellent resistance to heat, durability over a wide temperature range, and high optical clarity.  

"This application is another milestone in our long-standing cooperation with EVBox. Together, we have achieved that fossil resources are not only saved when driving with green electricity, but already during the production of charging stations," explains Dr. Niklas Meine, head of the global project EV Charging Stations and Marketing Electrical and Electronics in the EMEA region at ÃÜÌÒAV.

"EVBox develops charging solutions for electric vehicles with the future of our planet in mind. With our new charging station, we are taking a big step forward in further decoupling mobility from resource depletion and putting it on a more sustainable footing," added Wijnand Diemer, Senior Director Product Management at EVBox, one of the world's leading full-service providers for electric vehicle charging.

Great potential for CO₂ savings in charging stations

The sustainability of Makrolon^? RE is demonstrated by a partial life cycle analysis tested by T?V Rheinland. If 3.5 kilograms of fossil-based Makrolon^? is replaced with an RE counterpart with an assigned biocircular material content of more than 70 percent, the carbon footprint of the charging station is reduced by approximately 10 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents. "If all charging station housings worldwide were made from Makrolon^? RE instead of conventional materials, a total of around 450,000 metric tons less CO₂ equivalents could be emitted between 2022 and 2030," Meine explains.

Flame retardant and weather resistant

The RE compounds are identical to their fossil-based counterparts and have the same material properties. Therefore, they can be used directly as drop-in solutions for substitution. "The switch to RE products does not involve time-consuming and costly testing and certification procedures and can therefore be manufactured very quickly. For example, the compounds are listed on the Yellow Card of the U.S. testing institute Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) along with their fossil analogues," explains Meine. The RE polycarbonate used for EVBox Livo offers tailor-made properties for charging stations. Its high flame resistance is reflected in a 5VA rating (Yellow Card) in the UL 94 fire test. It is also UL f1 listed and can therefore be used outdoors under water and UV exposure. 

Mass balance ensures transparency

The sustainable origin of the raw materials for Makrolon^? RE is mass balanced and certified according to ISCC Plus (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification). "We can therefore show the proportion of sustainable material in the compound precisely and transparently for the processor. With mass balancing, we support the transition to a circular economy based on renewable or recycled raw materials," Meine explains.

Durability and distinctive brand design

Many leading manufacturers of charging stations already use fossil-based variants of Makrolon^? to produce housings and other components. The reason for this is that the construction material resists moisture, heat and cold well, can be stabilized against UV radiation and does not corrode. In addition, it is electrically insulating, its impact resistance makes it robust against vandalism, for example, and it can be made particularly flame-retardant. With this property profile, the material contributes to a long life and service life of the charging stations, which also benefits their sustainability. Another key strength of polycarbonate is that it opens up a wide range of design freedoms for housing surfaces in terms of color, structuring and printing, and also enables the integration of capacitive touch functions such as switches and of lighting elements. Many manufacturers of charging stations use this design freedom to individualize their products and equip them with a distinctive brand design.