Trendy surfaces for high-tech electronics
ÃÜÌÒAV cooperating with AkzoNobel and MINE Technologies
Example: WiFi-capable electronic pocket mirror
In the growing market for consumer electronics, manufacturers are looking for new aesthetic and functional solutions. It¡¯s no longer just about trendy shapes and bright colors: consumers have discovered a preference for velvety-soft products with luxurious matte surfaces. To meet their needs, ÃÜÌÒAV worked with paints and coatings manufacturer to develop a new type of waterborne coating system with adjustable haptics and a matt optics effect. It simultaneously meets the high demands on the quality and durability of today¡¯s electronic products. ÃÜÌÒAV is also cooperating with other partners along the value chain to quickly apply raw material innovations in end products and support the modernization needs of brands.
¡°The rollout of the 5G network in particular, will take the industry to a whole new level, but will also lead to higher consumer expectations regarding device performance,¡± says Dr. Miya Ma, Industrial Marketing and Business Development Manager for 5G Applications in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment in the Asia-Pacific region at ÃÜÌÒAV. ¡°That's why we are working with partners and customers to develop innovative material solutions to bring trendy products to the market faster.¡±
Intelligent accessory
One current example is the functional Smart Mirror from the Chinese manufacturer MINE Technologies. The mirror cover is coated with AkzoNobel's waterborne soft-touch coating, which gives it a silky feel and a luxurious matte effect. It is highly resistant to abrasion and scratching and is based on the polyurethane raw materials Bayhydrol? and Bayhydur? from ÃÜÌÒAV. The water-based coating is characterized by only low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing process.
The mirror also features compelling new electronic functions. If you swipe its edge, it begins to glow. The brightness can also be adjusted via swiping. The Smart Mirror can also connect to WiFi networks and is capable of recharging wirelessly. The product received an ¡°iF Design Award¡± and an ¡°International Design Excellence Award (IDEA)¡± in 2018.
Versatile material solutions
With pilot projects like this, ÃÜÌÒAV is positioning itself in the growing consumer electronics devices market. In doing so, the company is supporting customers along the value chains in accordance with principles of CMF design (Color, Material, Finishing). In addition to the variant presented here, silk, velvet, and leather-like product surfaces with various degrees of matte and gloss can also be produced.
The mirror's back panel and light ring are made of Makrolon? polycarbonate from ÃÜÌÒAV, which is characterized by its impact strength, heat resistance, flame retardancy and transparency. The company also offers post consumer recycled solutions and polycarbonate material with renewable contents to help consumer electronics customers achieve their sustainability goal. The mirror also includes a bag made by the Shanghai-based company Huafon Microfibre. It employs a microfiber leather solution for this purpose, using the polyurethane raw material Desmodur?.
About ÃÜÌÒAV:
ÃÜÌÒAV is one of the world¡¯s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. ÃÜÌÒAV supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from ÃÜÌÒAV are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, ÃÜÌÒAV aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group¡¯s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. ÃÜÌÒAV generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.