Covestro Becomes Shareholder in Crime Science Technology (C.S.T)

As part of corporate venture capital activities, Covestro has invested in Crime Science Technology (C.S.T), a French start-up company. Through this investment, Covestro is strengthening its specialty films business for identity documents and gaining access to Optically Variable Material (O.V.M®) technology for polycarbonates and polyurethanes. This innovative technology developed by C.S.T provides new security features and protects identity documents against counterfeiting more effectively than previous solutions. Founded in 2010, C.S.T has management and laboratory facilities in France. This investment transaction was one of the first projects in Covestro's investment strategy for newly established start-up companies. The investment amount was not disclosed. Dr. Thorsten Dreier, General Manager of Specialty Films Business at Covestro, stated: "With this step, we are strengthening our position as an innovation leader in specialty films for identity documents. Through our new partnership and the introduction of Makrofol® ID O.V.M® films, we are creating a new level of security." Covestro has long-standing experience in film development and production for identity documents. Cosimo Prete, President and founder of C.S.T, welcomes the new strategic cooperation: "We greatly value Covestro as a highly innovative partner in developing film solutions for identity document production, and we look forward to working together in this growing market."

Security features for easy verification

To prevent document attacks through counterfeiting, manipulation and identity theft, identity documents such as identity cards or passports are equipped with various security features. In routine identity checks, particularly visible and tactile level 1 elements are becoming increasingly important, as they can be verified quickly and without additional technical equipment. Covestro and C.S.T have been working together in this field since 2016. Covestro introduced the transparent Makrofol® ID O.V.M® film to the industry last year. O.V.M® material technology creates an entirely new colour-shifting effect that is a highly powerful level 1 security feature. The new film can be integrated into existing card production processes without further modifications.