Covestro Launches Polyether Polyols

Covestro Launches More Sustainable Polyether Polyols Based on Bio-Circular Raw Materials Covestro offers polyether polyols using bio-circular feedstock. Together with renewable toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and climate-neutral methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), the company supplies both key raw material components for the production of polyurethane (PU) foams based on alternative raw materials. Like TDI and MDI, polyols are also produced using the mass balance approach with renewable precursors derived from biowaste and residual materials allocated to products through calculation. PU rigid foams containing MDI provide highly efficient thermal insulation in buildings and refrigeration equipment. Soft foams using TDI deliver significant comfort in mattresses and upholstered furniture, as well as in car seats and shoes. With these polyols, Covestro can now supply selective prepolymers for various adhesive applications. The introduced mass balance approach enables the gradual replacement of fossil-based raw materials with bio-circular alternatives that further enhance sustainability in these applications. Covestro produces polyether polyols in Dormagen, Germany using mass-balanced propylene oxide precursor from a joint venture with Lyondell Basell in Maasvlakte, Netherlands. There, the two partners produce propylene oxide and styrene monomer as part of a joint venture. Both of the above-mentioned sites are certified according to the internationally recognized ISCC PLUS standard. Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro, stated: "With the market introduction of both main components for polyurethanes based on alternative raw materials, we have reached another important milestone on the path to climate neutrality" and "We can now help customers across various industries achieve their climate targets and drive the transition to a circular economy. At the same time, we are reducing CO2 footprints across various value chains." Customers can use the more sustainable polyether polyols and isocyanates as a drop-in solution, meaning the raw materials can be rapidly and easily integrated into existing production processes without requiring technical modifications. The products deliver the same quality as their fossil-based counterparts and meet the demands of various industries seeking alternative raw materials. They are easily distinguished from their fossil equivalents by the CQ suffix in the product name. CQ stands for Circular Intelligence and highlights Covestro's products and initiatives around circularity.   Source