Covestro AG is adding two world-scale production lines for polycarbonate at its Shanghai site and doubling the capacity to 400,000 metric tons.
The company held an inauguration ceremony on Oct 12, and said the addition now makes it the world's largest producer of polycarbonate resins.
Covestro's Head of the Polycarbonates segment Michelle Jou noted during the ceremony that demand is growing from such industries as electronics, healthcare and automotive. “By expanding our polycarbonates production capacity in the region, we can adapt and react even better to the changing needs of our customers. And we optimize our service, guaranteeing sustainable supply and relentless innovation.”
With the two new production lines, compounding capacities at the Shanghai site have also nearly doubled, Covestro added, further enhancing its ability to meet the increasing customer requirements for diversified and individual solutions.
The expansion lays the last cornerstone of a multi-year, 3-plus-billion-euro investment program for the Shanghai site. Earlier this year, the company also launched a 50,000-metric-ton-per-annum HDI plant in Shanghai.
Klaus Schäfer, Covestro Management Board member responsible for production and technology, noted: “The addition of the new production lines makes Shanghai the largest production center for polycarbonate resins in the world. The successful completion of this project strengthens our global production network and demonstrates Covestro's continuous commitment to the Chinese market.”
Covestro also underscores its leading position in highly efficient and environmentally compatible technology by recycling process water. It is used to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide – feedstocks for polycarbonates. Contributing to innovative, sustainable technologies, products and application solutions, is among Covestro's top priorities and aligns with the company's purpose “to make the world a brighter place.”