Celanese showcasing materials, sustainability at CES

Materials maker Celanese Corp. is going to try its luck in Las Vegas.

The Dallas-based firm will exhibit at CES, the massive trade show held Jan. 5-8, previously called the Consumer Electronics Show.

Officials with Celanese, a leading global supplier of acetal, nylon and other specialty resins, recently took some time to chat with Plastics News about why the company is heading to Vegas: Kara Grasso, global strategy lead, advanced mobility; Rachel Delaurier, business communications leader; and Gabe Knee, marketing manager, advanced mobility.

Q: Why is Celanese exhibiting at CES?

Grasso: Premier customers are now attending or exhibiting at CES. As their partner, we recognize that they see value in the event and are looking for solutions to their latest challenges. We'll be there to support customers by offering insights into material technologies that are validated in our research facilities and with other customers so that there are no obstacles to implementing them and solving challenges.

We're a solution provider in all of the areas covered by CES, and we're committed to supporting these customers at the event.

In addition, this show has innovation at its core. We collaborate closely with customers to foster innovation and move the needle on next-generation projects.

Q: What will you feature at the show?

Delaurier: Applications enabled by specialized Celanese Engineered Materials polymers will be on display in the Celanese Innovation Showroom (LVCC West Hall, Room W317). These applications range from e-bikes, wireless electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and hybrid EV battery cooling plates to LIDAR-based smart vacuums.

Q: Why are automotive companies from OEMs to suppliers now using CES to introduce new technology?

Grasso: The presence of automotive companies at CES is increasing every year, and it's not just about the cars on the show floor. It's about differentiating themselves in the minds of consumers. CES will have almost 3,000 companies on display. It's quickly become one of the world's largest auto shows with a soldout West Hall featuring key OEMs, electric vehicles, infrastructure solutions, etc.

The way consumers approach mobility is so much more electronic today than at any time in the past. We're trending toward an era of seamless living in electronic spaces, an interconnectedness. So, the confluence of advanced mobility technology and CES is quite fitting.

Q: Will there be a sustainability component to the CES display?

Grasso: All of our valued customers in the automotive and consumer electronics sectors are focused on reducing their carbon footprint, and we are committed to helping them achieve this goal in multiple ways. At CES, we'll feature materials based on renewable feedstocks and recycled content that also meet performance goals without compromise.

Q: What are customers asking for in the EV, ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and consumer markets?

Knee: Beyond requesting materials that help them meet their sustainability goals, our customers are also looking to solve multiple challenges. With our materials mindset and deep development resources, we're able to find the answers by refining our broad portfolio of chemistries, testing, and prototyping.

In EVs, customers are looking for higher battery energy density. As energy density rises, volume of the battery goes down and the amount of energy increases, allowing more passenger room and/or more range.

For consumer electronic devices, customers want lighter weight and better heat dissipation. Packing more and more electronics into devices is not only making them heavy, but is also heating them up.

In LIDAR-transparency, customers are looking for sensors and cameras for robotic applications that are able to see through the materials that protect them in order to function properly.