December 12, 2024 – Covestro and the Polish Selena Group have once again collaborated to launch an innovative product: Tytan Professional® Bricklaying Adhesive. This adhesive harnesses Covestro’s bio-based MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) technology, specifically its Desmodur® CQ MB series. Notably, the plant-based raw materials used have secured ISCC Plus certification, and the product excels in environmental performance, boasting a carbon footprint reduction of up to 90% compared to traditional cement mortar.
Reports indicate that Tytan Professional® Bricklaying Adhesive, with its exceptional properties, can be precisely paired with various block materials such as ceramic, silicate, and ACC, significantly enhancing construction efficiency and output. Its curing speed is twice that of conventional cement mortar, dramatically shortening construction timelines. Moreover, the product maintains stable performance across a wide temperature range, from -5°C to +30°C, effectively minimizing construction disruptions due to temperature fluctuations.
According to Color Masterbatch Industry News, this marks the third product collaboration between Selena and Covestro. Since 2023, the two companies have deepened their partnership, focusing on developing a series of more sustainable polyurethane (PU) foam products to enhance building insulation. Notably, Selena’s Ultra Fast 70 one-component foam enhanced version incorporates Covestro’s Desmodur® CQ MB series bio-based MDI, which has also earned ISCC Plus certification and achieved a 45% reduction in carbon footprint.
MDI, a key raw material for polyurethane manufacturing, continues to see growing market demand. With the global pursuit of sustainable solutions, bio-based MDI is emerging as an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical MDI, playing a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of polyurethane production. Currently, the MDI market is dominated by giants such as Wanhua Chemical, BASF, and Covestro, with Wanhua Chemical possessing the world’s largest MDI production capacity.
It’s worth noting that expansion plans for the MDI market are progressing steadily. This year, multiple modification and expansion projects are expected to be completed, further boosting MDI production capacity. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and plant shutdowns for maintenance abroad, MDI supply has tightened, leading to a continuous rise in market prices. Recent data shows that the listed price of polymeric MDI in the East China market has surpassed 21,000 yuan/ton, with the market average hovering around 18,000 yuan/ton.
In terms of exports, China’s polymeric MDI export volume continues to grow. Customs data reveals that from January to September this year, China’s cumulative exports of polymeric MDI reached 904,500 tons, up 5.7% year-on-year. Annual exports are projected to hit a new high of 1.2 million tons.
Furthermore, the bio-based polyurethane market is thriving. Companies including BASF and Covestro have introduced bio-based TPU products to reduce reliance on traditional petrochemical raw materials and align with dual carbon targets. The collaboration between Covestro and the Selena Group undoubtedly injects new vigor into the development of the bio-based polyurethane market.