July 1, 2025 -
Covestro Unveils Cutting-Edge Polymer Research Hub in Shanghai
Covestro has inaugurated its newly expanded Asia-Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai, featuring 3,000 square meters of advanced research facilities dedicated to next-generation polymer solutions. The €25 million upgrade establishes the site as Covestro’s largest materials science hub outside Germany.
The facility now houses breakthrough technologies including:
- An AI-driven formulation platform reducing R&D cycles by 40%
- The region’s first fully automated waterborne polyurethane dispersion line
- Digital twin simulation systems for sustainable material development
“Our Shanghai center will pioneer bio-based alternatives for color masterbatch applications,” said Dr. Lena Zhou, Covestro APAC R&D Director. “The new robotic testing arrays can process 1,500 sustainable material combinations weekly.”
The expansion specifically targets China’s booming demand for eco-friendly coatings and adhesives, with 60% of capacity allocated to low-VOC solutions. Industry analysts note this aligns with China’s carbon neutrality goals while addressing supply chain pressures in automotive and renewable energy sectors.
A proprietary closed-loop recycling system installed at the facility reportedly achieves 92% material recovery rates for post-industrial polymer waste—a potential game-changer for colorant manufacturers facing tighter sustainability regulations.