Groundbreaking for Covestro’s new TPU production site in China
Covestro broke ground on its new thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) production site in Zhuhai, China. It will span across 45,000 square meters, and will then be the company’s largest TPU site worldwide with a maximum annual production capacity of 120,000 tons of TPU.
The ground breaking ceremony was attended by officials from the Chinese government and management team from Covestro.
The new site is planned to be built in three phases – the mechanical completion of the first phase is estimated for 2025, which will lead to a production capacity of about 30,000 tons per year. The initial investment for the first phase lies in the mid double-digit million Euro range.
Lisa Ketelsen, Head of TPU in APAC, explained the choice of Zhuhai as locational advantage. Due to its close proximity to Guangdong province, which is a major hub for the IT, consumer electronics, footwear and other industries, that enables the company to collaborate optimally.
Location of new TPU production site in Zhuhai, China.
Covestro’s new TPU site will enable the company to provide high-performance yet sustainable solutions to customers faster and more flexibly.
With the new site in Zhuhai, the company will eventually offer products with the label “CQ”, which represents products consist of at least 25% alternative, non-fossil raw materials. The site will also utilize the most advanced production technologies and be run on 100% renewable power.
The final phase of the new production site is expected to be completed in 2033.
“An innovation center will be part of the next phase of our investment, enabling our researchers to design customized material formulas and do formula adjustments to meet customer demands within very short cycles,” added Ketelsen.
