Additional plastics made with CO2; Numerous presentations and opportunities for discussion; Focus on: Dialogue with designers; Visionary design concept for electric cars.
As a world-leading materials manufacturer, Covestro's vision is to make the world a brighter place with innovative and sustainable material solutions. "We provide answers to some of the biggest challenges facing our world, and develop solutions that benefit both society and the environment," said Patrick Thomas at the kickoff of the K 2016 plastics trade fair from October 19 - 26 in Düsseldorf.
"We have, for instance, discovered a way to turn the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into valuable plastic products. This had not been possible until now because the CO2 molecule is very slow to react. We pushed existing boundaries, however, to develop a special catalyst that is key to the synthesis," the Covestro CEO continued.
The first mattresses and upholstered furniture made with the CO2-based foam are scheduled to be launched on the market before the end of year, and additional applications are in preparation. Covestro is presenting these and other pioneering developments at K 2016 (Stand A 75, Hall 6).
Integrated innovation concept
"Developments such as these are due to the high innovation strength of Covestro," said Dr. Markus Steilemann, Member of the Board of Management and responsible for innovation. "We do not rely solely on our own research for this, but rather pursue a broader approach. It starts with our employees, who are significant contributors and an integral element of our innovation culture."
Pushing existing boundaries also requires intensive collaboration with customers, process chains, suppliers and universities. "But all of our developments must also meet our sustainability goals," added Steilemann. "They should drive energy efficiency and improve people's lives, but also reduce our own use of fossil raw materials."
Pioneering achievement thanks to ultra-lightweight materials
An age-old dream of humanity was fulfilled only recently: To fly around the globe without using a drop of fuel. With their solar aircraft, Swiss aviators Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg achieved what was previously thought to be impossible. The only way to master this challenge was with ultra-lightweight, but strong materials, developed by Covestro specifically for the Solar Impulse aircraft. "By pushing the boundaries of material design, we made a critical contribution to the success of the project," said Patrick Thomas. You can find additional examples of how Covestro is pushing boundaries at www.pushingboundaries.covestro.com
An all-around talent
Covestro is also entering new territory with the design of its stand for K 2016. For the first time, the stand is set up in a circular shape to echo the Covestro logo. Walls of transparent polycarbonate are illuminated in the corporate colors and provide the backdrop for the exhibits.
"The structure as a whole conveys a sense of transparency and openness, inviting visitors to drop in for a talk," said stand manager Dr. Ulrich Liman. The exhibits are grouped by customer industry: Visitors can see products and technologies for the automotive, construction and electronics industries, but also new and unexpected applications in the fields of health, cosmetics, sports and fashion.
An exciting theme every day
On each of the eight days of the fair, visitors can experience how Covestro is pushing boundaries relating to a different theme. Presentations and podium discussions with industry experts and university researchers go into each topic in greater depth and encourage personal exchange. The main themes are described in the sections below.
Automotive (October 19)
Covestro, together with design students and partners in the auto industry, has developed a new design concept for electric cars that pushes previous boundaries. The concept incorporates current trends in exterior design and is manifested in the form of a lifestyle car. Outstanding features include the wrap-around glazing made of transparent polycarbonate and the seamless design of the front end. This day is dedicated to the evolution of the concept and current trends in automotive design. The program includes a presentation by Demian Horst, professor of design at the distinguished UMEÅ Institute in Sweden.
Science Celebration Day (October 20)
Boundary-pushing innovations live from collaboration with partners, including universities and scientific institutions. Covestro is therefore dedicating this theme day to the promotion of research and science. The company is awarding the first-ever Covestro Science Award for university instructors at the start of their careers and also the Covestro Science Medal to its own outstanding researchers.
Sustainability (October 21)
In addition to innovation, sustainability is another core element of Covestro's corporate strategy and an important criterion behind all its developments. The company wants its technologies and products to serve the greater good of the environment and society, and to make the world a brighter place. On this day, our special guest will be Solar Impulse pioneer Bertrand Piccard, who will talk about circumnavigating the world on solar energy.
Another topic will be carbon from fossil sources, the special role it plays in the development of sustainable, carbon-based material solutions, and the productivity of the substance throughout the entire life cycle of these products.
Creative design with plastics (October 24)
Personalization and design freedom define today's design trends. Covestro therefore is expanding its dialogue with designers by dedicating October 24 to this theme.
To optimally combine creativity with the possibilities of today's high-performance materials, Covestro has set a new goal of better understanding the needs of designers and, in turn, educating them about the properties of its plastics.
Back in spring 2016, the company collaborated with design students from the Münster School of Architecture to hold a one-week workshop called the "Covestro Makeathon." In the course of the event, the students discovered new and unexpected possibilities in plastics applications. The most inspiring ideas will be on display at K 2016.
A hands-on understanding of modern materials
At the Sample Bar, visitors can discover more directly the fascinating properties of Covestro materials using their sense of sight, touch and hearing. They can download the Sample App via a QR code and receive mobile access to selected products.
The company further is sponsoring the Design Chain @ K conference, where Rebecca Heil, head of the Designer Network and the Idea.Lab at Covestro, will give a talk the next day about innovative and creative material solutions.
3D printing (October 26)
One of Covestro's themes at K 2016 that cuts across several industries and product groups is 3D printing. While it has proven to be most effective in fabricating prototypes until now, the industry sees good opportunities for efficient mass production in the future. One challenge on the way is the lack of suitable materials.
Covestro currently is developing an extensive range of filaments, powders and resins for all common 3D printing methods. The products have different properties and enable a wide range of new applications. The company recently opened a new laboratory for additive manufacturing at its headquarters in Leverkusen.
Local talent search
At K 2016, Covestro also will be presenting itself as an attractive employer to students, junior employees and experienced professionals. Curious job seekers will find the right person to answer all their questions at the Career Bar. At the stand, they can experience innovative developments up close, and perhaps be inspired by the company's values: curiosity, courage and colorful.
"Plastics Shape The Future"
As president of the trade association PlasticsEurope, Patrick Thomas will be at the fair on October 19 to help open its special show "Plastics Shape The Future" in Hall 6. Visitors will learn with which developments plastics will shape the future and how they can contribute more than ever to mastering the major challenges facing mankind.
For further information: www.k2016.covestro.com