Technological watch
Covestro launches its first partially bio-based polycarbonate film
The latest addition to Covestro’s sustainable products portfolio is a polycarbonate film of which, the company says, more than 50 percent of its carbon content is sourced from starch, derived from widely available plant feedstock.
The carbon footprint of the new film material is considerably smaller than that of conventional, petroleum-based polycarbonate. Moreover, unlike conventional polycarbonates, it contains no BPA.
Called Makrofol EC, it is the first partially bio-based film in the company’s product portfolio. The film offers improved chemical and weather resistance as well as increased abrasion resistance. With quality properties comparable to standard polycarbonate, the product offers good printability and is suitable for lamination and coating.
According to Covestro, the range of applications is the same as for conventional polycarbonate films.
“Research on bio-based products is an important priority for us,” said Wieland Hovestadt, head of Research and Development in the Specialty Films division. “More and more customers are supporting sustainable products.”
The increased use of alternative resources for in-house production is part of a long-term strategic program that Covestro is implementing as it fully commits to the circular economy.
Covestro is not the first company to introduce a bio-based polycarbonate material. Both Teijin and Mitsubishi chemical have previously introduced partially bio-based polycarbonate resins into the market. Both Teijin’s Planext and Mitsubishi’s Durabio resins are based on isosorbide.
The carbon footprint of the new film material is considerably smaller than that of conventional, petroleum-based polycarbonate. Moreover, unlike conventional polycarbonates, it contains no BPA.
Called Makrofol EC, it is the first partially bio-based film in the company’s product portfolio. The film offers improved chemical and weather resistance as well as increased abrasion resistance. With quality properties comparable to standard polycarbonate, the product offers good printability and is suitable for lamination and coating.
According to Covestro, the range of applications is the same as for conventional polycarbonate films.
“Research on bio-based products is an important priority for us,” said Wieland Hovestadt, head of Research and Development in the Specialty Films division. “More and more customers are supporting sustainable products.”
The increased use of alternative resources for in-house production is part of a long-term strategic program that Covestro is implementing as it fully commits to the circular economy.
Covestro is not the first company to introduce a bio-based polycarbonate material. Both Teijin and Mitsubishi chemical have previously introduced partially bio-based polycarbonate resins into the market. Both Teijin’s Planext and Mitsubishi’s Durabio resins are based on isosorbide.
This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme
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