Covestro Invests a Double-Digit Million Euros to Modernize Production Plant in Germany

Image of Covestro's new reactor being loaded its TDI plant.

In the future, a state-of-the-art reactor in the TDI plant will enable the use of process heat to generate steam. This will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by a further 22,000 tons. Photo courtesy of Covestro.

To strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of TDI (toluene diisocyanate) production for the manufacture of flexible foams in Europe, Covestro is investing a mid to high double-digit million amount in the modernization of its production plant in Dormagen, Germany by 2025. The plant was commissioned in early 2015 and is considered one of the most advanced TDI production facilities in the world. The plant has an annual capacity of 300,000 tons. It uses the gas phase technology developed by Covestro, which even before modernization, required up to 60% less energy and up to 80% less solvent than conventional processes.

The current investment will significantly increase the efficiency and sustainability of the plant even further. TDI is an important raw material for soft foams, which provide comfort in everyday products, including mattresses, upholstered furniture, and car seats. The material will continue to play an important role for Covestro and the processing industries in the future.

"We want to continue to grow in Germany and drive forward the transformation to climate-neutral production. Nevertheless, the general conditions, especially the high energy prices, are making it increasingly difficult for us to make such investments," said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, member of the Board of Management and chief technology officer, Covestro. "Policy-makers must finally take effective measures to restore Germany's competitiveness in terms of energy prices and ensure a reliable basis for the climate-neutral transformation of industry."

"In Dormagen, we maintain the largest production facility for TDI in Europe, which means that the location plays a central role in the reliable supply to our customers in the region. Now we continue to consistently align ourselves with their needs. The investment not only underlines our commitment to the European market, but also enables our customers to further reduce their indirect CO₂ emissions on the way to developing climate-neutral and circular products for the consumer markets," said Dr. Christine Mendoza-Frohn, head of Performance Materials Sales EMEA and LATAM. "At the same time, this investment also underlines our ambition to play a leading role in climate protection and the circular economy together with our partners along the value chain."

To learn more, visit www.covestro.com.