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Covestro expands Coatings and Adhesives lab in Shanghai
Covestro has expanded its Coatings and Adhesives lab at the Asia-Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai by 20 %, strengthening its capacity to deliver faster, tailored solutions with advanced digital and sustainable technologies.
Materials manufacturer Covestro has completed a significant expansion of its laboratory for coating and adhesive formulations at its Asia-Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai. The facility, which now covers more than 3,000 square metres, has grown by around 20 % and is equipped with new technologies such as a synthesis unit for waterborne polyurethane dispersions. This class of polymers plays an important role in enabling low-VOC coatings and adhesives, meeting rising demand for sustainable solutions.
The new unit improves the efficiency of scale-up simulations, troubleshooting and customer sampling. In addition, the upgraded lab supports an expanded portfolio of raw materials including polyurethanes, acrylics, polyesters and sustainable alternatives. This strengthens Covestro’s ability to deliver customised solutions across various industries, from automotive and renewable energy to construction, printing and packaging.
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Advanced tools and local innovation
To further accelerate product development, Covestro has integrated AI-driven formulation tools, simulation and robotics. These digital enhancements automate and digitise development processes, improving speed, precision and consistency while cutting material waste and carbon footprint.
“This expansion is a significant step forward in strengthening our formulation capabilities and supporting our customers’ innovation needs more closely and quickly,” said Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific at Covestro. The investment aligns with Covestro’s strategy to focus on high-growth markets and sustainable solutions.
Local-for-local approach with global impact
The expanded lab also supports cross-functional collaboration within Covestro’s regional innovation network. “The lab enhances our ability to deliver local-for-local solutions with global impact,” added Dr. André Rittermeier, Head of Group Innovation and Sustainability Asia Pacific, who also leads the Asia-Pacific Innovation Center. By leveraging shared technical and digital infrastructure, Covestro aims to boost innovation efficiency and help customers address evolving sustainability requirements throughout the coatings and adhesives industry.
