Covestro Enhances Coatings and Adhesives Laboratory in Shanghai

Covestro, a leading materials manufacturer, has successfully completed a significant expansion of its coatings and adhesives formulation laboratory in Shanghai, enhancing its capacity to provide faster and more customised solutions to customers throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Part of Covestro’s Asia-Pacific Innovation Centre, the expanded laboratory now covers more than 3,000 square meters—a 20% increase in space—and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This includes a new synthesis unit for waterborne polyurethane dispersions, a crucial class of polymers used in low-VOC coatings and adhesives. The unit significantly improves efficiency in scale-up simulations, troubleshooting, and the preparation of customer samples.

The upgraded facility now accommodates a wider range of raw materials, including polyurethanes, acrylics, polyesters, and sustainable alternatives. It allows for quicker formulation, testing, and customisation to meet diverse customer needs across various industries such as automotive, renewable energy, construction, printing, packaging, and more.

The lab now incorporates AI-driven formulation tools, simulation technologies, and robotics to automate and digitise its development processes. These advancements enhance speed, precision, and consistency while also minimising material waste and carbon emissions—significantly accelerating the creation of new products and formulations for customers across the region.

“This expansion is a significant step forward in strengthening our formulation capabilities and supporting our customers’ innovation needs more closely and quickly. It reinforces our strategy of investing in high-growth markets and sustainable solutions,” said Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific, Covestro.

“The lab also enhances cross-functional collaboration within our regional innovation center, leveraging shared technical and digital infrastructure to drive innovation efficiency. It’s a key milestone in delivering local-for-local solutions with global impact,” said Dr. André Rittermeier, Head of Group Innovation and Sustainability Asia Pacific at Covestro, who also leads the Asia-Pacific Innovation Centre.

Source: Covestro