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#Textile chemistry

Covestro´s INSQIN® helps the automotive industry design today for the passengers of tomorrow

Water-based INSQIN® technology enables flexible, adjustable and durable coatings with a superior appearance. This also opens up the best opportunities for use in the car of the future. (c) 2019 Covestro
The automotive industry focuses on innovations as a driver for future growth. The INSQIN® technology of Covestro contributes to increasing the quality, design and functionality of car interiors to ensure its customers and OEM partners can offer future-proof technology solutions to ensure the ultimate in style and comfort.

Mobility trends such as electric vehicles and car sharing, as well as tightening regulations on VOC emissions and sustainability are redefining the role and function of automotive interiors. With INSQIN®, a variety of coated textiles and new materials can now be used to create a stylish in-car experience that drivers want. This waterborne polyurethane technology enables more sustainable, flexible and durable coatings with a premium look and feel. These unique product features empower performance, even in the thinnest layers.

In a powerful demonstration of the potential of innovative materials for future mobility, the pioneering Covestro-sponsored Sonnenwagen electric car is currently taking part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2019 in Australia, which is known as the toughest solar race in the world. The Covestro Sonnenwagen includes innovative materials like polyurethane synthetics for its steering wheel and car seat cover. The materials are also exhibited at K 2019 trade fair from October 16-23 in Düsseldorf, Germany, to demonstrate how they can be used in the spacious living or working space of the car of the future.

Well-equipped for increasing demands

Drivers increasingly demand an intelligent, enjoyable, but also healthy and sustainable in-car experience. Harnessing material innovation, Covestro is fully equipped for evolving demands. Produced at state-of-the-art facilities, INSQIN® delivers the qualities sought by automakers with low VOC emissions and a low environmental impact. Additional technologies from Covestro include ultra-thin polycarbonate films and lighter polyurethane foams that help reduce vehicle fuel consumption.

“Automakers demand both performance and sustainable solutions,” said Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at Covestro. “We are proud to be creating innovations and pioneering application methods in more and more industry sectors. Our broad product portfolio allows manufacturers to offer different effects and looks, giving them more options for the automotive interior of the future. With our INSQIN® technology, we are helping automakers to accelerate ahead of the competition.”


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#Technical Textiles

Covestro showcases monomaterial concept in autonomous SUE People Mover

UE | STUDIOS has unveiled the fully autonomous electric minibus “Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle” (SUE), placing strong emphasis on sustainable material design. Developed within a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union, the vehicle will begin public road testing this year. At the core of the concept is the consistent use of recyclable monomaterials to improve circularity at end of life.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate to enable safer, more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings

Laboratory tests reveal that AGXX antimicrobial surface technology from Heraeus Precious Metals is fully compatible with Impranil® PU dispersions which are part of the waterborne INSQIN® textile coating technology from Covestro, paving the way for more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings. This discovery comes at a key moment for the textile coatings industry. As the sharing economy continues to grow, more people are coming into regular contact with high-use surfaces, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to thrive.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro celebrates decade of innovation and sustainable growth

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#Textile chemistry

Covestro extends contract with CTO Dr. Thorsten Dreier ahead of schedule until 2031

Dr. Thorsten Dreier will remain Chief Technology Officer of Covestro for a further five years. The Supervisory Board has extended his contract, which runs until June 2026, ahead of schedule from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031.

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#Textile chemistry

A flagship for chemical production: BASF inaugurates world-scale Verbund site in China

BASF today (March 26, 2026) celebrated the official inauguration of its newly built, world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Covering an area of around four square kilometers, it is more than a major BASF project in the chemical growth market of China. “Zhanjiang shows what the future of chemistry looks like: efficient, digital and sustainable by design. The site showcases a smart integrated Verbund structure on an industrial scale,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF, at the ceremony attended by representatives from government, customers, business partners and employees.

#Research & Development

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

#Textile chemistry

DyStar Group announces Board transition to drive innovation

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#Textile chemistry

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

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#Techtextil 2026

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

#Europe

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#Technical Textiles

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

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#Spinning

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