#Textile chemistry

2020-01-16

Solar Impulse Foundation supports clean and profitable developments

Covestro recently received the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label for two technologies that have proven to be economically viable and environmentally friendly solutions. One of them are solar-powered greenhouses for drying food to make it more durable. (c) 2020 Covestro

Covestro has recently been granted the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label for two projects, which have been proven as economically profitable as well as environmentally protective solutions: solar-powered greenhouses for drying food to preserve it, and a waterborne technology called INSQIN® for sustainable textile coating. This Label from the Solar Impulse Foundation serves as a new and credible symbol and as a guarantee of quality to those looking to implement clean solutions.

Solar greenhouse dryers for food preservation / Waterborne INSQIN® technology for sustainable textile coating

“With our Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label we want to acknowledge and publicise developments like these Covestro technologies – developments, which can boost economic growth while preserving the environment,” explains Bertrand Piccard, Swiss pioneer and founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation. “By selecting a thousand Efficient Solutions, we want to support and speed up the implementation of clean and profitable solutions in the industry.”

Dr. Christian Haessler, Head of Sustainability at Covestro, welcomes the new labeling: “This is an excellent confirmation by independent experts that our company is much committed to truly sustainable developments, which are beneficial for society, create value and reduce the environmental impact. This includes above all the fulfillment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Ideas that bear fruit

The solar greenhouse dryer is an efficient, decentralized, cost-effective and sustainable solution for reduction of post-harvest losses in agricultural products. The high efficiency of the dryer is achieved through the use of polycarbonate for construction of a parabolically shaped greenhouse. The material is transparent to visible and in particular infrared light and shows good thermal insulating properties, allowing the dryer to heat up quickly.

The installation of solar dryers for food preservation is part of Covestro´s “inclusive business” approach, with which the company wants to strengthen local economic development, alleviate poverty and support social progress by integrating low-income communities in the value chain. So far Covestro has provided the materials for the installation of more than 1,500 solar dryers in different sizes in India and different ASEAN countries, by that significantly increasing the income of regional farmers.

Sustainable manufacture of coated textiles

With its INSQIN® technology, Covestro significantly increases the sustainability of textile coating. The technology is based on waterborne polyurethane coatings, making textile production more eco-friendly and easier to handle. Using INSQIN®, the production of coated fabrics also requires up to 95 percent less water and 50 percent less energy.

For implementation of the technology, Covestro is working directly together with brand owners in the apparel and footwear industries as well as with textile manufacturers. Only recently, the company also introduced the technology in the automotive industry, where INSQIN® enables more sustainable, flexible and durable coatings in the car interior – with a premium look and feel.

The World Alliance for Efficient Solutions, founded under the auspices of the Solar Impulse Foundation, collaborates with start-ups, companies, institutions, NGOs and investors to create synergies, share knowledge and build relationships for speeding up the implementation of clean and profitable solutions.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

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.

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.

Covestro celebrates decade of innovation and sustainable growth

Covestro celebrates its 10-year anniversary today. Since its carve-out from Bayer in 2015, the company has developed into a global leader in high-performance polymer materials and a pioneer in circular economy solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Covestro’s materials are now embedded in countless applications worldwide – from mobility and construction to electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

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.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.