Covestro has invested around EUR 20 million in the new technical center since construction began in October 2021.Researchers now have around 1,400 square meters of space at their disposal, including a seven-meter-high laboratory area, a filigree "station" for technical gases with 60 pipelines and a laser room for flow experiments that can be completely darkened. The soundproofed technology and control center provides an overview of all research facilities. Some have already been installed and the entire expansion is due to be completed by mid-2024.
Strengthening research and development
"For Covestro, research and development - like here in the high-viscosity pilot plant - are the key to innovation. The technical center creates synergies for sustainability and future projects. Here, we test new approaches for processes at an early stage, which Covestro uses to drive forward the transformation of our industry towards a circular economy," said Dr. Markus Dugal, Head of Process Technology.
Optimizing production
Daniel Koch, Head of Covestro's NRW sites, points out the importance of the investment for production: "The High Viscosity Pilot Plant will help us to optimize existing production processes and develop new process technologies. It will create the conditions from which production at Covestro will benefit."