Covestro lifts urethane feedstock capacity in China

Shanghai, China — Covestro has expanded production capacity at its toluene diisocyanate (TDI) plant in Shanghai to 370 kilotonnes per annum, following the completion of a debottlenecking project at the site.

The expansion lifts annual capacity from 310 kilotonnes per annum, representing a 20% increase, the company said 30 Jan.

Covestro said the project was completed on schedule at its Covestro Integrated Site Shanghai, located in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, and was aimed at meeting rising customer demand across the Asia Pacific region.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting our customers’ growth in Asia Pacific,” said Xiaobin Zhong, head of performance materials sales for the region.

“By expanding our TDI capacity in Shanghai, we ensure reliable supply to meet increasing market demand.”

The company said the capacity increase was achieved by “optimising existing production processes and infrastructure” rather than building new production lines.

Hermann-Josef Doerholt, head of performance materials at Covestro, said the project reflects a strategy of “smart, efficient investments” and strengthens the group’s global TDI network.

In addition to the Shanghai site, Covestro also operates TDI plants in Dormagen, Germany, and Baytown, Texas.

TDI is primarily used in flexible polyurethane foams for furniture, mattresses and automotive seating.