09.10.2015 • NewsBayerBiomaterialsKunststoffe & Polymere

Covestro and Reverdia to Develop Bio-based TPU Foam

Covestro, the formerly Bayer MaterialScience, and green chemistry specialist Reverdia, the Dutch-based biomaterials joint venture of DSM and Roquette Frères, have agreed to jointly develop and promote thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) based on renewable raw materials.

The German engineering plastics producer will use Reverdia’s Biosuccinium succinic acid to produce its Desmopan brand TPU for use in a variety of applications, such as footwear and consumer electronics.

Biosuccinium has been produced at commercial scale since 2012 using the Dutch firm’s patented low-pH yeast process. The technology will give Covestro a head-start into the biopolymers market, which it plans to leverage in expanding its bio-based TPU production in Taiwan to industrial scale.

Reverdia, which began licensing the technology last year, said its simulations show a reduction of roughly 65% in the carbon impact of products made with succinic acid compared with those produced with petrochemicals.

The company’s route to succinic acid, which can be used as a drop-in replacement for the fossil-based acid to produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) as well as phthalate-free plasticizers and polyester polyols for polyurethanes, uses starch as a feedstock.

Virtual Event

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry
CHEManager Spotlight

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry

Save the Date: October 22, 2025
The event will be promoted to a combined audience of over 100,000 professionals across Europe through the CHEManager and CITplus networks.

Interview

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World
Adapting to Tariffs and Strengthening Regional Networks

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World

Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of SOCMA, discusses the impact of new tariffs and the importance of regional supply networks in the specialty chemical industry.

most read

Photo
13.03.2025 • News

Roche and Zealand Pharma Collaborate on Weight Management Drug

Swiss pharma heavyweight Roche announced has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Denmark’s Zealand Pharma. Under the terms of this agreement, the two companies will collaborate to co-develop and co-commercialize petrelintide, Zealand Pharma’s amylin analog as a standalone therapy as well as a fixed-dose combination with Roche’s lead incretin asset CT-388.

Photo
19.03.2025 • News

Arkema Launches Acrylic Acid Purification Project

Arkema has announced the launch of its Carat Project at its Carling site in France. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and sustainability of the facility, which specializes in producing acrylic monomers and superabsorbent polymers.

Photo
22.04.2025 • News

BASF Divests Two Joint Ventures in China

BASF has divested its shares in the joint venture companies, BASF Markor Chemical Manufacturing (Xinjiang) Co., Ltd. and Markor Meiou Chemical (Xinjiang) Co., Ltd. in Korla, China, to Verde Chemical Singapore Pte. Ltd.