Covestro's partial bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) series are currently sold under the name Desmopan® EC. Depending on the hardness of the product, up to 60% of the carbon content comes from biomass. Compared with fossil-based TPU, its carbon footprint is reduced by more than 20%. The product is made of bio-based succinic acid and bio-based propylene glycol (Bio-PDO). This plastic has a wide range of applications, for example in the shoe industry.
"Covestro intends to fully shift its entire production and product range to a circular concept in the long term," said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, global head of Covestro's TPU and film business. "An important aspect of the plan is to increase the use of alternative raw materials, such as those derived from biomass-this is in line with the wishes of our customers."
Some bio-based grades have the same good quality and performance as the previous products of the Desmopan® series, and have the same excellent oil, fat, solvent, weather resistance and high-energy radiation resistance. In addition, we also provide BLUESIGN certified products for sustainable textile production.
Thermoplastic polyurethane has high wear resistance and flexibility in a wide temperature range. In addition, the material is soft and elastic without the use of plasticizers. Desmopan® brand thermoplastic polyurethane is composed of linear polymer chains with flexible and rigid segments alternately appearing. By changing these phases, properties such as hardness, strength, stiffness, elasticity and low temperature flexibility can be changed in a wide range.