Covestro celebrates decade of global sustainable leadership

Since stepping out from the German multinational Bayer in 2015, Covestro has grown into a global leader in high-performance polymer materials, widely recognized for its pioneering role in advancing the circular economy.

Over the past decade, the company has achieved milestones on its journey toward becoming more innovative, sustainable and resilient. Today, Covestro's materials are found in countless applications worldwide — from mobility and construction to electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods.

"For 10 years, our people have proven that breakthrough innovations happen when curious minds meet courageous hearts," said Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro. "I'm incredibly proud of our global team. Their passion, creativity, and resilience have formed the foundation of our culture. Thanks to their dedication, we continue to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create solutions that make the world a brighter place."

Since 2015, Covestro has invested more than 4 billion euros ($4.66 billion) to expand and modernize its global operations, with a clear focus on sustainable production technologies. A significant milestone was the integration of DSM's Resins & Functional Materials business, which strengthened Covestro's position in sustainable coating solutions and broadened its customer base.

The company has also advanced technologies for renewable-based raw materials, pioneered chemical recycling methods for high-performance plastics, and signed 11 power purchase agreements to significantly increase renewable energy use in its operations. Covestro's commitment to innovation and people has earned it recognition as a top employer repeatedly in multiple regions, including China, where it operates 10 production sites alone.

China, Covestro's largest single market, plays a vital role in this journey. The company and its predecessor have been present in the country for decades, covering a full spectrum of activities from research and development to manufacturing and sales. Covestro, whose vision of becoming fully circular is aligned with China's dual carbon goals, is committed to supporting the country's green transitions, particularly in dynamic markets such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, consumer electronics and construction. China has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

"Covestro has proudly stood as a role model of Sino-German cooperation, combining global innovation with Chinese dynamism to deliver sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our journey in China would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the support of our partners," said Holly Lei, president of Covestro China. "As we mark this milestone, we remain committed to driving the green transformation through collaborative innovation. Together, we look forward to building a more circular and sustainable future."

Guided by its purpose "to make the world a brighter place", Covestro has built a decade of success on a foundation of values. These values — Curious, Courageous and Colorful — have become the cornerstone of the company's approach to innovation and collaboration, driving exploration of groundbreaking solutions, empowering bold decision-making and embracing diverse perspectives that fuel creativity and resilience.

The values also defined its distinctive "We are 1" culture that unites over 17,000 employees across global regions, functions and backgrounds in a shared mission. This collaborative mindset has transformed Covestro from an industry newcomer into a trusted global leader delivering sustainable material solutions that address tomorrow's challenges.

Covestro is marking its 10-year anniversary with celebrations across the globe, showcasing its commitment to employees and communities alike. The anniversary, which fell on Sept 1, has sparked initiatives that blend gratitude with purpose.

In Germany, employees were honored with large-format posters at production sites alongside intimate gatherings. The company partnered with its Works Council to support local food banks, extending its appreciation to communities with a focus on those most in need. A standout symbol of innovation now travels through Leverkusen, home to Covestro's global headquarters: a specially designed Covestro-branded bus featuring the company's own materials, including polycarbonate windows, polyurethane seats and specialized exterior coatings.

Across China and Asia-Pacific, celebrations highlight the human stories behind Covestro's success. A video series captures personal journeys of employees who shaped the company's first decade, while teams create visual "10"and "We are 1" formations in a special photo initiative. The Well Together program encourages employees to run, cycle, and hike, building health, teamwork and inclusion while commemorating this milestone.

North American operations launched the ambitious "10 for 10"volunteering campaign, targeting 10,000 volunteer hours by September 2025. Each recorded hour translates to 10 meals donated to local food banks, with a goal of providing 100,000 meals to neighbors in need.

As Covestro enters its second decade, the company remains committed to driving innovation and shaping a sustainable future. Strategic priorities include achieving full circularity, reaching climate neutrality across operations, accelerating the shift from fossil-based to renewable raw materials, and expanding digital capabilities, including the application of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and develop new solutions.

Partnerships will be central to this transformation. The potential partnership with XRG — pending regulatory approval in Europe — offers a significant opportunity to jointly advance innovation, broaden sustainable material solutions and strengthen Covestro's global market position. By working closely across value chains, Covestro aims to deliver next-generation materials that tackle global challenges while supporting sustainable growth.

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