Covestro expands Coatings and Adhesives lab in Shanghai

HZ info,June 30, 2025 – Materials manufacturer Covestro is pleased to announce the completion of a major expansion of its laboratory for coating and adhesive formulations in Shanghai, strengthening its ability to deliver faster, tailored solutions to customers across Asia Pacific.

The lab, part of Covestro’s Asia-Pacific Innovation Center, now spans over 3,000 square meters—an increase of about 20 percent—and features cutting-edge equipment such as a new synthesis unit for waterborne polyurethane dispersions—a class of polymers key in enabling low-VOC coatings and adhesives. The unit enhances efficiency in scale-up simulations, troubleshooting and customer sampling.

The facility now supports a broader portfolio of raw materials including polyurethanes, acrylics, polyesters and sustainable alternatives. It enables faster formulation, testing and adaption to customer requirements across multiple industries—from automotive and renewable energy to construction, printing and packaging, and beyond.

The lab has integrated AI-driven formulation tools, simulation and robotics to automate and digitize development processes. These enhancements boost speed, precision and consistency while reducing material waste and carbon footprint—further accelerating the development of new products and formulations for customers in the region.

“This expansion is a significant step forward in strengthening our formulation capabilities and supporting our customers’ innovation needs more closely and quickly. It reinforces our strategy of investing in high-growth markets and sustainable solutions,” said Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific, Covestro.

“The lab also enhances cross-functional collaboration within our regional innovation center, leveraging shared technical and digital infrastructure to drive innovation efficiency. It’s a key milestone in delivering local-for-local solutions with global impact,” said Dr. André Rittermeier, Head of Group Innovation and Sustainability Asia Pacific at Covestro, who also leads the Asia-Pacific Innovation Center.