17. Sep 2026
Covestro opens PU elastomer recycling pilot plant
Covestro has opened a pilot plant in Leverkusen, Germany, to develop chemical recycling of its Vulkollan polyurethane elastomers.
The project represents an investment in the double-digit millions of euros and moves the process from laboratory development into pilot operation.
According to Covestro, the process recovers more than 90% by mass of selected end-of-life Vulkollan material as purified chemical building blocks for reuse. The company says it can reduce the carbon footprint by up to two-thirds compared with fossil-based virgin material.
Vulkollan is used in forklift wheels, railway buffers, automotive suspension bumpers and vibration-control components.
The plant will enable Covestro to test different waste streams, improve the process and collect data for potential industrial scale-up.
The company is also working with customers, recyclers, waste collectors and logistics providers to establish collection and return arrangements. Securing suitable waste material and consistent feedstock quality will be necessary for an economically viable recycling operation.
Covestro plans to use the facility to investigate recycling routes for selected speciality cast elastomers and thermoplastic polyurethanes.
The announcement did not disclose processing capacity or a timetable for commercial-scale production.
Photo: (from left to right) Dr. Lennart Sandbrink, Project Lead Elastomer Recycling; Dr. Bastian Mahr, Engineering Lead Pilot Plant; Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer; Dr. Michael Traving, Plant Manager Piloting; Dr. Markus Dugal, Head of Process Technology; and Dr. Thomas Braig, Head of the Business Entity Elastomers. © Covestro