Page 154 - CW E-Magazine (1-10-2024)

News from Abroad

CLOSER TO CUSTOMERS
Covestro setting up new TPU application develop-

ment centre in China

German polymer materials specialist, strumental role in engaging with
Covestro, will start the construction of a major TPU industry clusters across
new Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) China and APAC, particularly in
APAC application development (AD) consumer electronics and speciality
Centre in Guangzhou in South China. extrusion applications,” said Mr. Kevin
Ho, Head of Sales & Market Deve-
The development follows the an- lopment for TPU in APAC at Covestro.
nouncement made last year for setting With the existing regional R&D
up of Covestro’s largest TPU plant in begin in late 2024, with the facility centre in Changhua, the ongoing
the coastal city of Zhuhai. The AD cen- expected to become operational in 2025. construction of the largest global
tre is designed to integrate technical The centre will be outfitted with TPU production site in Zhuhai and the
acumen with innovative solutions and advanced equipment to address complex upcoming APAC application deve-
tailored services in key applications market demands and leverage local lopment centre in Guangzhou, the
including films, speciality cables, con- resources and networks to streamline collaborative and complementary
sumer electronics, footwear and further talent and administrative management. strengths from the three sites are
extrusion and injection applications. expected to drive even more powerful
Construction of the centre is set to “The new centre will play an in- regional synergies, the company said.

POOLING EXPERTISE
Beiersdorf and Macro Biologics to develop bio-
degradable antimicrobial peptides

Beiersdorf, the German beauty and peptides market is projec- of bacteria, which means
personal care firm best known for its ted to reach $7.85-bn by they can help to alleviate
Nivea branded products, and US-based 2029. As per Beiersdorf, or improve skin condi-
biotech startup, Macro Biologics, have the partnership will draw tions and are moreover
entered into a multi-year partnership to on Macro Biologics’ ex- designed for early, local
collaborate on the development of anti- pertise in antimicrobial application in the preven-
microbial peptides with broad applica- research in skin and tion of wound infections.
tion possibilities in skin care and health health care. It will focus on apply- The joint objective is to create highly
care. Beiersdorf is also investing in ing Macro Biologics’ nature-inspired effective, safe, and sustainable solu-
Macro Biologics via its venture capital Amicidins to Beiersdorf’s product and tions for a variety of application areas
arm, Oscar & Paul. formula development. Amicidins – across Beiersdorf’s brand portfolio, pri-
composed of amino acids – are said marily in dermatological skin care and
The biodegradable antimicrobial to be effective against a wide variety health care.
GEARED FOR GROWTH
Gevo to acquire Red Trail energy assets in US

American renewable chemicals and energy and biogenic carbon into sus-
fuels firm, Gevo, has agreed to acquire tainable fuels and chemicals with a
the ethanol production plant and carbon net-zero carbon footprint. Its technology
capture and sequestration (CCS) assets produces various products, including
of Red Trail Energy LLC for $210-mn. sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), motor
Gevo seeks to transform renewable fuels, chemicals, and other materials.

154 Chemical Weekly October 1, 2024

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