Covestro Develops PCR Polycarbonates from End-of-Life Headlamps

17 Apr 2025 CW Team

Materials manufacturer Covestro has launched post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates made from end-of-life automotive headlamps, in a move aimed at strengthening circularity in the auto industry. These TÜV Rheinland-certified grades, containing 50 per cent recycled content, are now commercially available for new automotive applications.

Developed under a joint programme led by GIZ, with Volkswagen and NIO as key partners, the recycled material is currently being validated for use in future vehicle models.

""This new line of polycarbonate represents a significant step in supporting the automotive industry's transformation towards a circular future,"" said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Covestro. ""By offering high-quality PCR materials derived from end-of-life headlamps, we're enabling our customers to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements while contributing to closed-loop recycling of automotive plastics.""

The initiative involves collaboration with Chinese recycler Ausell, and focuses on building a closed-loop recycling model for high-value plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). It also aims to establish reliable supply chains for quality recycled materials, particularly in China and Europe.

""This partnership underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving the circular economy forward,"" added Martin Hansen, Regional Director, GIZ East Asia.

The launch comes at a time when automakers are under growing pressure to meet recycling mandates such as the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicle Directive and China’s EPR programme. Covestro’s new PCR polycarbonates meet Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) standards, offering superior surface finish and high performance for demanding applications.

As part of its broader sustainability agenda, Covestro has also introduced PCR polycarbonates with up to 90 per cent recycled content and has set up a dedicated mechanical recycling line in Shanghai.

Equipment

11 Dec 2025

Caterpillar Debuts Three New Cat Excavators at EXCON 2025

Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining machinery, strengthened its commitment to India’s infrastructure growth with the debut of three new Cat® hydraulic excavators at EXCON 2025, held from December 9–13 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. The new models—Cat 321, Cat 322 and Cat 324—mark a significant step forward in delivering efficient, digital-ready equipment tailored for India’s evolving construction needs.Designed to support sustainability and productivity on modern jobsites, the machines feature advanced powertrains and intelligent electrohy..

JK Tyre Expands OTR Lineup with Four New Launches at EXCON 2025

JK Tyre & Industries, one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers, introduced four new Off-the-Road (OTR) tyres at the 13th edition of CII EXCON 2025, South Asia’s largest construction equipment exhibition, underway at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. The latest additions strengthen the company’s OTR portfolio and reaffirm its focus on delivering advanced mobility solutions for construction, mining and industrial operations.The new tyres were unveiled by R Mukhopadhyay, Director (R&D), JK Tyre. Among the highlights was the debut of the SKY GRIP, a specialised tyre des..

ACE, Sanghvi Movers Ink MOU to Boost India-Made Heavy Crane Adoption

Action Construction Equipment (ACE), the world’s largest pick-and-carry crane manufacturer and a leading Indian construction equipment maker, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Sanghvi Movers, Asia’s largest and the world’s fifth-largest crane rental company. The partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of indigenously manufactured heavy slew cranes, particularly truck cranes and crawler cranes, across large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects in India.The alliance aligns strongly with the Government of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “M..