New TPU application development center in China by Covestro
Last update on May 21, 2026
Developing tailored TPU formulations for fast-moving sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, and specialty films requires proximity to production conditions – and the ability to iterate quickly. A new Covestro Application Development Center in Guangzhou, China, is designed to address precisely that constraint for manufacturers operating across Asia-Pacific.
The facility complements the company's TPU production site in Zhuhai, which began operations earlier this year, and its existing regional R&D center in Changhua. According to Covestro, the three sites form an integrated network spanning R&D, application development, and large-scale manufacturing.
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Simulation lines replicate real production conditions
Processing simulation lines at the Guangzhou center replicate real extrusion and injection molding conditions, enabling formulation adjustments and material modification without requiring full-scale production runs. Covestro reports this capability is intended to reduce trial cycles and shorten time-to-market for application-specific requirements.
"This new Application Development Center represents a strategic cornerstone in our global TPU strategy to grow in high-value and emerging segments in Asia-Pacific," said Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Global head of TPU at Covestro. "We will explore, pilot and upscale new application fields for TPU in robotics, healthcare and mobility solutions together with our customers - in close collaboration and at the heart of the market."
“Innovation at Covestro is led by our markets and always strives to combine our global strengths across the business entities for our customers,” said Dr. Christian Haessler, head of Global Innovation TPU at Covestro. “TPU is a material for a more sustainable future, and the Guangzhou AD Center will enable the development of highly versatile and recyclable TPU material solutions in one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems worldwide.”
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Multi-business setup co-located on the same site
A multi-business setup distinguishes the facility from single-discipline development centers. Engineering Plastics and Specialty Films teams are co-located on the same site. This enables in-house color matching for applications such as consumer electronics, footwear, and paint protection films, alongside pilot production and finished product commissioning for extrusion-based applications.
“Asia is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fast-moving industries, and our customers here expect partners who can keep pace with them. This center is our answer to that, bringing together our cross-business capabilities under one roof right here in South China,” said Holly Lei, president Covestro China. “It also reflects our deep commitment to this market and our belief that true innovation happens when you are close to your customers and the industry.”
The Guangzhou AD Center is now open for customer and partner collaboration, offering support from initial material consultation through to pilot production and troubleshooting.
The Guangzhou AD Center is now open for customer and partner collaboration across Asia-Pacific, offering end-to-end customer support from initial material consultation to pilot production and troubleshooting.
You can review Covestro's full TPU product range and compare properties directly in the Master Catalog of Plastics.
Image credits: Covestro