Demand for the isocyanate, MDI, is expected to increase more strongly in the years to come than previously planned. That is at least the assumption of Markus Steilemann, CEO of plastics group Covestro (Leverkusen / Germany; www.covestro.com). Led by the growing demand for energy-efficient construction, demand will increase “by an average of 6%”, said the CEO in an interview with the plastics and rubber machinery division of German engineering association, VDMA (KuG, Frankfurt; www.vdma.org).

Steilemann’s forecast coincides with plastics processors’ expectations. According to the discussions held as part of Plasteurope.com’s price panel, the industry is also expecting growth rates between 5% and 10% over the next two to three years.

Covestro should be pleased with such a surge in demand: According to PIE’s Polyglobe database (www.polyglobe.net), the Leverkusen-based company, with a capacity of 770,000 t/y, is the largest MDI producer in Europe and number three worldwide (1.7m t/y), after Wanhua Chemical (2.8m t/y) and BASF (1.8m t/y).

In this respect, it seems only logical from a corporate strategy point of view that Covestro resumes its plans for the construction of a world-scale MDI plant, which was first announced in 2018 (see Plasteurope.com of 30.09.2021). Steilemann did not reveal to the VDMA where the plant would be built – Asia or, as originally planned, the US.