During the 6th CIIE in Shanghai, Covestro and partners in China’s photovoltaic value chain inaugurate a new innovation platform dedicated to advancing sustainability within the industry.

Materials manufacturer Covestro has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with five partners in China’s photovoltaic (PV) value chain, inaugurating a new innovation platform dedicated to advancing sustainability within the industry. By capitalizing on Covestro’s diversified solutions and robust research and development capabilities, this collaboration aspires to facilitate the integration of circular economy principles in the solar power sector’s manufacturing phase, ultimately forging a sustainable path forward for the industry itself.

This milestone was inked at Covestro’s booth during the China International Import Expo (CIIE), an annual event dedicated to promoting imports into China and fostering international trade and cooperation. The other partners are Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Deyilong Technology Co., Ltd., Changzhou Fusion New Material Co., Ltd., Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and COSCO Kansai Paint & Chemical Co., Ltd.

In alignment with China’s “double carbon” goals, the country continues to advance the reform of its industrial and energy structure, dedicating significant efforts to bolster clean energy, notably solar power. Leveraging its material expertise, Covestro plays a dynamic role in PV module production, elevating their efficiency and introducing alternative raw materials. This approach enables Covestro and collaborators to tackle technical challenges and advance the green transformation of the PV industry itself, while remaining attuned to evolving industry trends.

Anand Khot, Senior Vice President of the Coatings and Adhesives segment of Covestro in Asia Pacific, said, “As a leading materials supplier, Covestro is committed to introducing viable new technologies and delivering differentiated services. At the same time, we aspire to empower the growth of the photovoltaic industry and contribute to the realization of a circular economy and climate neutrality through comprehensive cooperation with our customers.”

Covestro’s coatings raw material solution can ensure that two-sided coated backsheets achieve a light transmittance exceeding 93 percent, enable bi-facial PV modules to reduce their weight by 20 percent and increase power generation by 1.29 percent. Additionally, these modules exhibit outstanding aging resistance, guaranteeing a service life of over 25 years.

“Covestro’s innovative solutions offer us new opportunities and a brighter outlook for development,” said Cheng Xudong, General Manager of Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co., Ltd. “We aim to optimize technological advancements and enhance energy efficiency to create sustainable PV products, thus propelling the progress of the PV industry through our collaboration.”

“Covestro is at the forefront of product development and innovation within the industry. We anticipate continued collaboration with Covestro to infuse fresh vigor into the photovoltaic sector, particularly in the realms of circular economy and achieving net-zero emissions, which will contribute to China’s green transformation and society development,” said Liu Zhengxin, a professor at Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology.