Shenzhen, 26 May, 2010 – Bayer MaterialScience will highlight sustainable construction and lightweight mobility solutions at PU China 2010, on May 26-28 in Shenzhen.

The company’s booth will enable visitors to see a wide variety of polyurethane solutions and innovative manufacturing processes that contribute to an enhanced, more sustainable future. These solutions and processes address some of the most significant megatrends shaping the world from globalization and urbanization to demographic shifts and climate change.

Peter Vanacker, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience and Head of the Polyurethanes Business Unit said, “Bayer MaterialScience is deeply committed to developing polyurethane solutions that enable us to meet the key challenges – or megatrends – of our modern world, facilitating ways in which we can all lead better lives, in China and around the world. This closely aligns with PU China 2010’s theme of ‘Better Living with Polyurethanes,’ as well as Bayer MaterialScience’s own guiding principle of using ‘Science for a Better Life.’”

Eco Model House showcases sustainable living

One of Bayer MaterialScience’s key PU China 2010 displays is the Eco Model House, which demonstrates how BMS materials can significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.  Integrated solutions for the construction industry range from floor and wall insulation to window encapsulation and solar roof panels.  Technology from Bayer MaterialScience enables larger, stronger and thinner wall panels using fewer materials. This allows the manufacte of lighter profiles that are strong enough to be used in large frames, including curtain walls. All these innovations are cost-effective, durable and environmentally friendly, making these technologies easily applicable. In addition, the company is cooperating closely with the CABR (China Academy for Building Research), the top research authority for construction in China, in developing a new polyurethane, fire-resistant insulation system for curtain walls.

The Eco Model House also demonstrates BayerMaterialScience’s polyurethane solutions for enabling lighter, stronger and more energy efficient materials, ranging from the thermal insulation used in water piping to the light absorbent properties for films used for solar energy panels.

Buildings are responsible for more than 40 percent of global energy use and one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Bayer estimates also indicate that for every kilogram of polyurethane used in construction, as much as 755 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions could be saved over the average lifespan of a building. “Bayer MaterialScience’s innovations in sustainable construction technologies clearly have a positive impact on improving the quality of life, as well as the environment,” commented Dr. Azita Owlia, Senior Vice President Polyurethanes, Bayer MaterialScience Asia Pacific.

Lightweight materials for fuel efficient mobility solutions

In the transportation industry, the trend towards lighter vehicles is equivalent to having more fuel-efficient vehicles. “At Bayer MaterialScience’s PU China 2010 booth, we are showcasing how polyurethanes increase fuel efficiency and comfort to ease travelling,” said Dr. Owlia, “For example, with polyurethane composites, automotive manufacturers can reduce the weight of a car body parts by 30-40 percent compared to reinforced glass fiber alternatives, enabling cars to be significantly more fuel-efficient. Such advanced polyurethane composites replace wood and particle boards in emergency vehicles, trucks and recreational vehicles. In addition, seats made from polyurethanes further contribute to weight reduction as well as providing high levels of comfort. Bayer estimates that for every kilogram of polyurethane used in the automotive industry, the equivalent of 6-12 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions will be saved over the entire lifespan of the car.” 

Bayer MaterialScience’s new toluene diisocyanate (TDI) Shanghai Facility

Bayer MaterialScience’s new toluene diisocyanate (TDI) facility in Shanghai is scheduled to go on-stream by mid-2011. Utilized primarily in the manufacture of car seats, mattresses and upholstered furniture, the process technology employed in the TDI production will reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent.