Bayer sets new trends in coated textiles

Bayer Materialscience has inaugurated its state-of-the-art textile coating pilot line in Shanghai, China. At its headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany, the company has also installed new lab facilities, among them a lab coater. Along with the dedicated lab space in Pittsburgh, USA, these new investments will allow Bayer to further strengthen its capabilities in the coated textile sector. The portfolio ranges from product synthesis and formulation to the development of next-generation coated textile materials. It will also open up further co-development activities with partners along the value chain to deliver innovative materials powered by waterborne polyurethane (PU) technology. The global demand for environmentally friendly synthetic leather and coated textiles is expected to grow strongly. The increase will be felt most prominently in China, home to 90% of the world’s production of these materials. By moving the global product development and the lead for application development for textile-related products to China, Bayer is supporting this change. The Shanghai, Leverkusen and Pittsburgh facilities complete Bayer’s support, allowing fast response to customers. www.materialscience.bayer.com