LEVERKUSEN, Germany - Covestro, previously known as Bayer MaterialScience, has won a sustainability award for an innovative polyurethane paint hardener at the 2015 British Coatings Federation Awards.

The company received the BCF Sustainable Innovation Supplier Award for its Desmodur^® eco N 7300 polyurethane hardener with renewable content. Gareth Brine and colleague Berta Vega Sánchez, from Covestro Germany, received the award on the company's behalf.

The Covestro product was singled out as a new light-stable polyurethane raw material with around 70 percent renewable carbon content derived from non-fossil-based inputs - the first product of its type on the market. Using it significantly reduces the carbon footprint from cradle to gate.

"Sustainability sits at the heart of our strategy, our guiding principle being that all decisions and activities must take account of the impact on people and the planet," said Technical Manager Chris Witcomb. “Having previously reduced negative environmental impacts in the areas of production and logistics, this product is a another big step forward as we look at bio-based renewable raw materials. In that respect, it is a great product for our customers and end users and a first for us under our new name of Covestro."

Covestro's Desmodur® aliphatic polyurethanes are used by coatings manufacturers in the formulation of two-pack polyurethane paints, which are used widely in vehicle refinishing, OEM and industrial coating systems. 

A record 130 guests gathered to celebrate the successes of the coatings industry at the awards evening, representing raw material suppliers, coatings and ink manufacturers as well as industry students.

BCF's CEO, Tom Bowtell, praised the winners and finalists, noting that the industry had achieved some amazing successes during a very tough few years, and that he was proud to represent an industry that takes sustainability, training and customer service so seriously. The BCF is the umbrella organization for the UK paint industry.