Covestro Japan Ltd. announces the adoption of Makroblend® UT235M (PC blends) as the substrate material for a large exterior part (luggage panel) on the Lexus ES, now in series production. The component is manufactured by Toyoda Gosei using an IMC process.

The adoption of this PC blend for an IMC process is another leading example of “The Material Effect” – where together with its partners, Covestro bridges laboratory and industrial scale development for series production. It is a powerful combination of material science, process- and application development that enables breakthrough performance. IMC combines injection molding and coating in a single, integrated process. By eliminating conventional post-painting steps, IMC contributes to reducing CO2 emissions while delivering outstanding Class A surface quality. The exceptional surface quality enables a seamless visual integration with adjacent glass, creating a refined, premium exterior appearance.

Makroblend® UT235M is a PC blend commonly used in exterior applications where low linear thermal expansion and dimensional stability are important. For this application, the grade was selected to meet product requirements for exterior appearance, dimensional stability, and durability on the luggage panel. The grade is also compatible with the IMC coating system, supporting coating adhesion and the targeted surface finish in series production.

Looking Ahead

In the role of an IMC solution provider, Covestro collaborates across the value chain to advance adoption and scale up of in-mold coating in Japan. Local support covers the complete process from application development to daily technical assistance. IMC evaluation capabilities are installed at the Covestro Japan site to verify under near production conditions and enable timely decisions with partners. Covestro will continue supporting stakeholders to meet application requirements and sustain series performance, coordinating with global teams where appropriate. Leveraging its expertise and global network, it is not just what Covestro materials are – it is about what Covestro enables its business partners to achieve.

About Covestro:

Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 12.9 billion in fiscal year 2025. At the end of 2025, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,600 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

 

Source: covestro.com

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