Covestro

Covestro is a Bayer spin-off, formerly called Bayer Material Science, that manufactures, markets, and distributes coatings, adhesives, insulating materials, sealants, polycarbonates, and polyurethanes. Covestro markets its products to a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, health, electronics, and medical engineering.

Total score

18 / 48

Grade summary

Covestro produces 18 SIN List substances (including one persistent chemical), six of which are officially recognised as chemicals of high concern by the EU. It should be noted that data is not available for half of Covestro’s production,…

Product Portfolio

2 / 18

Covestro produces 18 SIN List substances, six of which are included on the REACH Candidate List and one of which is also found on the REACH Authorisation List. The German company produces one persistent chemical. Persistent chemicals are particularly problematic since they do not break down, instead they accumulate in humans and/or the environment. Because of this, persistent chemicals should be of extra concern for investors. Substances which are not considered a problem today could become huge liabilities in the future.

Development of Safer Chemicals

5 / 12

Covestro has a method in place to screen and assess the sustainability of its products and includes intrinsic hazards of ingredients in the screening process. The company does not follow the principles of green chemistry or use the GreenScreen assessment tool, nor does it exclude substances with toxic properties from new products. It does, however, actively market safer alternatives on its website.

Management & Transparency

5 / 12

The German company shares chemical safety information on its website but does not have a phase-out strategy for hazardous substances. Covestro is a member of Responsible Care and follows voluntary standards such as a Code of Conduct and a Supplier Code of Conduct.