The Catalysis Research Centre (CAT Catalytic Centre Aachen), Covestro's joint project with the RWTH Aachen University is continuing its research into sustainable and recyclable materials. Covestro is contributing over 12 million to the research centre.

Found in 2007 in Aachen, the CAT Catalytic Centre has expertise in the fields of catalysis, reaction technology, polymer chemistry and chemical recycling. In the EU- funded Circular Foam research project, Covestro and the RWTH Aachen University cooperated with the CAT Catalytic Centre and 22 other partners to close the material cycle for rigid polyurethane (PU) foams.

The research centre contributes to a EU strategy to promote the circular economy and the development of sustainable materials such as bio-based plastics, recyclable composites and greener chemicals. In its latest Science, Research, and Innovation Performance¹ (SRIP, June 2024) report, the European Commission emphasised the role of these areas in the European industrial agenda.

The bio-based aniline can be produced from sustainable sourced instead of crude oil. The world's first pilot plant for bio-based aniline was inaugurated in Leverkusen at the beginning of the year. The use of bio-based aniline can help to promote the circular economy in the future and to reduce the CO₂ footprint in buildings through energy-efficient insulating foam. 

​ Markus Steilemann, Chief Executive Officer, Covestro, said, "Industry and the chemical sector in particular are increasingly being called upon to develop alternative sources of raw materials and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Together with RWTH Aachen University, we are continuing to lead the way as pioneers in this area, even in an economically challenging environment. Long-standing partnerships like our cooperation with RWTH Aachen University help to conserve resources and realise the circular."

"A technology transfer between research and industry is a decisive factor for progress in catalysis and an important step in chemical process development towards sustainable chemistry. The collaboration with Covestro enables us to further intensify our expertise in the fundamental field of catalysis," said, Prof Dr. Ulrich Rüdiger, Rector of RWTH Aachen University. 

At the joint research centre in Aachen, headed by Professor Jürgen Klankermayer from the Chair of Translational Molecular Catalysis, scientists work after completing their doctorates.