Covestro and DB Cargo BTT Partner to Provide Sustainable MDI Transport to Poland

Covestro is working with logistics specialist DB Cargo BTT to transport chemicals to and within Poland in a more efficient and sustainable way. In particular, the transport of methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI), a chemical raw material used in a variety of polyurethane materials such as insulation for buildings and refrigerators, will benefit.

As part of the collaboration, DB Cargo BTT provides Covestro with an end-to-end transport solution that combines several sustainable approaches: First, the chemicals are transported in tank containers from Covestro's production site in Germany to a nearby rail terminal using trucks powered by biofuel (HVO 100).

The tank containers are then transported by rail to a distribution center in Poland, from where DB Cargo BTT deploys trucks powered by biofuel (HVO 100) again to distribute the chemicals to end customers in Poland to ensure on-time delivery. This special biofuel is one of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil diesel. All in all, the combination of these modes of transport reduces CO2 emissions by at least 70% compared to conventional road transport. “At DB Cargo BTT, we also rely on working with external partners for all modes of transport in order to arrange haulage or first and last mile services for our customers as efficiently as possible,” said Torsten Lüders, Managing Director of DB Cargo BTT GmbH. “For Covestro, we recently shipped important chemical products to Poland and are now pleased to combine our rail expertise with trucks powered by biofuels for the first and last mile.”

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain and to supporting the transformation of the chemical industry. These projects show how, as part of the DB Cargo Group, we can offer a lot of added value to our customers and be an important part of the European supply chain.”

“The entire value chain must be involved to achieve our common goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Reliable, efficient and sustainable logistics are essential for our increasingly sustainable products. We work with our customers and transport companies to optimize the supply chain,” said Hanno Bruemmer, head of Supply Chain and Logistics EMLA at Covestro.

“This includes increasing loading capacities, selecting the best transport modes and routes, and introducing the use of sustainable and future-oriented energy sources such as green electricity or HVO as an alternative to fossil fuels.”

The Selena Group and Covestro are already collaborating on several fronts to drive the development of a circular economy. For example, they are developing polyurethane (PU) foams for improving thermal insulation in buildings, which are based on MDI from the Desmodur® CQ product range. The products are ISCC Plus certified and use plant-based raw materials via mass balance.

As a result, these products have a lower carbon footprint than products from fossil raw materials – and now, thanks to the transport solution, they will also be delivered to Selena in a more sustainable way.

Bernd Hennig, Head of the MDI Trading Cluster at Covestro, said: “Together with the Selena Group, we are committed to advancing sustainable solutions across the entire value chain, not only to providing our valued customers with more sustainable materials, but also sustainable transport solutions.”

“Today, sustainable business no longer means having to compromise between efficiency and quality. At the Selena Group, we are continuously increasing our commitment to the development of sustainable construction,” added Michal Specjalski, Member of the Management Board for Products and Innovation at the Selena Group.

“We closely monitor trends and changes in the world around us. We continuously strive to reduce our environmental impact and manage resources wisely. That is why we are pleased to have Covestro and DB Cargo BTT as strong partners alongside us in our joint commitment to reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality goals in Europe and around the world.”