Covestro is lifting the declared force majeure for polymeric MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) in the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) region with immediate effect. On April 25, Covestro had declared force majeure, due to an unforseeable production problem at its site in Brunsbüttel, Germany.

Despite all the efforts of the company to sustainably improve its product availability for polymeric MDI, the supply situation of Covestro will continue to be tight for some time, due in particular to a currently strong demand. Furthermore, Covestro needs to prepare a turnaround at the Brunsbüttel facility, which is legally required. At the same time the company advances its MDI capacity extension at this site.

Polymeric MDI is a major raw material for the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foam, which is used for the thermal insulation of buildings and refrigerators.

About Covestro:
With 2016 sales of EUR 11.9 billion, Covestro is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. Covestro, formerly Bayer MaterialScience, has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 15,600 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2016.