Covestro announced a strategic MDI investment to strengthen global market
position and long-term supply. The plan includes a new 660,000 tonnes/year MDI
unit at its Shanghai integrated site, targeted to start up around 2030, and a
feasibility study for a same-scale unit in the United Arab Emirates. MDI
(methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) is the primary feedstock for polyurethane
rigid foam; demand is being driven by building insulation, appliances/food
cold-chain and is notably strong in Asian and Middle Eastern markets.