The inevitable outcome of globalization and technological innovation Bayblend® 30 years of development
The Inevitable Outcome of Globalization and Technological Innovation
Leverkusen, August 2007 – Over the past three decades, Bayer MaterialScience has been at the forefront of innovation with its Bayblend® product line—a high-performance plastic blend made from polycarbonate (Makrolon®) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), commonly known as PC+ABS. Today, the company has produced more than two million tons of this advanced thermoplastic material, marking a significant achievement in the field of polymer technology.
According to Dr. Dieter Wittmann, Director of the Global Innovation Mixing Division within the Polycarbonate Business Unit, continuous innovation has been the driving force behind Bayblend®'s success. “Over the years, more than 80% of the Bayblend® products on the market have been launched in the last five years, and their replacement cycle is fast. As new products continue to emerge, this successful legacy will keep growing,†he said.
The global market for polymer blends currently exceeds 1.1 million metric tons annually, with PC+ABS materials accounting for over half of that volume. Industry forecasts predict a minimum 7% annual growth in demand for PC-based blends over the next decade, positioning Bayblend® as a key player in the market. This growth reinforces Bayer MaterialScience’s position as the world’s leading supplier of PC+ABS materials.
Launched commercially in 1977, Bayblend® quickly gained traction in the automotive industry, where it became essential for interior components such as dashboards, door panels, and instrument covers. Its heat resistance, derived from the polycarbonate content, makes it ideal for applications exposed to high temperatures. “Another important feature is its impact resistance at low temperatures, which makes it suitable for safety-critical components like airbag systems and head impact areas,†added Dr. Eckhard Wenz, Director of Products and Services for Polycarbonate and Blended Materials Technology in Europe.
In the mid-1980s, Bayblend® introduced flame-retardant variants that became highly sought after in the electrical and electronics sectors. By 1988, Bayer was the first to offer bromine- and chlorine-free flame retardants, ahead of regulatory requirements. These environmentally friendly options, supported by labels like “Blue Angel†and “TCO,†helped establish Bayblend® as a leader in sustainable materials.
As the automotive and IT industries expanded globally in the 1990s, Bayblend® evolved to meet international demand. Production facilities were established across major economic regions, and by 2000, global sales surpassed 100,000 metric tons. Today, Bayblend® is manufactured in locations such as Dormagen, Uerdingen, Filago, Newark, Map Ta Phut, and Caohejing.
Looking ahead, Bayblend® continues to expand into new markets. “We are constantly innovating in every sector we serve,†said Wittmann. Recent applications include the use of Bayblend® DP T95 MF in the smart fortwo, a custom PC+ABS material designed for automotive glass. The new easy-flow series, Bayblend® T65 XF and T85 XF, is also gaining popularity for thin-wall injection molding in the IT and electronics industries.
With a strong foundation built on innovation, sustainability, and global reach, Bayblend® remains a key player in the evolving world of polymer technology.
About Bayer MaterialScience:
Bayer MaterialScience, with 2006 sales of 10.2 billion euros, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of polymer materials. It specializes in producing high-tech polymers and developing innovative solutions for various industries, including automotive, electronics, construction, sports, and leisure. With 30 production sites worldwide and approximately 14,900 employees (as of the end of 2006), Bayer MaterialScience is part of the Bayer Group.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts. Various risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause actual future results, financial condition, development, or performance of the Bayer Group to differ from these statements. For more information, please refer to the public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. The Bayer Group does not assume any responsibility for the content described herein, nor does it update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect future developments.
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Bayblend® Reaches a Major Milestone: 2 Million Tons of Production