Sucheta Govil: It is precisely this customer orientation that is so essential, especially in challenging times. I am therefore particularly proud that we have been such a reliable partner for our customers during this eventful year. This was possible thanks to our dedicated employees and our global set-up. We were in contact with our customers via digital channels around the clock. This enabled us to meet their needs in optimal fashion and to deliver quickly and in high quality, as well as to support them with technical expertise in the development of special products.

Klaus Schäfer: And this knowledge about our customers is important for new developments, too. For example, we are consistently pursuing the goal of climate-neutral production: In Spain, we are now constructing the first world-scale facility for chlorine production based on our energy-saving membrane technology. And in Germany, a new pilot plant is demonstrating how we can massively reduce our CO₂ emissions in MDI production. At the same time, we are also supporting our customers’ growth and have expanded both our global film production and our polycarbonate production in the year 2020.

Sucheta Govil: Indeed, we put the customer at the center of all we do and operate successfully – but we also go beyond that and want to contribute to solving the problems of the world. This is why we are steadily orienting our product portfolio toward sustainable solutions, as demonstrated by the announced acquisition of DSM’s Resins & Functional Materials business (RFM): We are combining innovation capabilities and sustainable product portfolios with complementary technologies and customer industries. As a result, we are becoming one of the leading suppliers of sustainable coating resins.

Klaus Schäfer: And we passed a milestone last year in this regard: We received the first delivery of renewable phenol from our partners Borealis and Neste – produced from renewable hydrocarbons. We now use this phenol to manufacture our polycarbonate. In addition, we were able to certify our first sites for the use of biobased raw materials. This is how sustainable value chains work.

Markus Steilemann: The transition to a circular economy now also charts the direction of our new Group strategy. First, we want to ensure that Covestro is in an ideal position to offer our customers what is best for their business. We are consequently aligning our processes and products with customer needs. In addition, we want to address sustainability in a profitable way. To ensure sustainable growth and a future-proof portfolio, we want to invest in market segments that are attractive and sustainable over the long term and expand the share of circular products. The goal is clear: We will be fully circular. Our innovation capabilities and digitalization initiatives, together with our unique “We are 1” corporate culture, provide the strong foundation for future implementation.

Thomas Toepfer: To me it is precisely this team spirit that was key to sustaining us through this exceptional year. Every single employee has made a valuable contribution and supported the company with solidarity measures. Together they have ensured business continuity and customer supply. They have all worked closely together, even without direct personal contact. We have all demonstrated great resolve in driving Covestro forward – and we can be very proud of this team effort.

Markus Steilemann: Yes – and for this we would like to express our thanks! The past months have placed great demands on everyone at Covestro. But the dedication shown daily by all our employees and their commitment to our shared values is what makes us successful. On top of that, we are heading in the right strategic direction. Although the circumstances may remain challenging, our intense focus on sustainability and our orientation toward the circular economy are paving the way toward a bright future for Covestro.