Demonstrating “The Material Effect” in action, Covestro announced that its polycarbonate/ABS material, Bayblend T85X R35 CQ, has been adopted for interior components in the Lexus ES. As part of Covestro’s Circular Intelligence (CQ) portfolio, the material delivers a 25% reduction in Global Warming Potential, measured in CO₂ equivalents, compared to conventional fossil-based alternatives, according to internal calculations. This marks a significant milestone in the adoption of more sustainable automotive materials. As automakers advance toward their own environmental targets, including readiness for evolving regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s End-of-Life (ELV) Regulation, this development underscores broader momentum for recycled‑content adoption without compromising quality.
The successful implementation exemplifies how “The Material Effect” elevates materials into solutions that matter. This was achieved through an innovative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Kyushu, INC., parts supplier Kojima Industries Corporation, and Covestro. Together, the four companies conducted comprehensive testing and evaluation to ensure the recycled material met all performance requirements without compromising quality standards.
Integrating high levels of post-consumer recycled content into visible premium interior parts has typically been a high technical hurdle – making use in such areas difficult with many resins – yet the Bayblend resin used in the LEXUS ES demonstrates that this barrier can be overcome. This marks one of the first integrations of 35% post-consumer mechanically recycled content in visible components within a premium automotive segment.
Meeting Performance Standards
By fusing premium materials with specialized expertise, Bayblend T85X R35 CQ delivers on all specifications for multiple Lexus ES interior parts while incorporating post-consumer recycled content. The material delivers essential performance characteristics including durability, surface quality, dimensional stability, and processability while integrating seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes.
“This collaboration demonstrates that more sustainable materials can meet the required standards of premium automotive applications,” said Fumihiro Togashi, Global Strategic Account Manager, Toyota Group at Covestro. “By working closely with Kojima Industries Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Toyota Motor Kyushu, INC. throughout the development process, we’ve proven that environmental responsibility and product excellence can go hand in hand.”
The material’s versatility extends beyond pre-colored applications to paintable components, enabling use in both visible interior areas and exterior parts. Covestro ensures consistent quality and supply reliability by utilizing one of the most dependable post-consumer recycled sources in the plastics industry. The company’s global production footprint further enhances cross-regional supply stability and provides capacity to support anticipated volume increases as more sustainable automotive materials gain broader market adoption.
Advancing Circular Economy Goals
This adoption aligns with the four companies’ sustainability strategies. Covestro positions the circular economy as a strategic pillar and continues expanding related product families. Toyota Group leads industry initiatives in environmental stewardship and resource circularity. In parallel, Kojima Industries Corporation and Kojima Group drive sustainability across manufacturing and supply chains, supporting circular material use and responsible sourcing.
The partially recycled plastic solution supports fulfilling expected quotas related to the ELV Regulation, demonstrating how more sustainable materials can simultaneously meet performance and regulatory requirements in the automotive industry.
Looking Ahead
Covestro continues expanding its circular economy solutions through “The Material Effect” approach, including the recently launched “RV line”, part of the post-consumer recycled R series featuring recycled end-of-life vehicle materials such as headlamps, with third-party certification. These developments address critical automotive industry challenges amid tightening environmental pressures and regulatory requirements.
The innovations will contribute to EU ELV recycling targets toward 2032. Through its global production and supply network, Covestro supports decarbonization and resource circularity in mobility while enabling automotive manufacturers to meet evolving regulations without compromising product quality – truly elevating materials into solutions that matter.