High Performance Polyurethane Systems from Covestro Ensure Energy-efficient and Safe Buildings

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – April 19, 2018 – In recent years, some fires in Dubai’s prominent high-rise buildings were gaining worldwide media attention and have resulted in local authorities tightening the “United Arab Emirates (UAE) Fire and Life Safety Code” – not only for high-rise structures, but also for other types of buildings.

Bayer Pearl, Covestro’s polyurethane systems house Joint Venture in Dubai, is fully supporting the newly published UAE Fire and Life Safety Code and the regulations for sandwich panels in pre-engineered buildings like factories, warehouses and single- or double-story office buildings. The new regulation demands the use of products fulfilling highest fire safety standards.

Raising awareness for a better protection of citizens was the aim of the 8th Annual Fire Safety Forum, held recently at Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Bayer Pearl attended the Forum and attracted much interest with their latest generation of polyisocyanurate (PIR) systems.

Sandwich panels with superior fire safety
These PIR systems are particularly suitable for use in sandwich panels for pre-engineered buildings, as their flame-retardant properties are superior to those of formerly used polyurethane systems. Thus it is with good reason that they achieve good fire ratings, such as the FM approval.

“Our PIR systems contribute significantly to achieving the ambitious energy saving targets of the United Arab Emirates,” says Wissam Khaddaj, Head of Marketing at Bayer Pearl. “At the same time these FM-approved products offer maximum safety.”

Dr. Rolf Roers, head of Covestro´s regional advocacy team for polyurethanes in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, adds, “Sandwich Panels made of PIR are used in all regions of the world. Their insulation properties are superior to all other insulation materials, including mineral wool.” With such developments Bayer Pearl underscores its expertise as a leading regional polyurethane systems house. It is also an active member of the Emirates Green Building Council.

Best insulating properties
Over many years, polyurethane rigid foam has proven to be the most efficient material for the insulation of buildings. Beyond its exceptional thermal properties it also provides good fire protection. This makes it the material of choice for a healthy, safe and comfortable living. Continued technical developments have led to the next product generation – PIR systems, which are characterized by a similar efficient insulation, but superior thermal resistance.

About Covestro:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 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 has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.