Covestro and ALBIS Mark 60-Year Partnership at Fakuma 2026

Covestro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components, and ALBIS, a leading independent global distributor of standard polymers, engineering plastics, and thermoplastic elastomers, are marking the 60th anniversary of their distribution partnership at Fakuma 2026. Established in Germany in 1966 with the distribution of Bayer’s polymer products, the collaboration has since expanded across markets, industries, and areas of technical excellence.

Today, the collaboration includes Covestro’s polycarbonate, polycarbonate blend, and thermoplastic polyurethane portfolios, as well as solutions for applications with specific requirements relating to resource efficiency and circularity. The two companies combine Covestro’s materials expertise with ALBIS’ application knowledge, distribution network, and proximity to customers in numerous international markets. At Fakuma, Covestro and ALBIS will use the anniversary not only to look back, but also to highlight the role of their long-term partnership in an ever-changing plastics industry. As markets become more volatile and customer requirements more complex, reliable partnerships help preserve application know-how, strengthen supply reliability, and accelerate the development of innovative solutions.

“Longevity in a partnership is not passive—it requires constant reinvention. What has lasted for 60 years is not only the original agreement, but the shared commitment to solving customer challenges together,” said Dr Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility, Covestro. 

“Many applications require not only the right material, but also deep application understanding, fast technical support, and reliable supply. Together with ALBIS, we bring our expertise and solutions closer to customers—from joint application development and technical problem-solving to a shared pipeline of innovative projects,” said Nikolai von Harpe, Head of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes EMLA, Covestro.

ALBIS and Covestro are also pursuing new opportunities beyond Europe. In recent years, ALBIS has expanded its presence in markets including Brazil, Israel, India, and North Africa, creating additional access to local customers and applications. Looking ahead, both companies aim to further strengthen their collaboration in high-growth, future-oriented applications. On that basis, the partnership is well positioned for its next phase of growth.

“Anyone can be a good partner when business is easy. The real test is what happens when markets and customer requirements change,” said Horst Klink, CEO, ALBIS. “Over the past six decades, we have been through many of those challenges together. That experience makes this partnership so valuable today and gives us a strong basis for future growth.”

Partnership at a Glance

●      60 years of continuous collaboration, from 1966 to 2026

●      Origin: distribution of Bayer’s polymer portfolio in Germany

●      Expanded across Europe, Turkey, the Maghreb region, Brazil, Israel, India, and other international markets

●      Scope today: polycarbonates and TPU, plus distribution, technical collaboration, licensing, and material solutions for applications requiring resource efficiency and circularity

●      Future focus: e-mobility, healthcare, more sustainable packaging, and applications involving recycled or renewable feedstocks and circularity

●      Anniversary marked at Fakuma 2026 in Friedrichshafen

For more information: www.albis.com