Covestro introduces innovative CQ-Configurator for real-time sustainable polyurethane foam design

28 January 2026

Covestro, a leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, has launched the CQ-Configurator, a pioneering digital tool that enables polyurethane value chain partners to design more sustainable foam solutions based on Covestro environmental data. The application-first tool supports both flexible and rigid polyurethane foam applications — from mattresses to insulation panels — and seamlessly translates raw material-level information into actionable product-impact making sustainability assessment accessible across all organizational functions.

Across industries, companies must increasingly demonstrate sustainability progress to meet market requirements, Scope 3 reporting needs, and comply with growing regulatory requirements. ”The CQ-Configurator supports these needs by enabling rapid, data-based environmental performance assessments and by improving transparency along the polyurethane value chain.”, said Patrizia Wegner, VP Sales Flex Foam EMLA, Covestro.

“Companies can now compare material choices and reach their desired product sustainability profile in just a few clicks — eliminating the need for time-consuming calculations and lengthy alignment processes”, said Dennis Wagner, Marketing Manager Soft Furniture, Covestro.

From data to decisions: Making sustainability tangible

The CQ-Configurator intuitively allows users to select between flexible or rigid foam applications — such as mattresses, insulation panels, or even special formulations — define technical properties and specify shares of mass-balanced isocyanate and polyol options. The tool then calculates the associated CO₂ impact and sustainable material share of each formulation scenario.

By translating formulation choices into clear, application-specific sustainability results, the CQ-Configurator provides companies with a transparent fact base to support internal decision-making. It enables rapid comparisons of different material options with exportable results that facilitate cross-functional alignment and customer discussions. At the same time, the tool links material choices to market-relevant sustainability benefits, supporting both product development and marketing strategies.

Designed for broad industry use

The tool supports various professional roles involved in product development, including R&D specialists, procurement teams, sales managers, marketing professionals, and sustainability experts. Its intuitive interface ensures that both technical and non-technical users can leverage the insights effectively.

“As sustainability becomes a key differentiator across markets such as bedding, furniture, construction, and appliances, the CQ-Configurator helps companies to make informed choices that align product performance with economic considerations,” added Dennis Wagner.

With the launch of the CQ-Configurator, Covestro is the first European PU materials supplier to offer a comprehensive digital sustainability assessment tool focusing on multiple polyurethane foam applications. Built on third-party verified raw material LCA data1 and long-standing PU expertise of Covestro, the tool provides transparent and credible sustainability metrics that support informed decision-making across the value chain. The company continues to expand its digital portfolio to support customers in meeting their sustainability targets.

For more information and to request a demo, please visit the CQ-Configurator landing page.

1 Methodology for LCA data calculation certified by TÜV Rheinland

About Covestro: 

Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

Forward-Looking Statements 

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

 

Source: covestro.com