[pageLogInLogOut]

#Technical Textiles

Covestro showcases monomaterial concept in autonomous SUE People Mover

The People Mover at its world premiere. Clearly visible is the large polycarbonate windshield. One of several materials contributed by Covestro. © UE | STUDIOS
UE | STUDIOS has unveiled the fully autonomous electric minibus “Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle” (SUE), placing strong emphasis on sustainable material design. Developed within a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union, the vehicle will begin public road testing this year. At the core of the concept is the consistent use of recyclable monomaterials to improve circularity at end of life.

Focus on recyclable monomaterials

For the first time in an automotive interior, the fully recyclable monomaterial Arfinio® is being used. The lightweight material combines a stone-like appearance with high mechanical durability and resistance to wear and UV radiation.

The seating system also follows a mono-material approach. TPU-based solutions made of Desmopan® AIR provide comfort, abrasion resistance and easy cleaning — key requirements for vehicles operating continuously in public transport.

Design for circularity

In addition to interior applications, Covestro supplies polycarbonate solutions for large-scale glazing and sensor integration. During the development phase, recycling considerations were integrated into both interior and exterior material selection, using three recyclable monomaterials: Arfinio®, TPU and polycarbonate.

By reducing material complexity and focusing on clearly defined material streams, the SUE People Mover demonstrates how circular design principles can be embedded into overall vehicle architecture — extending sustainability beyond propulsion to the material concept itself.

Covestro is also represented in the interior: With TPU monomaterial in the seats, or the stone-like material Arfinio. © UE | STUDIOS
Covestro is also represented in the interior: With TPU monomaterial in the seats, or the stone-like material Arfinio. © UE | STUDIOS


"With SUE, we pursued a user- and design-centered approach from the beginning," says Alexander Uedelhoven, founder and project manager of SUE and authorized signatory at UE | STUDIOS. "We wanted to develop not just a technologically advanced vehicle, but one optimally aligned with passenger needs in terms of service, information, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The materials and extensive technical expertise from Covestro gave us the freedom to implement this vision without compromises."

The project was realized in collaboration with renowned partners, including the Institute for Automotive Engineering of the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Automotive Technology (NFF), TÜV Nord, the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT, and Deutsche Bahn (DB Regio).

As initiator, project manager and vehicle manufacturer, UE | STUDIOS are responsible for the overall concept, complete development, design and production of the SUE People Mover.




More News from Covestro AG

#Textile chemistry

Covestro and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate to enable safer, more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings

Laboratory tests reveal that AGXX antimicrobial surface technology from Heraeus Precious Metals is fully compatible with Impranil® PU dispersions which are part of the waterborne INSQIN® textile coating technology from Covestro, paving the way for more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings. This discovery comes at a key moment for the textile coatings industry. As the sharing economy continues to grow, more people are coming into regular contact with high-use surfaces, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to thrive.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro celebrates decade of innovation and sustainable growth

Covestro celebrates its 10-year anniversary today. Since its carve-out from Bayer in 2015, the company has developed into a global leader in high-performance polymer materials and a pioneer in circular economy solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Covestro’s materials are now embedded in countless applications worldwide – from mobility and construction to electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro extends contract with CTO Dr. Thorsten Dreier ahead of schedule until 2031

Dr. Thorsten Dreier will remain Chief Technology Officer of Covestro for a further five years. The Supervisory Board has extended his contract, which runs until June 2026, ahead of schedule from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031.

#Textile chemistry

Suiting up Team Sonnenwagen with more sustainable sportswear created through a three-way partnership

Team Sonnenwagen Aachen, a solar racing collective from RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen, Germany, is on a mission to advance sustainable mobility solutions and become world champions. This August, the student team will participate in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a biannual 3,000-kilometer race across the Australian outback. During the five-day event, 50 student teams from around the world will compete with solar vehicles that they must design, assemble, and drive themselves.

More News on Technical Textiles

#HIGHTEX 2026

The future of Technical Textiles takes shape at HIGHTEX 2026

HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition is preparing to open its doors at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center between 9–13 June 2026. Bringing together the world’s leading manufacturers and technology providers in the field of technical textiles and nonwoven technologies in Istanbul, the exhibition will go beyond being merely a trade platform where new products are displayed and will assume the character of an international hub where the strategic future of the industry is discussed.

#Yarns

Fedur selects Dyneema® for protective vests supplied to the Spanish National Police

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), an innovator of materials solutions, is collaborating with body armor manufacturer FEDUR S.A., to deliver cutting-edge ballistic protection to Spain’s national police service, the Policia Nacional.

#Technical Textiles

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Latest News

#Raw Materials

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

#Weaving

Itema America acquires Palmetto Loom Reed, strengthening local manufacturing and service in the U.S.

Itema America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Itema Group, has acquired – through an Assets Purchase Agreement – Palmetto Loom Reed, a Greenville, South Carolina-based manufacturer of weaving reeds and one of the last remaining domestic producers of these precision components in the United States.

#Recycled_Fibers

Reju announces site selection for French Regeneration Hub in Lacq advancing Europe’s circular textile infrastructure

Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company based in France, announces the site selection for an industrial sized Regeneration Hub, in Lacq, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, on the Induslacq platform. Reju, a Technip Energies owned company, is deepening its roots in France through the development of this new Regeneration Hub.

#Functional Fabrics

lululemon introduces Unrestricted Power™ — A new sensation for strength training

lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) has unveiled Unrestricted Power™, a new innovation platform engineered for heavy lifts and demanding gym sessions. The assortment, which launches in North America, is backed by thousands of hours of research and development, providing secure support without compromising comfort and mobility, enabling a distraction-free fit built to match every move.

TOP