September 26, 2025 15:02

German chemical group Covestro and China’s Anko Optics will jointly develop transparent engineering plastics, starting with polycarbonate, for glazing in electric vehicles and future flying cars, with particular focus on functional glass-like surfaces featuring advanced characteristics such as color-changing, photovoltaic integration and head-up display.

Compared with glass, transparent plastics are much lighter, helping extend the driving range of electric vehicles. At the same time, they offer impact resistance, design flexibility and opportunities for functional integration.

Anko is the first Chinese company specializing in transparent plastic automotive glazing to receive both the European E-mark certification and the U.S. Department of Transportation safety approval. Under the partnership, Anko will contribute its expertise in processing, system integration and industrialization, enabling the transition from prototype to mass production.
“With our proven capabilities in polycarbonate molding, coating and system integration, we are excited to collaborate with Covestro to further improve product performance and broaden application potential, creating more value for our customers,” commented Robert Kao, general manager of Anko Optics.

Covestro will supply the raw materials, support application development and provide engineering assistance for optimizing glazing design and simulating mechanical and thermal performance. Another goal is the development of more sustainable engineering plastics, including renewable-attributed and chemically recycled polycarbonates via mass balance allocation.

“With the rise of EVs and the emergence of flying cars, automotive design is moving toward larger transparent surfaces, lighter structures and greater functional integration,” noted Lily Wang, global head of engineering plastics at Covestro. “This partnership combines the strengths of Covestro and Anko to deliver innovative engineering plastic solutions and support the industry’s sustainable development.”

Beyond technical collaboration, the partners will also work together on promotional activities, seminars, certification efforts and other initiatives aimed at accelerating the adoption of plastic glazing in automotive applications.

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