Covestro has developed its next-generation flame-retardant encapsulation polyurethane foam technology, which it says addresses the challenge of battery safety in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and is aligned with China’s incoming national standard GB 38031-2025: the Electric Vehicles Traction Battery Safety Requirements. Effective from July 2026, this regulation, in the world’s largest EV market, will demand that batteries must not catch fire or explode, even in the event of a thermal runaway.
Flame-retardant encapsulation foam technology
Covestro’s new Baysafe BEF flame-retardant encapsulation foam series is designed to minimize thermal propagation between battery cells. The lightweight foam delivers superior flame-retardant performance by effectively inhibiting fire spread, Covestro says.
“This innovation represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable mobility through enhanced safety,” said Akhil Singhania, global head of PU specialties in Covestro’s tailored urethanes business entity.
“By launching our advanced flame-retardant technology, Covestro reaffirms its commitment to innovation and strengthens our product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the EV industry.”
In related news, BHP has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with FinDreams Battery (FDB), a subsidiary of BYD Group, to explore powertrain battery solutions for heavy mining equipment and locomotives with adjacent flash-charging infrastructure. Read the full story here