Center of Excellence for Thermoplastic Adhesive Films

The Schmitten site is part of the Specialty Films division of Covestro, which develops and manufactures technical film solutions for global markets. The site serves as a key center of expertise, combining production with research and development (R&D) as well as process development capabilities, supported by pilot-scale facilities. With long-standing experience in blow extrusion of mono- and multi-layer thermoplastic adhesive films, the site offers a broad portfolio of ready-to-use solutions.

This includes adhesive films based on high-performance polymers such as co-polyamides and co-polyesters, as well as multi-layer systems combining polyethylene (PE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or various Polyolefins with Co-Polymers. These materials are used across a wide range of industries, including automotive, textile apparel, composites, electronics, and personal care.

Drawing on years of experience and deep expertise in extrusion and development of technically demanding adhesive films, the Schmitten site specializes in customer-specific solutions. As a center of excellence for thermoplastic adhesive films, Pontacol brings together production, R&D, and process development at this location, supported by an extensive pilot plant technical center.

The close integration of development and production enables our R&D specialists to develop new adhesive films quickly and efficiently, delivering tailored solutions for demanding customer requirements. State-of-the-art, flexible production facilities, actively practiced quality management, and deep industry knowledge form the foundation for high-performance, reliable adhesive film solutions – from concept to commercial readiness.

Cool-touch effects and easy assembly are both technically achievable in a cost-efficient way. Affordable hybrid decorative composites with efficient production processes are increasingly important across industries. High demands on design and material performance, combined with the need for cost savings, drive the development of alternative decorative solutions.

Pontacol^® adhesive films enable the easy bonding of dissimilar materials such as metals and polymers. The result is a hybrid decorative composite with an exclusive real metal surface and integrated functionality, such as rear-side fasteners – all manufactured in a single production step.

Bio-based composites are gaining importance as industries seek sustainable, high-performance materials. Pontacol^® bio-based thermoplastic adhesive films can be combined with natural fibers like hemp, flax, or bamboo, enable recyclable or compostable composites. Moreover, Pontacol^® adhesive films provide sustainable, high-performance solutions for applications in automotive, construction, aerospace, and sports industries.

Pontacol^® TPU-based membrane films are used in textile applications such as sportswear, workwear, gloves, and footwear. These membranes combine waterproof protection with high vapor permeability, ensuring reliable breathability.

The materials offer softness, high elasticity, and lightweight for enhanced wearing comfort and freedom of movement. Designed for demanding applications, they integrate water resistance and breathability while maintaining lightweight performance.

A key strength lies in adhesive technology, which enables durable bonding of the membrane to textiles and preserves the required material properties.

Blackout fabrics are used in a variety of applications, such as indoors for roller blinds or pleated shades, or in vehicles and RVs for light blocking and sun protection.

Pontacol^® adhesive film solutions for blackout applications are characterized by a soft, fabric-like feel, high whiteness, and effective light-blocking properties. The film is easy to handle for manufacturers of blackout fabrics.

The blackout adhesive film ensures uniform weight distribution across the entire length and width. Coating short lengths is also possible without any issues. Because the blackout adhesive film is laminated without drying or cross-linking, the manufacturing process is energy-efficient and can be completed in a single step.

Ballistic protection systems must efficiently absorb and dissipate impact energy from projectiles or fragments. Key mechanisms include controlled deformation, delamination, and material failure. High adhesion, strength, and elasticity are critical in developing effective protection systems. The selection of suitable adhesive systems for bonding different materials and components is essential for overall ballistic performance.

With Pontacol^® thermoplastic adhesive films, they enable reliable bonding of multi-material structures while supporting controlled energy dissipation and consistent mechanical performance in demanding ballistic protection applications.

Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate strategy at the Schmitten site. Through targeted measures in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and emissions reduction, the company actively contributes to responsible and future-oriented business practices.

Our environmental protection measures are data-based and impact-oriented. We concentrate on areas where we have the greatest leverage and continuously invest in energy-efficient production processes and technologies. Our focus is to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energies.

Certification to the globally recognized ISO 14001 standard confirms our efforts to promote environmental protection, reduce environmental impact and thus set effective environmental targets.

At Pontacol's site in Schmitten-FR, Switzerland, only electricity generated from hydropower is used. Hydropower is renewable and sustainable as it utilizes the natural water cycle. Its production is environmentally friendly, generating no direct CO₂ emissions or air pollution. Hydropower plants provide reliably stable base load power and can be flexibly adjusted to meet energy demands. They are cost-efficient, as they require low operating costs after construction and can operate for decades. Furthermore, the energy is highly versatile: surplus energy can be stored, and with an efficiency rate of up to 90%, hydropower ranks among the most efficient and cleanest energy sources.

Beyond the site level, Covestro is targeting operational climate neutrality by 2035. By then, the company aims to achieve net-zero emissions from its own production (Scope 1) and from purchased energy (Scope 2). Greenhouse gas emissions upstream and downstream in the value chain (Scope 3) are also set to decrease significantly by 2035 – long-term, Covestro is targeting climate neutrality for Scope 3 emissions by 2050.