Sustainable Polycarbonates for Modular Laptops Meta
Case study

Bayblend® PCR and Makrolon® RE for modular design laptop with low carbon footprint

Covestro supports Framework in developing modular laptops with innovative Post-Consumer Recycled and Bio-Circular RE materials to achieve low carbon footprint, while ensuring product reliability, durability, and enhanced user experience.
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Task

Disruptive Design: Freedom, Flexibility, and Personalization

With laptops becoming increasingly integrated, upgrading any of their individual components may lead to the replacing of the entire device and produce mass of e-waste. How can this be avoided while fulfilling consumers’ demand for personalization?

In response, Framework has introduced a groundbreaking modular design concept. Unlike traditional laptops, this design allows users to easily replace and update key components like memory, keyboard, hard disk, or main board, avoiding eliminating the whole device and reducing e-waste by releasing freedom of update. Polycarbonate plays an ideal role supporting Framework’s design based on its outstanding mechanical strength, processability and flame-retardancy. 

Meanwhile, in pursuit of a circular economy, Framework has turned to Covestro for more environmentally friendly material solutions to further reduce carbon emissions and waste, achieving better circularity performance.

Covestro is committed to close collaboration with industry chain partners to achieve full circularity by leveraging our material science expertise. 

We are pleased to collaborate with Framework by offering sustainable material solutions in support of their mission. Framework's innovative modular laptop not only enhances user experience but also addresses critical e-waste issues. Together, we are making strides toward our shared goal of sustainability, and driving positive change across the industry.

Thomas Derichs

Global Head of Industrial Marketing Electronics & Electrical, Engineering Plastics Business Entity, Covestro

Challenge

Balancing Personalization, Reliability, and Recyclability

Modular laptops demand a careful balance of thin-wall design, flexibility, and durability across the frame and other components. These requirements call for high-performance materials that offer superior flame retardancy and strong resistance to impact and cracking.

Equally important is evaluating whether sustainable materials can match the performance of virgin alternatives—while still supporting design freedom to enable personalized aesthetics and user-driven customization.

Framework’s mission is to remake consumer electronics by making them upgradeable and repairable, thereby reducing e-waste and minimizing environmental impact. 

We believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Our collaboration with Covestro exemplifies this synergy. By designing products that are easy to disassemble, repair, and recycle, we’re closing the loop on electronic waste. Covestro’s expertise in sustainable materials strongly aligns with our mission.

Mendy Ni

Head of Supply Chain, Framework

Solution

Low Carbon Footprint Material Solution Supports Modular Design Laptop

By fulfilling Framework’s modular design requirements, Covestro innovative sustainable material solution supports enhanced upgradability, repairability, and reducing e-waste, as well as carbon footprint.

Bayblend® PCR with thin-wall flame retardant properties to support modular slim design and meet industry high safety standard, while reducing plastic waste. Bayblend® PCR has been certified by UL ECV to provide high traceability and credibility.

Makrolon® RE with superior transparency to achieve light guide effect and significantly reduce carbon emission by ~89%compared to conventional fossil-based alternatives. Makrolon® RE has earned ISCC Plus certification, features feedstock derived from biological waste and residues instead of fossil sources.

Sustainable Polycarbonates for Modular Laptops Meta
Modular design laptops with sustainable polycarbonates.

Key benefits

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Carbon footprint reduction in comparison to conventional virgin materials and fossil-based materials.
  • Thin-wall Flame Retardant: Certified flame-retardancy performance by UL, well-performing with thin-wall design, and fit to modern aesthetics with safety.
  • Reliable Performance: Strict quality control delivers reliable performance with consistent standards and properties.

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